What to Expect After Prostate Cancer Surgery

Life After Prostate Cancer Surgery: A Recovery Guide for Men

Prostate cancer surgery is a major milestone in your treatment journey—but it's also the beginning of a new phase: recovery and healing. Whether you're preparing for surgery or already on the other side, understanding what to expect after prostate cancer surgery can help reduce anxiety and set you up for a smoother, more confident recovery.

Dr. David B. Samadi, one of the world’s most experienced robotic prostate surgeons, has guided thousands of men through this process. Below, we break down the typical recovery experience, possible side effects, and what you can do to support your return to health.

Immediate Recovery: The First Few Days After Surgery

After a robotic-assisted prostatectomy, most patients stay in the hospital for just 24–48 hours. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery tends to be faster and less painful than traditional open surgery.

Here’s what to expect right after surgery:

• Catheter placement: A urinary catheter is placed during surgery and typically remains for about 5–7 days to allow the bladder to heal.
  
  
• Mild pain or discomfort: Most patients report soreness around the incisions, but pain is usually well-managed with medication.
  
  
• Limited movement: You’ll be encouraged to walk as soon as possible to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

The First Few Weeks at Home

Once home, the body continues healing. Most men can return to light activity within a week, though full recovery may take several weeks.

What to expect:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired is normal; rest is essential.
  
  
• Catheter care: Dr. Samadi’s team provides detailed guidance on managing your catheter until it’s removed.
  
  
• Urinary control: You may experience temporary incontinence or leakage. Pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) can help improve bladder control over time.
  
  

Urinary Continence: How Long Does It Take to Regain Control?

Regaining urinary control is a top concern for most men. With Dr. Samadi’s SMART Surgery technique, which preserves the nerves and structures around the prostate, most patients regain control within weeks to a few months.

• Mild leakage is normal early on.
  
  
• Most men return to full continence with time, physical therapy, and patience.

Sexual Function: What Should I Expect?

Another common concern after prostate cancer surgery is erectile function. The nerves responsible for erections are located near the prostate, so even nerve-sparing techniques may cause temporary disruption.

What to know:

• Recovery is gradual—some men see improvement in a few months, others may take a year or more.
  
  
• Dr. Samadi’s technique prioritizes nerve preservation, giving men the best chance of recovering function.
  
  
• Medications, devices, and lifestyle changes can support erectile recovery.
  
  

Pathology Results and Follow-Up Care

After surgery, the removed prostate and surrounding tissue are sent to pathology to determine if the cancer was fully removed. Dr. Samadi will:

• Review your Gleason score and margins
  
  
• Monitor your PSA levels to confirm the cancer has not returned
  
  
• Discuss whether any additional treatment is needed
  
  

Follow-up visits and PSA testing are typically scheduled at regular intervals.

When to Call Your Doctor

While complications are rare with robotic-assisted surgery, contact Dr. Samadi’s office if you experience:

• Fever or chills
  
  
• Severe pain
  
  
• Excessive bleeding
  
  
• Difficulty urinating once the catheter is removed
  
  

Dr. Samadi’s Approach to Post-Surgery Recovery

Dr. Samadi has performed over 7,000 successful prostate cancer surgeries using his SMART technique (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique), which prioritizes:

• Faster recovery
  
  
• Preservation of sexual and urinary function
  
  
• Reduced blood loss and hospital stay
  
  

His patients receive personalized care plans, continuous follow-up, and direct access to his expert team throughout their recovery journey.

Looking Ahead: Life After Prostate Cancer Surgery

Most men resume normal daily activities within 2–4 weeks and feel fully recovered in a few months. With early detection and expert surgical care, many men go on to live long, healthy, cancer-free lives.

Considering Prostate Cancer Surgery? Get the Expert Care You Deserve.

If you’re exploring treatment for prostate cancer—or want a second opinion—Dr. David Samadi provides world-class surgical care with a personal touch.

Schedule your consultation today
Call: 212-365-5000