Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) for Benign Prostate Disease.
What is TURP?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery used to treat urinary problems that are caused by an enlarged prostate. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the surgical removal of part of the prostate gland. It is one option available to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate or other benign (non-cancerous) prostate disease. It is by far the most common of the surgical procedures used for benign prostate disease.
What is Prostate Gland?
The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (The urethra is the tube that goes from the bladder, through the prostate gland, to the outside of the body. It is used to pass urine and seminal fluid). The prostate helps with making semen.
Prostate Problems
All men are at risk for prostate problems. That’s because all men have a prostate. The three main problems that occur in the prostate include:
- Inflammation (prostatitis)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the middle part of the prostate.
- Cancer of the prostate. This occurs mostly at the back of the prostate, but sometimes also occurs in the area where the prostate is enlarged due to BPH.
TURP Procedure
TURP is generally considered an option for men who have moderate to severe urinary problems that haven’t responded to medication.
During a TURP Procedure, The resectoscope is inserted into the tip of your penis and extended through your urethra and into the prostate area. Your doctor won’t need to make any cuts (incisions) on the outside of your body.
Your doctor will use the resectoscope to trim tissue from the inside of your prostate gland, one small piece at a time. As small pieces of tissue are cut from inside your prostate, irrigating fluid carries them into your bladder. They’re removed at the end of the operation.
After the procedure
You’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to two days.
You’ll have a urinary catheter in place 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.
Your doctor is likely to recommend that you:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out the bladder.
- Eat high-fiber foods, to avoid constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Your doctor also might recommend a stool softener.
- Wait to resume taking any blood-thinning medications until your doctor says it’s OK.
- Avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, for four to six weeks or until your doctor says it’s OK.
- Hold off on sex for four to six weeks.
- Avoid driving until your catheter is removed and you’re no longer taking prescription pain medications.
Why is TURP Carried Out
TURP helps reduce urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including:
- Frequent, urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Slow (prolonged) urination
- Increased frequency of urination at night
- Stopping and starting again while urinating
- The feeling you can’t completely empty your bladder
- Urinary tract infections
TURP might also be done to treat or prevent complications due to blocked urine flow, such as:
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Kidney or bladder damage
- Inability to control urination or an inability to urinate at all
- Bladder stones
- Blood in your urine
Alternative surgical procedures to TURP include:
- Open enucleative prostatectomy – this involves making a cut in the abdomen to remove a very enlarged prostate.
- Laser TURP – a laser is used to remove prostate tissue from the middle part of the prostate, which has the advantage of less bleeding and therefore safer for people on anti-coagulation therapy for other problems, including coronary stents, heart valve or vascular disease
- Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) – similar to TURP except that no prostate tissue is taken out. One to three cuts are made in the prostate near the bladder neck to release the ‘ring’ of enlarged tissue and make a larger opening around the urinary tract
- UroLift : This technique is useful for men for whom medication has not been successful but their prostates are not so enlarged that they need a TURP. It involves the transurethral insertion of staples to separate the lobes of the prostate. It has minimal side effects and preserves ejaculatory and erectile function.
Other forms of treatment for benign prostate disease may include:
- monitor symptoms – the condition is monitored closely. Treatment only begins once the condition has progressed and is causing problems
- medical treatment – symptoms of benign enlargement can be treated by medications that relax the muscles around the bladder or that shrink the prostate and delay the need for surgery.
At Nisa Premier Hospital, Our Urology department is equipped with excellent infrastructure and advanced technology, offering comprehensive care and treatment for common urological problems like urinary infections, urinary stones, urethral stricture, prostate diseases, and malignancies.
Our team of urologists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. We offer several advanced minimally invasive surgeries including laser and laparoscopic surgeries related to ureter, kidney and urethra, prostate, and bladder.
To book an appointment call 08174209999 or 0817209990.
