TURP - Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

What is a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra, causing urinary problems. TURP is highly effective at relieving symptoms caused by BPH, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or weak urine flow. This procedure removes part of the prostate, making it easier for patients to pass urine and significantly improve quality of life.

Why is a TURP performed?

As men get older, the prostate gland can enlarge and compress the urethra, leading to uncomfortable and often frustrating urinary symptoms. Common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:

• Difficulty starting to urinate.
• Weak urine stream
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.
• Sudden urges to urinate.
• Infections or bladder stones caused by urine retention.

When these symptoms start to affect quality of life and other treatments, such as medication, are not effective, TURP may be recommended. It’s a surgical solution that can provide long-term relief, allowing patients to regain control over urinary function. It is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate.

What does the procedure involve?

When patients arrive at the hospital, they will meet a nurse, the anaesthetist and their surgeon. TURP is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, meaning you’ll either be asleep or your lower body will be numbed. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a thin tube called a resectoscope which is passed through the patient’s urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) to reach the prostate. A small loop at the end of the resectoscope is used to remove sections of the prostate that are blocking urine flow.

Since no external incisions are required, the procedure is considered minimally invasive. The surgery typically lasts about an hour. After the procedure, a catheter is inserted to help drain your bladder while the area heals. This is usually removed within a couple of days.

What are the potential risks and complications?

While TURP is a very safe and effective procedure, it is important to be aware of potential risks and complications. These can include:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, but this can usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Bleeding: Patients may notice some blood in their urine for a few weeks after surgery, which is normal.
• Retrograde ejaculation: Semen enters the bladder instead of being ejaculated. Common, not harmful, but it may affect fertility.
• Incontinence: In rare cases, patients have trouble controlling urination. This is usually only temporary.
• Erectile dysfunction: While uncommon, some men may experience problems with erections after surgery.

The surgeon will discuss these risks in detail before the operation and give advice on how to manage any symptoms during recovery.

After the procedure

Recovery from TURP is usually straightforward. It is important to follow any instructions the doctor gives about recovery. Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 3 days after the surgery. Patients may experience some discomfort, mild bleeding, or a burning sensation when urinating for a few weeks after the procedure, but these symptoms usually improve over time.

Patients need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for about 4 to 6 weeks. During the recovery period, it’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to maintain a high urine flow. This reduces the risk of infection and supports healing. Most patients can return to normal activities by 6 weeks. The doctor will normally advise patients on when it’s safe to resume driving, work, or exercise.

TURP is highly successful at improving symptoms of BPH and restoring normal urine flow. Most patients experience a significant improvement in their urinary function and quality of life after the procedure. TURP does not cure BPH, but the relief provided by the surgery is often long-lasting, with many men requiring no further treatment.

Follow-up care is important to monitor recovery, regular check-ups with the doctor helps ensure patients continue to manage their prostate health effectively.