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By Mayo Clinic staffFollow your doctor's instructions on what to do before your treatment. Here are some things that you may need to do:
- Ask about blood-thinning medications. Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking medications that increase your risk of bleeding several days prior to surgery. These include warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others). Talk to the doctor who prescribed your medication before you make any changes.
- Don't eat before your procedure. Your doctor will likely ask you to not eat or drink anything after midnight. On the morning of your procedure, take only the medications your doctor tells you to with a small sip of water.
- Arrange a ride home. You won't be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. You may be able to go home the day of surgery, or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Ask your doctor ahead of time when you can expect to go home.
- Plan for time off work. You may not be able to work or do strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery. Ask your doctor how much recovery time you may need.
Your doctor may also give you other steps to follow.
References
- Cunningham GR, et al. Surgical and other invasive therapies of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 2, 2011.
- Prostate enlargement: Benign prostatic hyperplasia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement. Accessed Feb. 11, 2011.
- Fitzpatrick JM, et al. Minimally invasive and endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125743340-3/0/1445/91.html?tocnode=54305416&fromURL=91.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2011.
- Guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Linthicum, MD. American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm?sub=bph. Accessed Jan. 27, 2011.
- Lourenco T. The clinical effectiveness of transurethral incision of the prostate: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. World Journal of Urology. 2010;28:23.
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