Surgery
Prostate Surgery (TURP)
TURP removes part of an enlarged prostate through the urethra to relieve urinary symptoms, without any external cuts.
Quick answer
Prostate Surgery (TURP): what it is, why it's done and what happens
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) uses an instrument passed up the urethra to trim away prostate tissue that is squeezing the tube and blocking urine flow. It is a common treatment for an enlarged prostate.
- Why it is done: It is used for an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic enlargement) causing troublesome urinary symptoms — such as poor flow, straining, frequency or retention — when medicines have not helped enough.
- What happens: Under general or spinal anaesthetic, the surgeon passes a resectoscope up the urethra and removes the excess prostate tissue.
What it is
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) uses an instrument passed up the urethra to trim away prostate tissue that is squeezing the tube and blocking urine flow. It is a common treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Why it is done
It is used for an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic enlargement) causing troublesome urinary symptoms — such as poor flow, straining, frequency or retention — when medicines have not helped enough.
What happens
Under general or spinal anaesthetic, the surgeon passes a resectoscope up the urethra and removes the excess prostate tissue. There are no external cuts. It usually takes around an hour.
Recovery
A catheter drains the bladder for a day or two while any bleeding settles. Urinary symptoms usually improve over a few weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are avoided for several weeks.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, and changes to ejaculation (semen passing backward into the bladder) which is common. Less commonly, incontinence or the need for repeat surgery can occur.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Prostate Surgery (TURP): frequently asked questions
Will TURP affect my sex life?
Erections are usually preserved, but many men notice that little or no semen comes out during orgasm because it passes back into the bladder (retrograde ejaculation), which is harmless but can affect fertility.
How soon will my urinary symptoms improve?
Many men notice a better flow soon after the catheter is removed, with symptoms continuing to improve over the following weeks as the area heals.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Association of Urological Surgeons / relevant professional body
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