Patient/caregiver was instructed upon complications of ablation therapy for prostate cancer treatment as follows:
As prostate gland is located close to urinary system (urinary bladder & urethra), sexual organs (penis), and bowels (rectum & anus), radiation therapy for prostate cancer can have an impact on these neighboring organs, thus affecting urine flow, bowel movements, and sexual performance.
Complications of ablation therapy for prostate cancer treatment include
- Blood in urine: During the immediate post-ablation phase, damage to the prostate gland and neighboring structures due to treatment measures can result in bleeding in urine, that gives urine a pinkish-red or bright red color.
- Frequent urge and nocturia: Irritation of the urinary bladder due to damage from ablation treatment can cause frequent bladder contractions, increased urge to urinate, thus contributing to frequency. Increased frequency, especially during the night (nocturia) can lead to sleep disturbance and multiple restroom trips.
- Weak stream of urine and reduced urine output volume: Inflammation and damage to the urethra from ablation treatment can lead to narrowing down of urethra. This can result in weak stream of urine and pose difficulty to pass urine at a constant pace, leading to reduced volume of urine output during urination.
