Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure performed to treat an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This procedure aims to alleviate urinary symptoms caused by the obstruction of urine flow due to an enlarged prostate.
During a TURP, the surgeon inserts a thin, tube-like instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. This instrument is equipped with a light and a cutting or dissecting loop. A special solution is used to flush out urine from the bladder, providing a clear surgical field. The surgeon then uses the resectoscope to remove excess prostate tissue by cutting or vaporizing it, thereby relieving the pressure on the urethra.
TURP is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and may involve a short hospital stay, typically around one to two days. It is a commonly performed procedure that has been proven effective in reducing symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as urinary frequency, urgency, weak stream, and the need to wake up at night to urinate.
Although TURP is generally considered safe, it may carry potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or retrograde ejaculation (semen passing into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis). The specific risks and benefits of TURP should be discussed with a healthcare provider before deciding to undergo the procedure.
