Prostate surgery at Edinburgh Hospital

Prostate surgery is usually performed using general or spinal anaesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you and recommend the best method.

During prostate surgery your surgeon will insert a thin, specially-adapted miniature telescope into the tube which passes urine (urethra) through the penis. The instrument is then used to view and reduce the size of the prostate gland.

After your operation you will probably pass blood in your urine for a few days. You will also have a small tube (catheter) inserted in your urethra which helps drain urine direct from your bladder into a bag. The catheter is normally removed two to four days after surgery, when your urine is sufficiently clear. Once the catheter has been removed, you will be able to pass urine in the normal way. This may be uncomfortable at first but this feeling should gradually subside.

Most patients usually return home within 4-5 days after their operation.