Open prostatectomy

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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

Follow your doctor's instructions on what to do before your treatment.

  • Stop or reduce blood-thinning medications if your doctor says to. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin) and some over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) is generally OK.
  • Don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your treatment.
  • Take only the medications your doctor tells you to, with a small sip of water, on the morning of your procedure.

Your doctor may give you a kit and instructions for giving yourself an enema to clear your bowels the morning of surgery, or other steps to follow.

References
  1. AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Baltimore, Md.: American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2009.
  2. Han M. Retropubic and suprapubic open prostatectomy. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/128042617-3/0/1445/92.html?tocnode=54305512&fromURL=92.html. Accessed March 25, 2009.
  3. Seur E, et al. Open prostatectomy is still a valid option for large prostates: A high-volume, single-center experience. Urology. 2008;72:90.
  4. Cunningham GR, et al. Surgical and other invasive therapies of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 12, 2009.

MY00610

May 12, 2009

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