Rachel Hastings, MS, PA-C, presents “Preparing Your Patient for Prostatectomy.”
How to cite: Hastings, Rachel. “Preparing Your Patient for Prostatectomy.” Grand Rounds in Urology. Published September 22, 2025. Accessed Nov 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/preparing-patients-for-prostatectomy-preop-guidance/
Preparing Your Patient for Prostatectomy – Summary
Rachel Hastings, MS, PA-C, Urologic Oncology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, provides an organized strategy for patient preparation before and after radical prostatectomy. PA Hastings emphasizes aligning patient and clinician goals. A preoperative packet or handbook is recommended for patient reference.
Preoperative optimization includes exercise, pelvic floor muscle training, and medication review. It is essential to share information regarding the hospital protocols, duration of surgery, and recovery expectations with each patient. Patients are counseled on incision locations, expected soreness and treatment, and postoperative dietary restrictions.
PA Hastings explains catheter care in detail, with rationale for use, bag changes, daily showering, and comfort tips such as lubricant at the meatus. Patients are reassured that intermittent hematuria may occur and that hydration is essential.
Prostatectomy goals can be measured by cancer control, continence, and potency. Cancer control goals are prioritized, with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing a reliable marker. Continence recovery requires early pelvic floor training and expectation management. Sexual function counseling addresses nerve anatomy, variability in nerve sparing, and individualized rehabilitation programs.
PA Hastings emphasizes diet and lifestyle counseling for heart- and prostate-healthy habits. She reviews common patient questions, including catheter removal discomfort, bruising, diet, and bowel recovery. She calls for standardized patient education materials to reduce anxiety, improve adherence, and align goals throughout the perioperative course.
