Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that requires hospitalisation. TURP literally means "cutting out through the urethra". It removes prostatic tissue. TURP is considered the standard invasive treatment for patients affected by BPH. During this surgical procedure, the urologist passes a tube through the urethra into the centre of the prostate. Then, the urologist scrapes away prostate tissue with an instrument inserted through the tube. The procedure requires either spinal or general anaesthesia and allows the doctor to see inside the bladder. The procedure takes approximately one hour. The length of the hospital stay is 3 to 5 days. A urinary catheter is usually needed (catheterisation) for 2 to 4 days after surgery. Return to normal activities is expected within 4 to 6 weeks. Improvement of symptoms is usually seen after a few weeks. Potential surgical risks include impotence, retrograde ejaculation, incontinence, infection and/or excessive blood loss, which may require a blood transfusion. Very rarely, fluid absorption can also lead to a life-threatening condition called TURP syndrome.

More information on Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) can be found on the References section of this website.