TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate)
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical treatment used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). It is often called the "Gold Standard" because it is highly effective and requires no external incisions.
When You Should Consider TURP
Moderate to Severe BPH Symptoms: When urinary frequency, urgency, or a weak stream significantly impact your quality of life.
Incomplete Bladder Emptying: If you consistently feel that your bladder is not empty after urinating, which can lead to infections.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: When an enlarged prostate causes stagnant urine that leads to frequent UTIs.
Bladder Stones or Kidney Damage: When the obstruction is severe enough to cause secondary complications in the urinary system.
Failure of Medication: If alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are no longer providing sufficient relief.
Methods of TURP
Monopolar TURP: The traditional method using a wire loop and an electric current with glycine irrigation fluid.
Bipolar TURP: A modern advancement using saline irrigation, which significantly reduces the risk of "TURP Syndrome" and allows for safer treatment of larger prostates.
Resectoscope Access: A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the tip of the penis into the urethra, requiring no external cuts or stitches.
Wire Loop Resection: An electric current is passed through a loop to precisely "shave" away excess tissue blocking the urine flow.
Continuous Irrigation: Sterile fluid is pumped through the scope during surgery to wash away blood and tissue fragments.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Anesthesia: Performed under Spinal Anesthesia (numbing from the waist down) or General Anesthesia to ensure the patient is completely comfortable.
Insertion: The surgeon guides the resectoscope through the urethra until it reaches the prostate gland.
Tissue Removal: The obstructing lobes of the prostate are shaved into small chips using the electrified wire loop.
Fragment Flushing: The shaved tissue pieces are gathered and flushed out of the bladder at the conclusion of the surgery.
Catheterization: A three-way Foley catheter is inserted to allow for continuous bladder irrigation immediately following the procedure.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Medical Evaluation: Includes a Uroflowmetry test to measure urine speed and an ultrasound to determine the exact prostate size.
Medication Adjustment: You must stop blood thinners (like aspirin or warfarin) 5–7 days before surgery to prevent internal bleeding.
Fasting: Maintaining a "nil per oral" status for 6–8 hours before the procedure for anesthesia safety.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis: A preventative dose of antibiotics is given intravenously just before surgery to minimize infection risks.
PSA Testing: A blood test to screen for prostate-specific antigen levels prior to surgical intervention.
Pre-Surgery Tests
Urine Routine & Culture: To ensure there is no active infection before entering the urinary tract.
Prostate Ultrasound (TRUS): To map the dimensions of the prostate and plan the volume of tissue to be resected.
Cystoscopy: Occasionally performed beforehand to visualize the narrowness of the urethra and the shape of the prostate.
Blood Coagulation Profile: Testing PT/INR and Platelet counts to ensure safe surgical healing.
Basic Metabolic Panel: Checking kidney function (Creatinine) and electrolytes, especially important for managing irrigation fluid balance.
Life After TURP (Recovery & Risks)
Hospital Stay: Most patients stay for 1 to 2 days until the urine is clear and the catheter can be safely removed.
Bladder Irrigation: While in the hospital, a sterile fluid "washes" the bladder through the catheter to prevent blood clots.
Hydration Therapy: Drinking at least 2–3 litres of water daily at home is essential to flush the healing surgical site.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting (over 5 kg) or vigorous exercise for 4–6 weeks to prevent secondary bleeding.
Sexual Activity: Avoid sexual intercourse for 4 weeks to allow the internal area to seal completely.
Urination Changes: It is normal to feel a temporary burning sensation or urgency for a few weeks as the raw prostatic bed heals.
Why Specialized Treatment Is Highly Effective
Immediate Symptom Relief: Most patients experience a significantly stronger urine stream and better bladder emptying almost immediately after recovery.
No External Scarring: Because the surgery is entirely internal, there are no visible scars or wound care requirements on the skin.
Long-Term Durability: TURP results typically last for 15 years or more, often providing a permanent solution for BPH symptoms.
Bipolar Safety: Modern Bipolar technology allows surgeons to treat patients with heart conditions or larger prostates more safely than ever before.
Diagnostic Benefit: The shaved tissue is always sent for biopsy to confirm the absence of any hidden cancerous cells.