TURP (Transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate via the urethra to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. During the procedure, a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra to cut and cauterize prostate tissue using an electrical loop, flushing the excess tissue into the bladder. A catheter drains urine during and after the procedure. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days and keep the catheter for 1-3 days until they can urinate effectively on their own. Risks include bleeding and difficulties urinating.
2. What is TURP?
TURP stands for (Transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical procedure
done to alleviate symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate as a result of benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or to treat complications associated with blocked
urine flow. The procedure involves removing a portion of the prostate via the
urethra. TURP is used most often for non-cancerous blockage, but may also be
used in some cases of prostate cancer. It can be performed on men of any age
suffering from urinary outflow obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate.
Outcomes for this procedure are overwhelmingly positive, and the surgery is
minimally invasive.
TURP is used most often for non-cancerous blockage, but may also be used in
some cases of prostate cancer. It can be performed on men of any age suffering
from urinary outflow obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate
3. Patient has to undergo blood and urine tests, tissue biopsy, chest X-ray, and ECG
(Electrocardiogram), if you are above 60. Consulting with a doctor in regard to any
symptoms is crucial to make sure; if TURP is right for the patient. Usually the patient
has to stop eating and drinking 6-8 hours before surgery and it is important to
inform your surgeon if you are taking any anti-coagulant medication.
Please inform your surgeon if you are taking any anti-coagulant medication (e.g.
Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Pradexa or Aspirin).You may be required to stop this up to 10
days before surgery.
Before the Procedure
5. How It Is Performed?
TURP involves the use of a resectoscope, a device
with a light, a camera, and a valve system for
irrigating fluids, and an electrical loop used to cut and
cauterize tissue. The resectoscope is inserted into the
penis via the urethra and the electrical loop is used to
trim or cut tissue away from the prostate gland, the
irrigation system then uses fluid to flush excess tissue
into the bladder from where it can be excreted out. A
catheter is also in place during this procedure in order
to help drain urine from the bladder. The procedure is
done under complete anesthesia, so the patient feels
nothing and is unconscious during the surgery
6. Recovery
The patient is usually able to go home after 2-
3 days. The catheter will stay in place for 1-3
days to help drain urine until the patient is
able to urinate effectively on their own.
During the recovery period, the doctor may
recommend drinking plenty of water,
avoiding strenuous activity, abstaining from
sex for 4-6 weeks, and avoiding driving until
the catheter is removed. It is important that
the patient attends follow-up appointments
with their doctor to monitor recovery.
7. Potential Risks
Some risks of TURP include blood in the urine, difficulty in urinating for a few days
after the procedure, lingering pain, urinary tract infection, general bleeding, Erectile
dysfunction, Dry orgasm and abnormal ejaculation.