Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Surgical removal of part of the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is part of a man's reproductive system. It makes and stores seminal fluid, a milky fluid that nourishes sperm and forms part of semen. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Parts of the Body Involved

  • Prostate gland
  • Urethra
  • Penis
  • Bladder

Reasons for Procedure

TURP is done when a man has an enlarged, benign (non-cancerous) prostate, called benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In BPH, the prostate grows larger and resses against the urethra and bladder, interfering with the normal flow of urine.

TURP may also be performed when a man has a cancerous prostate, but the decision has been made that a complete prostate removal surgery is too risky. In this case, TURP is done to remove part of the prostate in order to relieve obstruction and improve some of the patient's symptoms.

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Malnutrition
  • Recent or chronic illness
  • Alcoholism
  • Diabetes
  • Use of some prescription and nonprescription drugs

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • Review of medications and supplements
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • X-rays of kidneys and chest
In the days leading up to your procedure:
  • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure
  • The night before, eat a light dinner and do not eat or drink anything after midnight
  • The morning of the surgery, you will be asked to empty your bladder before leaving for the operating room
During Procedure

Outcome

Recovery from surgery should take about 3 weeks. Symptoms such as frequent or painful urination will continue for a while but should lessen during the first 6 weeks. If there is blood in your urine, lie down, relax, and drink a glass or two of fluid. The next time you urinate the bleeding should have stopped. If it doesn't, call your doctor.

Although sexual activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, the TURP procedure should not affect your sex drive or ability to have sex. The procedure may damage the muscle valve located at the bladder that directs semen into the urethra and out the penis. If this happens, most of your sperm will flow into your bladder and be expelled when you urinate (this is called retrograde ejaculation). This should not, however, be considered a method of birth control. Some sperm may make it into ejaculation. If you are hoping to conceive children in the future, talk to your doctor about the possibility of developing retrograde ejaculation after the TURP.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the surgery site
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine
  • Difficulty or inability to urinate
  • Impotence for longer than 3 months after surgery