Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy at Saint Anne's Hospital

What you need to do to prior to the date of surgery

Pre-Admission Testing and Interview 

• Every patient who is having surgery will have a pre-admission interview.
• You should be prepared to discuss your allergies, past medical history, and the medications you are 
  currently taking.
• The Pre-Admission team member will review your pre-operative instructions regarding your medications and fasting status (eating and drinking) per anesthesia recommendations.
• You will be instructed about your arrival time and surgery time via a telephone call the night prior to 
  surgery.

Morning of Surgery

• You will arrive at Saint Anne’s Hospital at the arrival time provided to you the night before. This will be from one and one-half to two hours prior to the start of your actual surgery to prepare you for your surgery.
• Upon arrival and entering the hospital on the ground floor:
  • Please take C elevator(s) to the first floor and enter the Day Surgery Center waiting room directly opposite the C elevators.
  • Please register at the registration window.
• A nurse will bring you into the surgery center and prepare you for surgery. This will include:
  • A review of your allergies, medical history, and medications
  • A nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) for fluids given before, during and after surgery.
  • You will meet your anesthesia provider and review your plan for anesthesia

• When your surgery is completed, you will be brought to our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
• Your PACU nurse, in collaboration with the anesthesiologist, will manage your post-operative care, including helping to manage pain and discomfort.
• Once you have recovered from anesthesia, you will be transferred to your private room on the inpatient surgical unit.

• Your admission nurse will help you get settled into your family-friendly private room.
• Each shift, a registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant will be assigned to care for you. The nurse will be assessing your pain, pulse and blood pressure, breath sounds, bowel function, and incision on an ongoing basis. Your nurse will coordinate your care with the rest of your healthcare team and will be your partner in recovery.
• When your assigned nurse is finishing their shift, they will review your care needs at your bedside with your input and the nurse assigned for the next shift. We welcome patients and family members to take an active part in this “bedside shift report.” Typically, patients are ready to be discharged to home the day following surgery.

All private patient rooms at Saint Anne's Hospital have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV (cable included), telephone, and courtesy WiFi. Most rooms are furnished with a recliner chair and a guest couch that can convert into a bed to accommodate an overnight guest.

• You will be going home with an indwelling urinary catheter as explained by your surgeon. The removal date for the catheter will be arranged by your surgeon.
• The discharging nurse will make sure to provide you and your family with education on how to care for your catheter using a leg bag (fits under pants) and night bag (larger for overnight collection) prior to you leaving the hospital. You will also be given enough supplies to care for the catheter at home until your follow-up appointment.
• Your incisions typically have a glue-like bandage on them and absorbing sutures. You will be instructed on how to care for incisions until they are fully healed.
• Your surgeon will prescribe and instruct you on the use of pain medication if needed.
• An appointment will be made for follow-up with your surgeon to discuss the pathology results from your surgery.
• You will also be provided with a direct telephone number to the hospital. You can utilize this number if  you have any basic questions about your condition or discharge. Of course, any concerns about your condition should be made to the surgeon’s office.