Patient Education: Prostate Surgery (TURP or Prostatectomy)
1. Understanding Prostate Surgery
What it is:
Prostate surgery involves removing part or all of the prostate gland.
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): Removes tissue through the urethra without an external incision.
Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the prostate, usually through an incision in the lower abdomen.
Why it’s needed:
To relieve urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate
To treat prostate cancer
To improve bladder function and reduce urinary infections
Location and severity:
Surgery involves the prostate gland, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra.
Severity depends on how much tissue is removed and whether the surgery is for cancer or benign enlargement.
Cause / Risk Factors:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Prostate cancer
Age (risk increases with age)
Family history of prostate problems
2. Symptoms to Watch For
After surgery, watch for:
Redness, swelling, or warmth at the incision site (for prostatectomy)
Blood in urine (expected initially but should decrease)
Fever or chills
Pain or burning with urination
Difficulty urinating or inability to empty the bladder
Delayed complications may include:
Infection of the urinary tract or incision site
Bleeding requiring medical attention
Urinary incontinence (temporary or sometimes long-term)
Erectile dysfunction (depends on surgery type)
3. Post-Hospitalization Information
Take all prescribed medications, including pain medications and antibiotics
Follow instructions for catheter care if one is placed
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and urinary function
4. Home Management & Recovery
Pain management:
Take pain medication as prescribed
Apply gentle warmth or use pillows for comfort (if recommended)
Mobility:
Gentle walking is encouraged to improve circulation and reduce blood clots
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity until cleared
Wound/catheter care:
Keep any incision clean and dry
Follow instructions for catheter care if applicable
Contact your doctor if redness, pus, or unusual drainage occurs
Rest and rehabilitation:
Rest often, but perform gentle activity as recommended
Pelvic floor exercises may help with urinary control after surgery
5. Prevention of Complications
Infection prevention:
Wash hands before touching wounds or catheters
Keep dressings clean and dry
Avoid swimming or soaking until cleared by your doctor
Fall prevention:
Remove loose rugs and obstacles
Use proper lighting and handrails
Monitoring for delayed symptoms:
Watch for fever, increasing pain, persistent bleeding, or difficulty urinating
Contact your healthcare provider if any of these occur
6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER
Contact home health or your doctor if:
Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness
Questions about catheter care or medications
Mild urinary burning or temporary incontinence
Go to the ER immediately if:
Heavy bleeding in urine
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C) or chills
Severe pain not relieved by medication
Inability to urinate
Sudden swelling, redness, or pus at the incision
Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)
Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.
TRUE or FALSE: TURP removes prostate tissue through the urethra without an external incision.
TRUE or FALSE: Prostatectomy removes part or all of the prostate through an incision.
TRUE or FALSE: Prostate surgery is done on the bladder only.
TRUE or FALSE: Surgery can help relieve urinary problems caused by BPH.
TRUE or FALSE: Surgery may be done to treat prostate cancer.
TRUE or FALSE: Age is a risk factor for prostate problems.
TRUE or FALSE: Redness, swelling, or pus may indicate infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Mild blood in urine is expected right after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever after surgery should be ignored.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle walking is encouraged during recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by the doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: Catheter care instructions should be followed closely.
TRUE or FALSE: Rest and gentle activity are important for healing.
TRUE or FALSE: Handwashing helps prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fall prevention is not necessary after prostate surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Urinary incontinence can occur after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Persistent or heavy bleeding in urine requires immediate attention.
TRUE or FALSE: Pelvic floor exercises may help with urinary control.
TRUE or FALSE: Contact home health for mild urinary burning or questions about care.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe pain not relieved by medication should prompt a visit to the ER.
Answer Key with Explanations
TRUE – TURP removes tissue through the urethra without an incision.
TRUE – Prostatectomy removes part or all of the prostate through an incision.
FALSE – Surgery involves the prostate, not just the bladder.
TRUE – Surgery relieves urinary problems caused by BPH.
TRUE – Surgery can treat prostate cancer.
TRUE – Age increases the risk of prostate enlargement or cancer.
TRUE – Redness, swelling, or pus may indicate infection.
TRUE – Mild blood in urine is normal initially after surgery.
FALSE – Fever may indicate infection and should be reported.
TRUE – Gentle walking improves circulation and healing.
TRUE – Heavy lifting can stress the surgical site.
TRUE – Catheter care helps prevent infection and complications.
TRUE – Rest and gentle activity promote healing.
TRUE – Handwashing reduces risk of infection.
FALSE – Fall prevention is important, especially with catheters or weakness.
TRUE – Urinary incontinence can occur temporarily or long-term.
TRUE – Persistent or heavy bleeding requires immediate medical attention.
TRUE – Pelvic floor exercises help with urinary control after surgery.
TRUE – Home health can assist with mild symptoms or care questions.
TRUE – Severe pain not relieved by medication may indicate a complication and needs ER evaluation.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911