What Is a TURP?

TURP is an acronym for transurethral resection of the prostate. Transurethral means passing through the urethra. The term primarily represents the surgical procedure used to treat the enlarging of the prostate gland in men, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. The procedure is less invasive than an open prostatectomy (surgery that removes the entire prostate through an incision), though an open prostatectomy is still the procedure used if the prostate is excessively large.

The Operation

• The surgery is required if your enlarged prostate does not respond to any other treatments such as medication. You will be given either a general or a spinal anesthetic, and a brief hospital stay is necessary. During the surgery, excess prostate material is cut away using a surgical instrument called a resectoscope that is inserted through the urethra. The resectoscope is a thin, tubular surgical instrument with a light and lens to view the prostate. It also has a tool that uses an electrical current to cut away the excess material.

Recovery

• Recovery is brief.

  Recovery from TURP is much faster than recovery from an open prostatectomy. After the surgery, you will remain in the hospital while a catheter is used to remove blood from your bladder. The blood in the bladder is common and comes from the surgical area of the prostate. Once your urine is free of blood, the catheter is removed and further recover can be done at home. Full recovery is approximately six weeks.

Risks

• As with any surgery, there are risks. Some of the problems observed after TURP surgery are problems with erection and ejaculation. Incontinence is another possible risk. You may also experience a temporary problem called TURP syndrome, which is when too much liquid from irrigating the surgical area around the prostate is absorbed by your bloodstream. Indications of TURP syndrome are high blood pressure, slow heartbeat, vomiting, nausea and even some mental confusion and visual problems. TURP syndrome is generally brief and usually lasts approximately six hours. Not all men will experience these problems.

Healthy Lifestyle Post-Surgery

• Stay active for a healthy body.

  Within a few days, most men have a stronger urine output. A second surgery is rarely necessary; however, you should continue to have a rectal exam every year. TURP does not remove the risk of developing cancer. Its main purpose is to treat an enlarged prostate and improve urine flow. To help reduce the risk of further prostate enlargement, you can make some lifestyle changes such as reducing the amount of caffeine intake. Caffeine works on your body like a diuretic, causing an urgent need to urinate. Use decongestants and antihistamines sparingly. They can cause urinary retention. Stay active since activity keeps your muscles toned and keeps all of your organs working properly.