Transurethral electro-resection of the prostate (TURP) is the traditional way to remove prostate tissue using minimally invasive surgical techniques. No outside incision is needed. There's less pain, fewer complications and faster healing.

What happens during a transurethral resection of prostate?

In transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a combined visual and surgical instrument (resectoscope) is inserted through the urethra where it's surrounded by prostate tissue. An electrical loop cuts away excess prostate tissue to improve urine flow. You'll likely stay in the hospital for one to two days.

Is TURP a major surgery?

TURP is a major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

What is the average age for TURP surgery?

The average age of patients currently undergoing TURP is approximately 69 years, and the average amount of prostate tissue resected is 22 g.

How serious is TURP surgery?

TURP carries a very small risk of causing death. The risk of dying as a result of the procedure is now estimated to be less than 1 in 1,000. The risk usually arises from complications involving the heart or a serious postoperative infection.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

15 related questions found

How painful is TURP surgery?

You shouldn't experience any severe pain, but there may be some discomfort and bladder spasms (contractions) from the catheter, which is left in place because your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) will be swollen and sore.

Which is better TURP or laser?

There was no difference between the two procedures in terms of hospital stay or complications. However, men in the TURP group achieved a faster urinary flow rate (they could pass higher volumes of urine more quickly). TURP was also slightly more cost-effective and faster to perform than the laser procedure.

What are the alternatives to TURP surgery?

Alternative procedures

PLASMA system – different instruments and fluids are used to perform the procedure, which is thought to lead to a lower risk of TURP syndrome (see risks of TURP) holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) – a laser attached to a resectoscope is used to cut away excess prostate tissue.

Is TURP still the gold standard?

TURP is still the gold standard even now for small to moderate sized prostate glands which comprise the vast majority of cases in any urology practice. HoLEP has not been able to replace TURP as the gold standard in this regard.

Is the urethra cut during TURP surgery?

TURP is carried out using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire. This is passed along your urethra until it reaches your prostate, which means no cuts (incisions) need to be made in your skin.

Does TURP surgery cause impotence?

However, TURP, the standard surgical therapy for the relief of LUTS, is reported to cause erectile dysfunction (ED), although some patients with preexisting ED reported improved erectile function after TURP.

What are the side effects of TURP surgery?

What are the risks of a TURP?

• Bladder injury.
• Bleeding.
• Blood in the urine after surgery.
• Electrolyte abnormalities.
• Infection.
• Loss of erections.
• Painful or difficult urination.
• Retrograde ejaculation (when ejaculate goes into the bladder and not out the penis)

How much of the prostate is removed during TURP?

While enlargement of the prostate happens to most men, fewer than 10% will require surgery. The TURP procedure cannot be used to cure prostate cancer because it removes only the parts of the prostate closest to the urethra, while leaving the majority of the gland intact.

How long do you need a catheter after prostate surgery?

Your doctor and health care team will decide how long you need to have a catheter. For example, after prostate cancer surgery, most men will have a catheter for about two weeks.

What is life like after prostate removal?

The majority of men show vast improvement by approximately six months after surgery. Many men may continue to wear a very thin pad, for security." An initial treatment for urinary incontinence is Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which are vital for bladder control.

Why does it hurt to pee after prostate surgery?

A burning sensation and a strong desire to go to the toilet. These symptoms are due to the passage of urine over the healing area of the urethra following the removal of the prostate tissue. This can be easily treated with mild pain relievers and medication which change the acidity of the urine.

Who is a good candidate for TURP?

TURP can be performed on men with urinary outflow obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate/BPH. It can be done on men with chronic medical conditions, and of advanced age, as an alternative to more invasive robotic or open BPH surgeries. It is particularly indicated in men with prostates up to 120 cc.

Which is better TURP or Rezum?

Rezum has many advantages over medical treatment or TURP, including lower rates of sexual dysfunction or bleeding. Rezum water vapor thermal therapy is approved for treating LUTS in patients with BPH, particularly in prostates less than 80cc. It has the advantage of preserving sexual function, compared to TURP.

How long does pain last after TURP surgery?

The pain is usually not severe and should continue to decrease in intensity for 7-10 days after the operation. Occasionally patients can have pain at the tip of their penis and the urgent desire to pass urine despite having a catheter in the bladder draining urine. This is called bladder spasms.

Is TURP high risk?

Summary. Although transurethral resection of the prostate is considered at low risk for severe complications, there are several reports indicating that cardiovascular events in elderly patients undergoing this surgical operation are more common than in the general population.

How much does a TURP procedure cost?

The overall cost of the TURP procedure may vary from $5,000-$15,000 or more.

What is the latest procedure for enlarged prostate?

The UroLift System is a straightforward procedure that utilizes tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra.

What is the difference between TURP and prostatectomy?

Although open prostatectomy has better outcomes in larger prostates, TURP is limited to prostates of less than 80 to 100 g; it seems reasonable that there is lower resected prostate weight in TURP than in open prostatectomy, especially in B-TURP [37,79,80], but there are scant data comparing similar resected tissue ...

Is HoLEP the same as green light?

Results/conclusions: PVP and HoLEP are very different laser techniques. An important difference between the Greenlight laser and holmium and thulium is that its only urological application is prostate ablation. HoLEP is the most advanced laser technique currently available.

Can I take Viagra after TURP surgery?

Viagra is an effective treatment for impotency in men who have their prostate removed. For men whose nerves have been spared, the drug improves the ability to have an erection by nearly 60%, but the effectiveness drops to 20% in those with no nerves spared.