What To Expect

You will likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery. Most people can go back to work or their usual routine in about 3 to 5 weeks. But it can take longer to fully recover.

A thin, flexible tube called a catheter usually is left in your bladder to drain your urine for 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will give you instructions about how to care for your catheter at home.

After the catheter is removed, it may take several weeks or more for you to control your urine. And it may take 6 months or more for you to be able to have erections again. But with time, most people regain urine control and much of their previous sexual function. If not, medicines or other treatments may help.

Although prostatectomy often removes all cancer cells, be sure to get follow-up care.

Risks

The possible risks of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) include the following:

• Retrograde ejaculation, in which semen flows backward into the bladder. Retrograde ejaculation is not harmful.
• Erection problems in men who did not have a problem before their surgery.
• Incontinence. This isn't common, but it may happen for a few people.
• The need for a blood transfusion during surgery is rare.
• For some men, a second operation is needed later on.