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Once a decision has been made on a radical prostatectomy, the physician will refer the patient to a physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist will draw up an individual rehabilitation plan together with the patient. Physiotherapy is provided in three phases: before surgery, immediately after surgery on the ward, and after the patient has been discharged. The patient’s commitment to independent exercise according to the instructions provided will promote recovery from surgery.
At the first appointment, the physiotherapist will prepare the patient for surgery by instructing him how to identify the pelvic floor muscles and their functioning. This is arranged well before the operation, mainly as group-based teaching, but also as individual sessions, if needed. At the same time, the physiotherapist will provide advice on how physiotherapy can help to speed up recovery from any adverse effects and complications of surgery.
After surgery, physiotherapy on the ward focuses on mobility exercises, restoring functional capacity, and enhanced breathing exercises.
After being discharged, the patient exercises independently based on the instructions provided. The need for possible further rehabilitation will be assessed approximately 6 weeks after surgery. The degree of urinary incontinence and the resulting inconvenience will be evaluated at this time. If necessary, an appointment will be scheduled with a physiotherapist. Typically, 1 to 3 further physiotherapy sessions are required.
Patients may be referred by a physician to the Cancer Center Physiotherapy Unit for an assessment of lower limb swelling and monitoring, as well as to receive guidance on muscular strength exercises.