Is Tur Used for an Enlarged Prostate?

Patients with an enlarged prostate may be treated with a transurethral resection or TUR. Doctors use a transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, to remove a man's prostate gland or part of the gland.

Enlarged Prostate

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, many men develop an enlarged prostate gland, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, as they get older and this condition can cause problems with urination. An enlarged prostate may be treated with medications or a surgical procedure such as a transurethral resection of the prostate.

TUR Procedure

• A surgeon inserts a narrow tool or endoscope through a patient's urethra and removes pieces of an enlarged prostate with the help of an electric current. This procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

Before Surgery

• A doctor will perform a physical examination and will have a patient stop smoking and stop taking drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The patient's doctor will evaluate the status of other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure to be sure that the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

After Surgery

• A patient may remain in the hospital for one to three days after surgery and he may need to use a catheter to remove urine from the bladder for a few days.

Risks

• Patients who undergo a transurethral resection of the prostate may have an increased risk of developing erection problems, sperm fertility problems and a loss of urine control.