Prostate Cancer FAQ

Q: Am I a candidate for robotic prostate surgery?
A: If your doctor has suggested a prostatectomy as a treatment for prostate cancer, consider robotic prostate surgery at Spartanburg Regional. The robotic prostatectomy is a good treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer.

Q: When can I return to work?
A: Most of our patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks, and nearly all activity can be resumed after four weeks. Men with jobs that require heavy lifting will need to be on light duties for 4-6 weeks.

Q: When does my catheter come out?
A: In most cases, the catheter will come out 4-7 days after surgery at your first post-operative appointment. Before removing the catheter we normally do a cystogram, an x-ray procedure in which dye is dripped into the catheter to fill the bladder. X-rays are then taken to ensure that there are no leaks from the bladder.

Q: When will I know if my surgeon removed all the cancer?
A: Your surgeon will assess your recovery, remove your catheter, and will review the pathology report with you at your first follow-up appointment, which is typically 4-7 days after your surgery.

Q: When can I have sex?
A: We recommend waiting for four weeks before having sex. 

Q: When will my erections return?
A: Each person is different. Some men will start having erections very soon after surgery while others can take up to two years; however, our team has consistently demonstrated superior outcomes with respect to the maintenance of sexual function.

Q: Why should I choose Spartanburg Regional?
A: With a combined total of more than 2,000 surgeries, Spartanburg Regional’s robotic surgery program is the most experienced in the state. Our robotics program is one of the most comprehensive in the Southeast and is a training site for other robotic surgeons around the country. With robotic surgery, there is greater surgical precision, a less invasive surgery, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.