Editing Open Radical Prostatectomy (section)

== Postoperative Management ==

* Patients are offered a clear liquid diet on the evening of surgery and a regular low-fat diet the next day.
* '''A single closed-suction drain is left in place until discharge or it produces <50 mL/day off of suction.'''
* Patients ambulate early
* The overwhelming majority of patients are discharged by the second postoperative day.
* The urinary catheter is left in place for 3-21 days postoperatively
** Risk of removal before 7 days is associated with a 15-20% risk of urinary retention
** Bladder spasms will generally spontaneously subside, and reassurance is often sufficient.
*** In cases of severe bladder spasms, an oral anticholinergic agent (oral oxybutynin [Ditropan] 5 mg) or diazepam (oral Valium, 5 to 10 mg) may be administered.
** After the catheter has been removed, Kegel exercises should be initiated