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About TURP Medical Procedures

The prostate gland, found in the male reproductive system, releases prostate-specific antigen (PSA), is a part of seminal fluid (semen) which carries sperm. BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia is caused by enlargement of the gland. This elevates the PSA blood level and indicates the possibility of prostate cancer. BPH results in urinary symptoms including difficulty in urinating due to blockage of the flow of urine out of the bladder. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes portions of the prostate to alleviate these symptoms.

  1. Prostate Disease Facts

    • Commonly, prostate disease begins to evolve in men over the age 40 and occurs in almost 80 percent of men as they age and can develop into prostate cancer in roughly one out of every 10 men. As many as 30,000 men in the United States die of cancer of the prostate every year. According to the Mayo Clinic, TURP is the most common procedure performed for the treatment of BPH.

    TURP Description

    • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a type of surgical interventional procedure done because, over the course of time, there is a restriction of urine flow due to enlargement of the prostate. The doctor inserts a surgical instrument into the urethra via the opening in the penis and removes, by scraping, excess tissue that is obstructing the urine flow. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and can be done under general or local anesthesia.

    Other Types of Transurethral Procedures

    • Two other types of transurethral procedures are done commonly. These are transurethral laser incision of the prostate (TULIP) and transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). When the TULIP procedure is done, a laser beam is used to melt tissue. The TUIP procedure opens the urethra by performing small incisions where the urethra and bladder meet.

    Side Effects of TURP Surgery

    • Undergoing TURP surgery may cause loss of bladder control and impotence in a number of patients, but the occurance of these effects is usually temporary. However, it can take up to a year before there is recovery of these functions. Other potential issues also include retrograde ejaculation (semen is passed into the bladder instead of the urethra), narrowing and scarring of the urethra and infertility.

    Preparing for the Procedure

    • Before undergoing TURP, patients should tell their doctor about any medications they are currently taking, including vitamins, over the counter medicines and present prescriptions. No eating or drinking will be allowed the night prior to surgery and arrangements should be made to possibly stay overnight in the hospital. A general anesthetic may be given which induces sleep or a local numbing anesthetic may be used, and the patient will remain awake.

    After the Procedure

    • After the surgery, a catheter is put into the urethra, while the prostate is healing, to drain urine from the bladder. This catheter is usually taken out two or three days after the procedure. Pain medication may be given as well as a stool softener and laxatives to avoid complications with constipation. If there are no complications, you may return to work within one or two weeks.

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