About TURP surgery

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery to remove the inside part of the prostate gland. It is done in order to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) has long been regarded as the gold standard surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This minimally invasive procedure has helped millions of men regain control over their urinary health, offering effective symptom relief and long-term results.

What is TURP?

TURP alleviates urinary symptoms pretty effectively in guys with enlarged prostates. As men get older the surrounding tissue enlarges slowly and puts pressure on urethra causing difficulties with urination sometimes painfully. TURP involves removing obstructive prostate tissue with a resectoscope inserted via urethra under anesthesia slowly and carefully everyday.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Procedure:

Before TURP Surgery

1. Consultation: Prior to surgery, the urologist will evaluate the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct tests such as urine analysis and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

2. Informed Consent: The surgeon will explain the procedure, potential risks, and benefits. Patients will be required to sign a consent form.

3. Anesthesia: Patients are typically given either general anesthesia (to make them completely unconscious) or spinal anesthesia (to numb the lower half of the body).

4. Fasting: Patients may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before the surgery.

During TURP Procedure

1. Positioning: The patient is positioned on the operating table, usually lying on their back with legs in stirrups to allow access to the urethra.

2. Insertion of the Resectoscope:

• The surgeon inserts a resectoscope—a thin tube equipped with a camera and light—through the urethra into the bladder.
• The resectoscope allows visualization of the prostate and surrounding structures.

3. Irrigation:

• A sterile saline solution is introduced through the resectoscope to distend the bladder and provide a clear view of the prostate.

4. Resection of Prostate Tissue:

• Using an electrical cutting loop attached to the resectoscope, the surgeon carefully removes excess prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow.
• The tissue is cut into small pieces and flushed out of the bladder through the resectoscope.

5. Continuous Monitoring:

• Throughout the procedure, vital signs are monitored closely by the surgical team to ensure patient safety.

6. Completion of Resection:

• Once sufficient tissue has been removed to relieve obstruction, the surgeon inspects the area for any bleeding.
• If necessary, cauterization may be performed to control bleeding.

7. Catheter Placement:

• After completing the resection, a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
• This catheter helps drain urine and any blood clots that may form after surgery.

8. Closure:

• The resectoscope is removed, and any incisions made in the urethra (if applicable) are not sutured as they typically heal naturally.
• The patient is then moved to a recovery area for monitoring.

After TURP Surgery

You will most often stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. In some cases, you may be allowed to go home the same day.

After surgery, you will have a small tube, called a Foley catheter, in your bladder to remove urine. Your bladder may be flushed with fluids (irrigated) to keep it clear of clots. The urine will look bloody at first. In most cases, the blood goes away within a few days. Blood can also seep around the catheter. A special solution may be used to flush out the catheter and keep it from getting clogged with blood. The catheter will be removed within 1 to 3 days for most people.

You will be able to go back to eating a normal diet right away.

Your health care team will:

• Help you change positions in bed.
• Teach you exercises to keep blood flowing.
• Teach you how to perform coughing and deep breathing techniques. You should do these every 3 to 4 hours.
• Tell you how to care for yourself after your procedure.

You may need to wear tight stockings and use a breathing device to keep your lungs clear.

You may be given medicine to relieve bladder spasms.

Recovery After TURP Surgery

TURP is a common surgical procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate. Recovery is typically smooth, but it requires careful follow-up and lifestyle precautions to ensure complete healing.

Advantages of TURP Surgery

• Highly Effective – Considered the gold standard for treating moderate to severe BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
• Significant Symptom Relief – Provides long-term improvement in urine flow, frequency, and bladder emptying.
• Minimally Invasive – Performed through the urethra without external incisions.
• Quick Recovery Compared to Open Surgery – Shorter hospital stay and faster healing than traditional prostate surgery.
• No Need for Long-Term Medications – Many patients can stop taking BPH medications after TURP.
• Permanent Solution – Results can last 10-15 years or longer for many patients.
• Can Be Performed on Larger Prostates – Suitable for prostates larger than 30-80cc, where other procedures like UroLift may not be effective.