Procedure prep
Fasting Before Prostate Surgery
A radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland, most often by keyhole robotic surgery. It's done under general anesthesia with you tilted steeply head-down, so careful fasting and medication planning matter.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners and antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — timing is important because of bleeding and clot risk; get a clear stop/restart plan. See medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
- A new urine infection
- Blood thinners not stopped on the right schedule
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any blood tests, ECG, or scans your team asked for
- Consent forms or referral letters, and allergy details
- Your prostate biopsy, MRI and PSA results
- An overnight bag (many men stay one night)
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have general anesthesia, spinal/regional, or sedation?
- Which medicines do I take or hold on the morning of surgery?
- When can I eat and drink afterward?
- Will I go home the same day, and who can drive me?
- When exactly do I stop and restart my blood thinner?
- How long will I have a urinary catheter afterward?
- Will I be tilted head-down, and is that a problem for me?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Is prostate removal done under general anesthesia?
Yes — robotic and open prostatectomy are done under general anesthesia, so you must fast: solids about 8 hours before and clear liquids about 2 hours before your arrival time.
Why am I tilted head-down during robotic prostate surgery?
The steep head-down position lets the surgeon reach the prostate in the pelvis. Your anesthesia team manages your breathing and pressures while you're in this position — tell them if you have glaucoma or severe reflux, which they'll take into account.
Will I go home with a catheter after prostate surgery?
Usually yes. A urinary catheter stays in for about 1–2 weeks to let the area heal, and it's removed at a follow-up visit. Your team will show you how to manage it at home.