What is Transurethral Resection?
A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate and is used to treat urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
It’s called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) part of your prostate gland is removed (‘resected’). The term ‘transurethral’ describes the way your surgeon reaches your prostate. Instead of cutting through your skin they pass instruments through your urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder and out through your penis).
Why this procedure
TURP is generally considered an option for men with moderate to severe urinary problems that haven’t responded to medication.
What is the procedure
TURP is carried out using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire. This is passed along your urethra until it reaches your prostate, which means no cuts (incisions) need to be made in your skin.
The loop of wire is then heated with an electric current and is used to cut away the section of your prostate that is causing your symptoms. A thin tube called a catheter is then inserted into your urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away pieces of prostate that have been removed. The bits of your prostate gland that are removed will be sent to the laboratory to check there are no cancer cells, just in case.
General or spinal anaesthesia is used during the procedure so you don’t feel any pain while it’s carried out.
Before, during and after the procedure
You’ll usually need to stay in hospital for one to three days after your operation.
The catheter used during the operation will be left in place while you’re in hospital because your urethra will be swollen and you may not be able to urinate normally at first.
It’s common to feel tired and under the weather for a week or two after going home. Most men are up and about after this time, but you’ll need to take things easy for four to eight weeks.
You’ll usually be advised to stay off work and avoid lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, driving and having sex for at least a few weeks.
It’s normal to have some difficulties urinating and some blood in your urine for a few weeks. These problems should get better as you recover.
It can take between four and eight weeks to recover fully from TURP. Most people wait two or three weeks before going back to work, but always follow your surgeon’s advice. To help your recovery, your surgeon may recommend that you do pelvic floor exercises. Your doctor or nurse at the hospital will explain how to do these and how often.