.png)
What is TURP? Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland. TURP is recommended for men who have moderate to severe urinary problems that have not improved with medication.
Why Might I Need TURP?
TURP is done to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. When the prostate gland is enlarged, it can press against the urethra and interfere with or block the passage of urine out of the body. You might also need a TURP if you’re unable to urinate because of prostate cancer.
The procedure helps ease urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including:
- Frequent, urgent need to urinate.
- Trouble starting urination.
- Slow or prolonged urination.
- More trips to the bathroom at night.
- Unable to fully empty bladder.
- Urinary tract infections.
Risks of a TURP?
As with any surgery, certain complications can occur with TURP. Some possible complications may include:
- Bleeding: Very rarely, blood transfusion is done when bleeding during TURP occurs.
- Blood in your urine: It's common to see blood right after surgery. Contact your medical healthcare provider if the blood in your urine is thick, bleeding seems to get worse or your urine flow is blocked. Blood clots can block urine flow.
- Short-term trouble urinating: This might last for a few days after the procedure. Until you can urinate on your own, you will need to have a thin, flexible tube called a catheter placed into your penis to carry urine out of your bladder.
- Urinary tract infection: This type of infection can happen after a prostate procedure. It becomes more and more likely the longer you have a catheter in place.
- Erectile dysfunction: This is trouble getting or keeping an erection. The risk is very small, but erectile dysfunction can happen after prostate treatments.
- Painful or difficult urination: Urination might be painful. Or you might feel an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Painful urination might take a few weeks to improve.
- Retrograde ejaculation: When ejaculate goes into the bladder and not out the penis.
There may be other risks such as incontinence, urethral stricture, and TUR syndrome, depending on your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before and after the procedure.
TURP also might be done to treat or prevent complications due to blocked urine flow, such as:
- Repeated urinary tract infections.
- Kidney or bladder damage.
- Unable to control urination or to urinate at all.
- Bladder stones.
- Blood in urine.
Common TURP Recommendations:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out the bladder.
- Eating high-fiber foods to prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Your medical healthcare provider also might recommend a stool softener.
- Wait to resume taking any blood-thinning medicines until your healthcare provider says it's OK.
- Retrain from strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, for 4 to 6 weeks. Also during this time, do not do activities that put pressure on the area between the anus and the scrotum.
- Hold off on sex for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Do not drive until your catheter is removed and you're no longer taking prescription pain medicines.
Most often, the catheter is left in place for at least 24 to 48 hours, until swelling lessens and you're able to urinate on your own.
When to See a Doctor?