Depending on the procedure performed, bladder surgery recovery time will differ significantly. There are numerous types of bladder surgery ranging from minor, like removal of bladder stones, to major, such as removal of the entire bladder. In some cases a catheter may be inserted, which requires careful management post-operatively. The surgeon who performs the surgery will inform the patient of all procedures to be followed after the surgery and these should be adhered to closely.
Bladder surgery recovery usually initially occurs in a hospital. Again, the amount of time spent as an in-patient will depend on the procedure which has been done and each individual patient's response. Both in-patient stay and recovery at home may range from a day to a couple of weeks.
During bladder surgery recovery it is often necessary to insert a catheter to allow easy drainage of the bladder while it heals. This will usually be removed before the patient is discharged. In some cases, the catheter may be permanent, either in-dwelling or intermittent. In the case of permanent catheterization, the nursing staff will train the patient on correct catheter care for when they go home. This will be a very important part of bladder surgery recovery.
After any surgery, including bladder surgery, prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed. This is to prevent any bacterial infection after an invasive procedure. It is very important that the entire course is completed and the prescribing doctor's instructions are followed closely. Should fever develop post-operatively, or persistent pain occur, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Avoidance of heavy lifting and driving is essential to allow healing. After minor procedures involving only local anesthetic and no incision, patient's may be able to drive immediately. The time span will be determined by the surgeon and each patient's progress. In some cases, after minor surgery, gentle exercise may be allowed but this should under no circumstances be exceeded and should be stopped should any pain or discomfort occur.
Again, depending on the procedure which has been performed, it is most often recommended that fluid intake is increased to promote cleaning out of the bladder, especially if a catheter is inserted. In some cases, however, fluid intake may be restricted. Again, the doctor's instructions must be followed closely.
The most important part of bladder surgery recovery is rest. It is vital to allow the body to heal. As with recovery after any surgery, following a healthy diet and not smoking will also help speed up recovery.