Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgery that is used to treat urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate.

During the procedure, a resectoscope—a combined visual and surgical tool—is inserted through the tip of the tip of the penis and into the urethra.  Once in position, the doctor will use the resectoscope to remove excess prostate tissue that is compressing the urethra, allowing for a regular flow.  Your doctor won’t need to make any incisions on the outside of your body, and the process generally takes sixty to 90 minutes under general anesthesia.

TURP helps reduce symptoms caused by BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), such as frequent, urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting urination, slow or weak urination, the feeling of being unable to completely empty your bladder, and urinary tract infections.

TURP is considered an option for men with moderate to severe urinary problems that haven’t responded to medication. TURP has been considered the most effective treatment for an enlarged prostate.

TURP typically relieves symptoms quickly. Most men experience a significantly stronger urine flow within a few days. Follow-up treatment to ease symptoms is sometimes needed, particularly after several years have passed.

Risks of TURP can include temporary difficulty while urinating, urinary tract infection, dry orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and bleeding. Most of these risks are temporary, and non-life threatening.