Assessment of postoperative practices and discharge recommendations after radical prostatectomy Journal Article


Authors: Lima Aguiar Melão, B. V.; Assel, M.; Pere, M.; Nalavenkata, S.; Touijer, K. A.; Laudone, V. P.; Lin, D. W.; Rivas, J. G.; Bjartell, A.; Carlsson, S. V.
Article Title: Assessment of postoperative practices and discharge recommendations after radical prostatectomy
Abstract: Purpose: Consistent, accurate postoperative guidance is crucial for early recovery and patient satisfaction in urology, especially for radical prostatectomy (RP) patients. However, patients often receive inconsistent information, highlighting the need for standardized, evidence-based postoperative care guidelines. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of current postoperative practices for RP. This involved (1) reviewing existing discharge information at Josie Robertson Surgery Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to identify areas of improvement; (2) systematically evaluating inconsistencies in discharge instructions and their impact on patient care; (3) distributing an anonymous survey to urologists in the US and Europe via REDCap to gather insights into global postoperative care practices. The survey included questions on various aspects of postoperative care, such as catheter use, medication regimens, dietary restrictions, and physical activity guidelines. Results: We received 247 survey responses. Despite some consensus on certain postoperative practices and recommendations, significant variability existed, underscoring the lack of standardized guidelines. Notable differences were observed between US and European cohorts, particularly in postoperative length of stay and discharge practices. Only 1.4% of US responders discharged patients 3 or more days postsurgery compared to 46% in Europe. Variability was also noted in recommendations for erectile function medications and postoperative activity restrictions. Conclusion: This study underscores the significant variability in postoperative care recommendations for RP and the urgent need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines. Implementing such guidelines will enhance patient recovery, satisfaction, and overall outcomes, improving postoperative care across various surgical procedures. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: postoperative care; evidence-based medicine; prostatectomy
Journal Title: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations
Volume: 43
Issue: 8
ISSN: 1078-1439
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Publication status: Published
Date Published: 2025-08-01
Online Publication Date: 2025-04-29
Start Page: 471.e9
End Page: 471.e16
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2025.03.027
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC12255528
PUBMED: 40307080
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PubMed record and PDF. Corresponding MSK author is Sigrid V. Carlsson -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Vincent Laudone
    139 Laudone
  2. Karim Abdelkrim Touijer
    260 Touijer
  3. Sigrid Viktoria Carlsson
    223 Carlsson
  4. Melissa Jean Assel
    113 Assel
  5. Maria Pere
    1 Pere