Why Will I Need A Catheter After Prostate Surgery, And How Long Will I Need It?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: Why will I need a catheter after prostate surgery, and how long will I need it?

Answer: You definitely need a catheter after prostate surgery, especially radical prostatectomy because once the prostate is removed the connection between the bladder and the urethra is made via suture and for it to heal a catheter is left in for urine to drain. The catheter is usually is left in, depending upon different centers, but the average time is about seven to 10 days.