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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Simple Prostatectomy

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

The man should drink plenty of fluids to help clear the bladder and urine of blood. If it's not flushed out, the blood can form clots and block the flow of urine. Also, the man should avoid lifting heavy objects for 4 to 6 weeks. The lifting could strain the site of the incision or cause bleeding around the prostate. Men who have a catheter through the skin of the lower abdomen will need to have it removed in the surgeon's office in 1 to 2 weeks.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Overall, this surgery has very few dangerous complications. It is considered a low risk operation. All surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and reactions to any pain medication used. Specific complications include:

urine leakage from internal incisions around the bladder or prostate. Sometimes a drain is placed in the pelvic space at the time of the operation to take care of this problem.

retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which sperm travel backward into the bladder rather than out the end of the penis during ejaculation. This occurs in most men who have the operation. Men who wish to father children should discuss this possibility with the surgeon before the surgery.

narrowing of the bladder neck, which may cause problems urinating. This occurs in a small number of men, and can be easily treated.

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