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You’ll receive fluids intravenously (through your veins) the day of surgery, but you should be able to eat normal meals the next day. You’ll probably be given a stool softener or mild laxative to keep you from straining and to make the first bowel movement after surgery easier. A Foley catheter, inserted in the penis (and anchored by a tiny balloon in the bladder) during surgery, will remain in place until the bleeding has stopped. In addition to removing urine from your body, the catheter also keeps the bladder irrigated to help prevent infection or a blood clot from developing. Another catheter is inserted during surgery; this one is called a suprapubic tube because it’s placed directly in the bladder and exits through the lower abdomen. It will be taken out between three and five days after surgery. Your incision probably will have staples, not stitches, and these will be removed one week after the operation—probably on your return visit to the doctor’s office. When you get home, take it easy but don’t just sit around the house—gradually resume your usual exercise and activity. You should feel fully recovered within four to six weeks.

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