What should I bring to the hospital for Prostate Cancer surgery

What to Bring to the Hospital for Prostate Cancer Surgery

Great question—being prepared helps reduce stress on surgery day. Here's a practical checklist:

Essential Documents

• Insurance card and photo ID (bring originals)
• List of current medications (including doses and frequency)
• Allergy information (medications, latex, etc.)
• Medical history summary (previous surgeries, conditions)
• Pre-surgery instructions from your surgical team (fasting requirements, medication adjustments)
• Any recent test results your surgeon may need to reference

Personal Items for Comfort

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for going home (you won't fit into your pre-surgery clothes)
• Slip-on shoes (easier than laces when you're groggy)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, glasses/contacts if needed)
• Phone charger (for contacting family after recovery)
• Entertainment (book, tablet, headphones—for pre-op waiting and recovery)
• Underwear you don't mind discarding (hospitals may provide disposable ones)

Medical Items

• Blood pressure monitor (if you have one and your doctor recommends tracking)
• List of questions for your surgical team before the procedure

What NOT to Bring

• Jewelry, watches, or valuables (hospitals aren't responsible for lost items)
• Large amounts of cash
• Medications (the hospital will provide what you need)

Important Tip

Call your surgical team 24 hours before to confirm any last-minute instructions about fasting, medication timing, or what to bring specifically for your procedure type (robotic-assisted, open, or other approaches).

Your surgical team should provide detailed pre-operative instructions—follow those carefully, as they're customized for your specific surgery and medical situation.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.