What is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate?
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located in the masculine pelvis, which is responsible for the production of the seminal fluid that forms part of semen. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate that allows urine to pass through more easily.
Why Will You Need a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate?
The most common indication for TURP is having an enlarged prostate due to a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which cause some typical urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent and urgent urination.
- Interrupted urination.
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Increased frequency of urination at night
- Recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Slow urination.
What Does a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Involve?
Before the Procedure
Before surgery, your doctor will explain to you the reasons and the steps of your procedure as well as the consequences of removing part of your prostate. It’s important to stop drinking or eating anything, at least 8 hours before the procedure.
During the Procedure
TURP procedure involves the following steps:
- Right before surgery, you will receive general anesthesia or a spinal block anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Your doctor might put some numbing gel into your urethra.
- A surgical instrument with a camera attached called resectoscope is now inserted through the tip of your penis into your urethra in order to get to the area close to your prostate.
- The resectoscope will make some small cuts from inside your prostate and will trim the tissue one tiny piece at a time. At the same time, the resectoscope has a valve to release fluid to wash the surgery area during the entire procedure.
- The remaining tissue and water will be finally removed from your bladder at the end of the operation and a urinary catheter will be placed in your penis, in order to avoid swelling that might block urine flow.
The entire procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours and you will be closely monitored all the time.
After the Procedure
Usually, staying in the hospital at least one night after the procedure is required. Your urinary catheter will be removed after 2-3 days of surgery and during this time, you will notice some blood in your urine and irritating urinary symptoms. Additionally, your doctor might prescribe you some antibiotics to prevent any possible infection. Coming back to your job and regular activities will be possible after at least 1 week.
TURP is a very safe procedure with minimal risks and complications. However, like any other surgical procedure, there are some possible risks that your doctor will discuss with you.
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