Why is after-Surgery FAQ important to patients?

Almost every procedure leaves patients wondering about the symptoms they are experiencing. Sometimes these conditions can be answered by reading the most frequently asked questions. Here is a brief list of those we hear most often:

CYSTOSCOPY (whether in the hospital or in the office)
Blood in the urine - You will have blood in the urine on and off for several days after your procedure.

Burning with urination - this is very common, and should go away in 1 to 3 days. You can also take PYRIDIUM, available over the counter at any pharmacy. Pyridium will turn the urine orange or even red, but can sooth the burning.

IF YOU CAN'T URINATE AT ALL
You need to have a catheter placed immediately. After hours, go to the emergency room for relief.

PROSTATE BIOPSY
After a prostate biopsy, it is normal to have blood in the urine, stool, or semen for several weeks. Do not worry about the color, as long as you are able to urinate or have bowel movements.

A low grade temperature is normal - up to 100.5 degrees F.

Call immediately if your temperature is over 101.5 degrees, as this might indicate a more serious problem. Make sure that you take all the antibiotic pills that were prescribed to you before the procedure.

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE BLOOD IN THE URINE

After a procedure/surgery there is no need for concern unless the bleeding continues or you are unable to urinate. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER to help flush your bladder. It is safe to wait for normal office hours to call with your questions.

CATHETERS
If you have a catheter in, it is normal to experience:

• Leakage around catheter
• Blood in urine
• Spasms or frequent urge to urinate
• Other discharge around catheter

You can shower and bathe normally; Men might be more comfortable by putting Neosporin ointment or Vaseline on the catheter at the tip of the penis.

KIDNEY STONES
If you have a STENT after surgery, there are many common symptoms.

• Urinary frequency and urgency - if it is more than you can tolerate, we can prescribe a medication to help.
• Back pain - during voiding or with activity - This is normal. The stent allows urine to go back up to the kidney from the bladder. Therefore, during urination, you can feel the increased pressure in your kidney. This will go away after the stent is removed.
• Blood in the urine - You will have blood in the urine on and off as long as the stent is in.