After your Operation

Once your surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery area. Although you have had minimally-invasive surgery, it is still possible that you may have some pain and pain killers will be given accordingly. After your operation you will wake up with a catheter in your bladder, a wound drain from your abdomen and 6 small incisions where the robotic port sites have been closed.

You will be given clear fluids to drink. It is very important that, whilst you are in the recovery area, you let the staff know if you feel any pain or become nauseous so that they can administer the appropriate medication. Once the anaesthetic staff, surgeons & nursing staff have agreed that your condition is stable, you will be transferred back to the ward. You will be encouraged, even in the recovery area, to sit up in bed.

Once back on the ward, you must be prepared to mobilise actively. Ideally, we would like you to go home the day after your operation.

Once back on the ward, you must be prepared to mobilise actively. Ideally, we would like you to go home the day after your operation.

Your catheter will remain in for approximately 7 days to allow the new join (anastomosis) between your bladder and urethra to heal. Your abdominal drain will generally be removed after 12 hours (if one was put in). The majority of patients being discharged within 24 hours of surgery.

You will be expected to administer an injection under the skin called Dalteparin for 14-28 days after your operation at home, which together with the help of elasticated stockings provided by the ward (to be worn for four weeks after surgery) will help prevent thrombosis (clots in the veins of your legs). Dalteparin injections will be taught on the ward prior to discharge.

You will be discharged once you are mobilising safely as you did before your admission, are able to care for your catheter/leg bags and your pain is well-controlled on appropriate tablets taken by mouth. Most patients shall start passing wind from the back passage within 24 hours of surgery and bowel movement shall occur 2-3 days after surgery.