Understanding Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
A small gland, the prostate plays a big role in men’s reproductive and urinary health. When it does, the gland can enlarge, a development with which we’re all unfortunately familiar, known to medical professionals as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause frustrating and sometimes painful urinary symptoms. Thankfully, with Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), this problem can be fixed.
If you suffer from frequent urination, weak flow or trouble emptying your bladder, learning more about TURP may be the first step toward an improved quality of life.
What is the Prostate Gland?
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland just beneath the bladder and around the urethra, the tube that empties the bladder. It serves mainly as a fluid that protects and carries sperm.
The prostate tends to grow larger in middle-aged and older men, putting pressure on the urethra and preventing the flow of urine. This can lead to:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty or interruption in the stream of urine
When drugs or lifestyle changes prove ineffective, TURP can be a remedy that involves cutting away excess prostate tissue so urine flow can return to normal.
Why TURP is Performed
TURP is generally recommended for men with moderate-to-severe BPH symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Common signs include:
- Straining to urinate
- UTIs that keep coming back
- These are bladder stones from urine being kept in.
- Kidney damage in severe cases
Although treatments such as drugs, laser therapy or lifestyle changes can work too, TURP is a gold-standard surgical treatment for severe prostate enlargement.
The TURP Procedure: Step-by-Step
As opposed to open surgery, a TURP does not include external cuts. This is what occurs during the process:
- Anaesthesia – You will have a general or spinal anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain.
- Placement of the Resectoscope – A penlight-equipped fluorescent scope (resectoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the prostate.
- Removal of excess tissue – A wire loop underneath the resectoscope removes blocking prostate tissue by slicing it off and sealing blood vessels to help prevent bleeding.
- Tissue Flushed Into Bladder – Extracted tissue is flushed into the bladder and drained with irrigation fluid.
- Catheter Placement – A short-term catheter is placed for urine drainage until healing starts.
The operation typically requires 60–90 minutes, and patients are generally hospitalised for 1–2 days.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery time is different for everyone, but here is a general timetable:
- Within 24-48 Hours: You can expect to have some blood in your urine and mild discomfort. The catheter drains urine and is typically removed prior to discharge.
- Weeks One to Two: You may experience frequency, urgency, or mild burning—it improves over time.
- Expected recovery: The majority of men are back to their regular activities within 2–4 weeks; however, vigorous activities are contraindicated for 6 weeks.
Your consultant will provide you with specific instructions to guarantee a comfortable recovery.
Risks and Benefits of TURP
Benefits:
✔ Marked reduction of symptoms (improved flow, less urgency)
✔ No visible scars outside (minimally invasive)
✔ And for most patients, results won’t fade away.
Potential Risks:
- Bleeding or infection, both of which are temporary
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen flowing back into the bladder, which is not harmful but can affect fertility)
- Lack of bladder and bowel control (uncommon and typically short-lived)
Major complications are rare, and your surgeon will explain all potential risks prior to the surgery.
When to Consult a Specialist
If you experience:
- Having strong problems when it comes to urinating
- Nocturia (waking up during the night to urinate)
- Chronic UTIs or frequent bladder infections
… it’s time to visit a urologist. Early screening leads to better treatment and outcomes.
Book an Appointment / Learn More
At Chase Lodge Hospital, our urology specialists offer tailored prostate care. And if you are deciding on TURP or would like guidance for BPH treatment, make an appointment today.
For more information, visit: NHS Inform – TURP Procedure
Take charge of your bladder health. Reach out to us today and begin exploring your options.
