Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP):
A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a more invasive surgery to remove parts of the prostate gland through the penis. No incisions are needed. This procedure cannot be performed in the office set. You’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to two days. A urinary catheter will be placed because of swelling that blocks urine flow. The catheter is generally left in place for at least 24 to 48 hours, until swelling decreases and you’re able to urinate on your own.
During the Procedure:
The surgeon reaches the prostate by putting an instrument, a resectoscope, through the tip of your penis and into the urethra. Resectoscope, is about 12 inches long and .5 inch in diameter. It contains a lighted camera and valves that control irrigating fluid. It also contains an electrical wire loop that cuts tissue and seals blood vessels. The wire loop is guided by the surgeon to remove the tissue blocking the urethra one piece at a time. The pieces of tissue are carried by the irrigating fluid into the bladder and then flushed out at the end of the procedure.
Risks:
As with any surgery, after TURP certain complications can occur, such as:
- Retrograde ejaculation (very common) (when ejaculate goes into the bladder and not out the penis)
- Loss of erections
- Bladder injury
- Bleeding
- Blood in the urine after surgery
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Infection
- Painful or difficult urination
- Need of re-treatment
There may be other risks depending on your condition.
