Care of the Prostate After a Transurethral Resection

When you have BPH, or benign prostate hypertrophy, which is the enlargement of the prostate, it can sometimes squeeze the urethra until it becomes difficult for you to urinate. Many times it is necessary to have a procedure called a TURP, or transurethral resection procedure. This is a surgical procedure in which the doctor enlarges the urethra where the bladder neck and urethra meet, so urine can pass more easily.

Medications

• After a transurethral resection, several medications are generally used. Some of the medications are for pain, while others help prevent infection. You may also be prescribed a medication to help keep your bowels moving properly.

  Your pain medication may include B&O suppositories. This is a strong pain medication that includes beladonna and opium. It is also known to relieve bladder spasms, which are common after this procedure. Detrol is another pain medication often prescribed. It is not as strong as beladonna, but it also helps control involuntary bladder contractions.

  Many times a bulk-forming laxative is prescribed. After the procedure you may need a laxative to help regulate and reform your bowel habits. You will also be prescribed an antibiotic. The most common prescribed is Macrobid. This antibiotic helps prevent urinary tract infections. Pyridium is a prescription that helps relieve symptoms of pain, burning, urgency and frequency, among other urinary tract discomfort problems.

Catheter

• After your procedure, you will go home with a catheter. A catheter is inserted into the penis and runs directly to the bladder to collect urine. It is collected in a bag that you will wear on your body.

  Blood clots may form and pass through the catheter. This will require you to irrigate the catheter. Once the blood clots have stopped forming, you can have the catheter removed. This typically takes place in two days to a week.

Diet and Activity

• You may immediately return to a normal diet after your procedure. However, you should refrain from eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol or ingesting caffeine. These foods can irritate the urinary tract and cause frequent urination. It is also recommended that you drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day to help prevent.constipation.

  You will be asked to reduce your activity for at least the first two weeks following surgery. Typical guidelines to follow: Do not lift objects weighing more than 10 pounds, do not drive a car, limit long car rides, don't engage in strenuous exercise, and limit stair-climbing to a minimum. Do not strain to have bowel movements. You may take laxatives as needed. You should refrain from sexual intercourse until your doctor gives the okay. Typically you will be asked to refrain from sex for four to six weeks after surgery, when bleeding has completely stopped.