Transurethral Resection of Prostate – TURP

TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

During TURP, a surgeon removes part of the prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder). This widens the passage so urine can flow more easily.

How TURP is done

• It is usually performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic.
• The surgeon passes a thin instrument called a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra.
• A small cutting loop removes excess prostate tissue.
• The removed tissue is washed out and may be sent to a laboratory for examination.
• A urinary catheter is usually left in place for a short time afterwards.

Why TURP is performed

It may be recommended when an enlarged prostate causes symptoms such as:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Urinary retention (being unable to pass urine)
• Recurrent urinary infections or bladder stones related to obstruction

Benefits

Many people experience:

• Stronger urine flow
• Easier bladder emptying
• Less urgency and frequency
• Reduced risk of complications from untreated obstruction

Possible risks and side effects

As with any surgery, TURP has risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary difficulty passing urine after surgery
• Urinary incontinence (usually temporary, but sometimes persistent)
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes into the bladder instead of out through the penis during orgasm; this is common after TURP)
• Urethral narrowing or scar tissue
• A rare condition called TUR syndrome, caused by absorption of irrigation fluid during the operation

Recovery

• Hospital stay is often around 1–3 days, depending on recovery and local practice.
• A catheter is typically removed once urine flow is satisfactory.
• Mild burning, urgency, or blood in the urine can occur for several weeks.
• Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are usually avoided for several weeks.

TURP is considered a well-established treatment for BPH, although newer options such as laser prostate procedures and minimally invasive treatments may be suitable for some patients depending on prostate size, symptoms, and overall health

Aquablation

Aquablation is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement/BPH). A computer-guided, high-pressure water jet removes the prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow, without using heat. Ultrasound helps the surgeon precisely target the tissue.

The aim is to improve symptoms such as a weak stream, difficulty starting, frequent urination and incomplete bladder emptying. It can be particularly useful for medium-to-large prostates, and may have a lower impact on ejaculation than some traditional operations, although sexual and urinary side effects can still occur.

Afterwards, a catheter is usually needed temporarily, and some blood in the urine, burning or urinary urgency can occur for a short tim

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