Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder. TURP is one of the most common and effective surgical treatments for BPH. Before the procedure, the patient may undergo various tests, such as urine tests, blood tests, and imaging studies (like ultrasound or cystoscopy), to evaluate the condition of the prostate and assess overall health. Medications that affect blood clotting may need to be stopped prior to surgery. TURP is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia, which means the patient is either numb from the waist down or completely unconscious during the procedure. Using the wire loop or electrode, the surgeon carefully removes obstructing prostate tissue from the inside of the prostate gland.
After TURP, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications. Pain medications and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection. Patients are usually advised to drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity during the initial recovery period. TURP is considered a highly effective treatment for relieving urinary symptoms caused by BPH, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. However, like any surgical procedure, TURP carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation of semen into the bladder instead of out through the urethra). It's important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of TURP with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
