Can prostate removal cause pain below the shoulder on outer arm?

Question

My husband has a lot of pain, and swelling below the shoulder on the outer arm. What could cause this?

Answer 1

If they removed his prostate through his abdomen or rectally, then it is normal to have right shoulder pain afterward, especially if they did the surgery laparoscopically, because they inflate the abdomen with air, which puts pressure on the phrenic nerve and causes shoulder pain. However, if it has been a couple of days since the surgery or they did the surgery differently, then the right shoulder pain can indicate internal bleeding, which can also put pressure on the phrenic nerve. Either way, if it persists or you are concerned, then call your doctor and have it looked at.

Answer 2

If the pain is immediately after surgery, it could be a shoulder injury from positioning. When a patient is unconscious and moved around on the table by the OR staff, if the arm is allowed to fall freely off the table, the rotator cuff muscles will not prevent dislocation of the shoulder (because the patient is usually paralyzed). This can be quite painful afterward. Also, if he already had some arthritis in the shoulder it could just be positioning alone that caused the pain (no dislocation).

Another possibility is that something hard was under his shoulder during the surgery and he has a blossoming pressure injury in that location. If a knot from the gown or some other object was present, it can cause a pressure injury.

Less likely, he may just have some irritation from the blood pressure cuff which cycles repeatedly during the case.

If the pain started much later (6 months or more) you might need a bone scan to rule out metastatic cancer.

Answer 3

Prostate removal causes pain near the incision.
Here are the side effects I found...
For many men, the most worrisome side effects of surgery and radiation therapy are incontinence and erectile dysfunction. These effects arise because of nerve damage that may occur during the surgery, but are reported less often in cancer centers where surgeons have performed many of these procedures. Be sure to ask the doctor about his experience performing prostate surgeries and whether he uses “nerve-sparing” techniques.

Incontinence is the inability to control urination. Normal bladder control usually returns a few weeks or months after prostatectomy; it is rare that surgery would lead to permanent incontinence when the surgery is performed by an expert. Surgery, certain medicines, and exercises that strengthen muscles of pelvis can improve this condition if it occurs.

Irradiation rarely causes urinary incontinence immediately, but the likelihood of incontinence will increase over time. Immediate incontinence is more frequent if the patient has an enlarged prostate and/or symptoms of lower urinary tract problems prior to treatment.

Erectile dysfunction can be present from 2 weeks to 1 year or longer following prostatectomy, and largely depends on the patient’s age at the time of treatment, the size of the prostate gland, and the surgical method used. The larger the prostate gland, the more likely the patient will be impotent. It may also develop over a period of several years following radiation therapy. Prostheses, prostaglandin injections, vacuum devices, and medications (Viagra®, Levitra®, Cialis®) are available treatment options for erectile dysfunction

Answer 4

I wish I had this 2 years ago when I damaged my rotator cuff while showing off. This is very detailed and really gives you the techniques you need to sort out your own shoulder issues and a lot more info such as preventing further injuries. If you have a shoulder keeping you awake at night you'll know it's no laughing matter.

Stop Shoulder Pain Permanently?

Answer 5

Lymph nodes. Have that checked out. It is not a good sign. Technically they are just below the arm on the body but I have this feeling. Have a doctor take a look at it.

-Dio

Answer 6

You need to get him to a hospital. He could be having a reaction to any of the meds he's on, or he could be having a problem with blood clots. I wouldn't wait on this, especially if the surgery was recent. Go now.

Answer 7

that was probably from an improperly inserted IV. Take him to the doctor if it doesn't go away soon.

Answer 8

no isnt the prostate in the dick?

Answer 9

im sure...u can have pain w any thing thats done to your body..