How to Aid Your Recovery From Laser Prostate Surgery

Posted on: 17 May 2021

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Laser prostate surgery is one of the most recent medical developments designed to shrink tumours and remove malignant cells in people with prostate cancer. Using a specially programmed laser, cancerous tissue is removed without the need for open surgery. Since laser surgery is less invasive than traditional procedures, most patients find they recover well within a few weeks. If you want to ensure you recover as quickly and efficiently as possible, here are three tips to follow.

1. Eat a healthy diet

One of the most important factors in recovery from laser prostate surgery is your diet. It's important to avoid constipation after the procedure, so make sure you eat a diet rich in fibre. Try adding more whole grains (such as brown bread and brown rice), fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts to your meals each day to keep your bowels moving healthily. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a laxative after surgery if you need it, but reducing constipation naturally through diet changes will always be more comfortable. On top of that, try to lay off junk food for a while and switch to foods that nourish your body to help it heal, such as fish, dairy and poultry.

2. Keep up your activity

You'll need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after your laser prostate surgery, but that doesn't mean you should become sedentary. It's also important to keep up your activity level to a reasonable degree. The doctors will give you a healing schedule that includes plenty of rest and just enough physical activity. Generally, you'll be advised to walk regularly each day and stretch for several minutes. Even though it may feel uncomfortable at first, a little activity now will go a long way in ensuring you can get back to your daily life within the coming months. 

3. Take your medication

Finally, no matter how successful your surgery was, you'll still need to take medications for some time afterwards. Typically, the main medication you'll be prescribed is an antibiotic to prevent any urinary tract infections. Even if you feel fit and healthy after the surgery, don't stop taking your antibiotics before the course is finished. If you do, there's a possibility that any surviving bacteria could become strong enough to cause an infection. 

On top of antibiotics, other common medications prescribed include laxatives to prevent constipation and relaxants to prevent bladder cramps. Remember to take all medicines as prescribed by your doctor. There are certain medications that need to be taken with food in order to be absorbed well and others that can be taken on an empty stomach, so always read the label. 

If you have questions about laser prostate surgery, reach out to a medical professional.