How Long Is The Recovery Time After Laparoscopic, Perineal or Retropubic Prostatectomy?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic, perineal or retropubic prostatectomy?

Answer: It's often said that the recovery time after the laproscopic or the perineal prostatectomy is shorter and easier for the patient than after the retropubic prostatectomy. However, there are studies from several large universities that have compared this scientifically, and there is really very little material difference in the recovery time between the three forms of prostatectomy. The patients may leave the hospital a day earlier with the laproscopic prostatectomy, but, in general, the return to normal activities is very similar. The patients usually have a catheter in for a week to 10 days or a little bit more. They can resume all normal activities, except for heavy lifting, within a few weeks after the surgery, and they can resume even strenuous activities with heavy lifting and exercise within six weeks after the surgery. There is really very little material difference between the three forms of prostatectomy in terms of the recovery from surgery.