Men facing prostate surgery may not realize it can take weeks of preparing their bodies for the surgery.
That may sound extreme but doing exercises and stopping some medications will lead to the best outcome, according to doctors.
Prostate surgery has become more routine but those scheduled for it need to do some things like
pre-operative testing, exercises, and stopping most supplements before going into the hospital.
Here’s a schedule that explains what you should know.
8-Week Countdown
This is when you should schedule your pre-operative testing, which should be done at least six weeks before the surgery.
A preoperative exam includes a chest X-ray, blood tests, and a heart test known as an ECG.
The patient should start a routine of male Kegal exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Getting them stronger will help you gain continence faster after surgery.
It will also help you reduce any chances of erectile dysfunction.
One Week Before Surgery
This is when you stop a lot of things like taking aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements, and anything that thins the blood including Vitamin E.
Talk to your doctor about all your medications to see which they wish you to stop taking until after the surgery.
Two Days Before Surgery
Patients prepping for prostate surgery can’t drink any alcohol 48 hours before surgery and at least 48 hours after surgery because it could interact badly with anesthesia.
One Day Before Surgery
You will need to do a fleets enema the night before if you have an early morning surgery and will do it the morning of surgery if your operation is scheduled for later in the day.
Patients can’t eat anything approximately 11 hours before surgery.
Day of Surgery
Bring all of your prescribed medications with you to the hospital in their original containers from the pharmacy.
Understanding that a good surgical outcome depends, in part, on your attention to preoperative protocols and commitment to preparing your body for the shock of surgery.
This will not only help you during the surgery but can also help you recover faster.
