POST TRANSURETHRAL BLADDER SURGERY INSTRUCTION SHEET

 

Your recent bladder surgery requires very little post hospital care but some definite precautions.  Despite the fact that no skin incisions were used, the area around the bladder incisions are raw and covered with scabs to promote healing and prevent bleeding. Certain precautions are needed to insure that these scabs are not disturbed over the next 2-4 weeks while the healing proceeds.

Because of the raw surface inside your bladder and the irritating effects of urine you may expect frequency of urination and/or urgency (a stronger desire to urinate) and perhaps even getting up at night more often. This will usually resolve or improve slowly over the healing period. You may see some blood in your urine over the first six weeks. Do not be alarmed, even if the urine was clear for a while. Get off your feet and drink lots of fluids until clearing occurs. If you start to pass clots or don't improve, call us.

DIET:

You may return to your normal diet immediately. Because of the raw surface, alcohol, spicy foods, acidy foods and drinks with caffeine may cause irritation or frequency and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (8 - 10 glasses). Tip: Avoid Cranberry Juice -- very acidy!!

ACTIVITY:

Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first one to two weeks. During this time use the following guidelines, but remember, these are only guidelines. Some operations are more extensive and require longer recovery, some simple and require less time to recover.

a.  No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 15 lbs).

b. NO strenuous exercise, limit stair climbing to minimum.

c.  NO sexual intercourse until okayed by one of your doctors.

d. NO severe straining during bowel movements - take a laxative if necessary.

BOWELS:

It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. Straining with bowel movements can cause bleeding. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative if needed, such as Milk of Magnesia 2-3 Tablespoons, or 2 Dulcolax tablets. Call if you continue to have problems.

MEDICATION:

You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. In addition you will often be given an antibiotic to prevent infection and stool softeners. These should be taken as prescribed until the bottles are finished unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.