Helpful Tips for Successful Recovery From Prostate Surgery

Recovery from any surgery is difficult, but those surgeries that affect the pelvic region are complicated by the immediate need to use the area for unavoidable bodily functions. Patients benefit from being prepared in advance so that these processes return to normal as quickly as possible.

Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

Focusing on your breathing pattern is a simple way to relax, and an important first step toward recovery after surgery. This helps engage the abdominal muscles and promotes digestive processes, in addition to gently challenging the muscles of the pelvic floor.

• Start by lying on your back or reclining in a chair. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
• Relax your jaw by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth and keeping your teeth slightly apart.
• Take a deep breath in through your nose, letting the abdomen expand and rise while you keep your upper chest, neck and shoulders relaxed.
• As you breathe out through your mouth, allow your abdomen and chest to fall. Exhale completely.
• Gently contract the muscles of the pelvic floor as you exhale, and relax as you inhale. This helps to restore the body’s natural rhythm.

First Bowel Movement

Sometimes it is challenging to empty your bowels for the first time after surgery. Use these strategies to ensure success:

• Try to create a relaxed atmosphere
• Sit on the toilet with knees apart and elevated above hips (try putting your feet on a stool)
• Don’t clench your jaw
• Don’t strain, focus on gentle relaxation of the muscles of the pelvic floor, and allow your digestive tract to move bowel contents along.

Urinary Control

Once a catheter is removed, it’s important for the bladder to fill completely in order to resume normal function. The bladder fills because of muscles that contract and seal off the opening. Some of these muscles are under your control, and some work automatically. Immediately after prostate surgery the muscles will have significant difficulty working, and they will need time to regain strength and coordination. A penile clamp can help during the early stages, but it is important to empty the bladder and move the clamp regularly. The clamp should never be worn while sleeping. Gradual retraining of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles encourages this function to return.

Erectile Function

Penile erection occurs when circulation increases to that area, and muscles contract to keep the blood within the shaft of the penis. This happens multiple times a night for healthy males, even outside of regular sexual intercourse. The tissue of the penis depends on this occurrence to maintain normal appearance, but this is disrupted when the muscles lose function after prostate surgery. Use of a penile pump allows you to draw blood into the shaft of the penis, keeping the skin and tissue intact while your muscles regain function. Some pumps also have a band to keep the blood within the shaft of the penis in order to maintain an erection for intercourse, if desired.

Your Actions Matter

Successful return to normal function after prostate surgery depends on the type of surgery and how far advanced the condition is. Early detection is crucial. Don’t delay recommended screens and testing by your trusted medical provider.

It also depends a lot on a patient’s effort during the recovery process. Specialized physical therapy services can help patients recover function by working with each individual’s unique medical history and goals of care. Speak with your surgeon about a physical therapy referral as part of preparing for surgery for the best chance at successful recovery. Learn more about how physical therapy can help after prostate surgery.

The Pelvic Health Center uses a multidisciplinary, collaborative team approach to ensure each patient’s needs are met in a way that aligns with their health goals. If you have any questions or would like to see one of our specialized providers, please call our navigator line (402) 717-7358. We are here to help!