Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

ABOUT TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE

What is a transurethral resection of the prostate?

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (sometimes called a “re-bore”) is an operation to remove prostate tissue which is blocking the flow of urine from your bladder.

Why is a transurethral resection of the prostate required?

TURP is used to treat urinary symptoms due to prostate enlargement.

 

These symptoms may include:

    • Waking through the night to urinate.
    • Needing to pass urine frequently throughout the day.
    • Having to pass urine urgently.
    • Reduced urine flow.
    • Difficulty starting urination.
    • Stop-start flow.
    • Dribbling after passing urine.
    • A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

 

TURP can also:

    • Stop recurrent bleeding from the prostate.
    • Reduce the frequency of recurrent urinary tract infections.
    • Stop stones from forming in the bladder.
    • Prevent long-term damage to the bladder and kidneys due to urinary retention.
    • Allow you to get catheter-free if you have a catheter due to urinary retention.

 

TURP is not a treatment for prostate cancer, but it is sometimes performed before having radiation therapy for treatment of prostate cancer.

 

Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that commonly occurs in men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so when it enlarges, it can press against the urethra and block urine flow.
PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a transurethral resection of the prostate involve?

TURP is performed under general anaesthetic (completely asleep) or spinal anaesthetic (numb from the waist down).

 

A telescope is passed into your bladder through the urethra (waterpipe).

 

A cauterising loop is used to remove tissue from the prostate and to stop bleeding. The prostate tissue which is removed is sent for further testing (histopathology).

What does a TURP involve?

A catheter (a soft flexible tube which drains urine from the bladder via the urethra into a bag) is inserted at the end of the procedure. The catheter is continuously flushed with fluid after the operation to remove blood and debris.

 

The catheter is usually removed two days after the operation but occasionally needs to stay in longer. You will then have a ‘trial of void’ to ensure you are emptying your bladder.

 

You will usually be in hospital for two to three nights after the operation.

What is the recovery after a transurethral resection of the prostate?

After TURP your urinary flow usually improves within the first few weeks of the operation. Urinary frequency, urgency, and waking at night to pass urine will initially be worse after the operation and may take several months to improve.

 

You may have blood in the urine for several weeks after the operation. The blood will often go away and then return a week or two after the operation – this is normal.

 

You will have burning/stinging when passing urine after the operation. This will usually resolve after a few weeks.

What is the recovery after a TURP?

You can usually return to sedentary work approximately two weeks after the operation. If your job involves physical work, please discuss this with your doctor.

 

You can start doing gentle exercise such as walking approximately one week after the operation. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least four weeks after the operation.

 

You can usually return to driving approximately two weeks after the operation.

 

You can resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable doing so. For most men this will be at least four to six weeks after the operation.

OUR TEAM

The following doctors in our practice perform transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP):

Dr Tim Smith

Dr Tim Smith

Urologist
Dr Andrew Keller

Dr Andrew Keller

Urologist
Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Urologist
Dr Glen Wood

Dr Glen Wood

Urologist
Dr Gregory Malone

Dr Gregory Malone

Urologist
Dr Jason Paterdis

Dr Jason Paterdis

Urologist
Dr Jonathan Chambers

Dr Jonathan Chambers

Urologist
Dr Katherine Gray

Dr Katherine Gray

Urologist
Dr Peter Burke

Dr Peter Burke

Urologist

Book an appointment

Book an appointment to discuss this procedure with one of our doctors.