What Is TURP Surgery and When Is It Required for Prostate Issues?
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a common surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate-related issues. It involves the removal of part of the prostate gland to relieve urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement. TURP is often recommended for men who experience significant urinary problems that cannot be managed through medication.
At Zymus Hospital, our expert urologists provide advanced TURP procedures to help men restore their quality of life. In this blog, we’ll delve into what TURP surgery is, how it works, and when it is required to address prostate issues.
What Is TURP Surgery?
TURP surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing excess prostate tissue to alleviate urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. The prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra, can enlarge as men age, leading to a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate grows too large, it can compress the urethra, leading to difficulty urinating and other urinary problems.
During the TURP procedure, a small instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra. This instrument contains a camera that allows the surgeon to view the prostate, as well as a cutting loop to remove the excess tissue. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
How Does TURP Surgery Work?
- Preparation for TURP Surgery
Before undergoing TURP surgery, patients will have a detailed consultation with their urologist. Your doctor will assess your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional tests such as urinalysis, blood tests, and imaging studies to evaluate the size and condition of the prostate.
On the day of the surgery, patients are given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, spinal anesthesia is used, allowing the patient to remain awake but numbing the lower half of the body.
- The TURP Procedure
During the surgery, a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and guided toward the prostate. The camera on the resectoscope sends real-time images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to precisely identify the excess tissue that needs to be removed. The surgeon uses a small electrical loop attached to the resectoscope to remove the enlarged portion of the prostate.
The removed tissue is then flushed out with saline, and the surgeon may insert a catheter into the bladder to help with drainage after the procedure.
- Recovery After TURP Surgery
Recovery from TURP surgery typically requires a short hospital stay, often one to two days, depending on the individual’s condition. Most patients will need to use a catheter temporarily to drain urine and avoid complications. Once the catheter is removed, patients can usually return to their normal activities in about 2 to 4 weeks.
While the recovery period can vary, most men experience significant relief from urinary symptoms after the procedure.
When Is TURP Surgery Required for Prostate Issues?
TURP surgery is generally recommended for men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate-related issues that cause significant urinary problems. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to various urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Inability to empty the bladder completely
- Painful urination or a feeling of urgency
TURP is typically considered when other treatment options, such as medications or lifestyle changes, have not been effective in managing these symptoms. Here are some common situations when TURP surgery is recommended:
- Severe Symptoms of BPH
If you experience severe urinary symptoms that interfere with your quality of life and medications have not provided sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend TURP surgery. This is particularly true if you are experiencing symptoms such as inability to empty the bladder, frequent urinary infections, or severe urinary retention.
- Complications Due to BPH
In some cases, BPH can lead to more serious complications, such as bladder stones, kidney damage, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). If these complications occur, TURP surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pressure on the urinary system and prevent further damage to the kidneys or bladder.
- Refractory Urinary Retention
Chronic urinary retention, or the inability to fully empty the bladder, is one of the most common reasons for TURP surgery. This condition can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and severe discomfort. TURP can help resolve urinary retention by removing the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine.
- Failure of Other Treatment Options
If medications such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors do not provide adequate relief, or if you are unable to tolerate their side effects, TURP surgery may be the next step. In some cases, laser prostatectomy or other minimally invasive treatments may also be considered, but TURP remains one of the most effective and commonly used options.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Chronic UTIs caused by prostate enlargement are another reason TURP may be necessary. These infections can be difficult to treat and may require surgical intervention to remove the source of blockage and reduce the frequency of infections.
Benefits of TURP Surgery
TURP surgery offers several advantages over other treatment options for prostate issues:
- Relief from Urinary Symptoms
The primary benefit of TURP surgery is the significant improvement in urinary symptoms, such as reduced frequency, urgency, and difficulty in urinating. Most patients experience substantial relief from these bothersome symptoms.
- Minimally Invasive
TURP is performed through the urethra, meaning there are no external incisions required. This reduces the risk of infection and scarring compared to open surgery.
- High Success Rate
TURP surgery has a high success rate in relieving urinary symptoms associated with BPH. Many men experience long-term improvement in their quality of life after the procedure.
- Short Recovery Time
Compared to open prostate surgery, TURP has a shorter recovery time, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Risks and Complications of TURP Surgery
While TURP surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications, including:
- Bleeding (in some cases, blood transfusions may be required)
- Infection
- Retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis)
- Urinary incontinence
- Damage to the urethra or surrounding tissue
Your surgeon at Zymus Hospital will discuss these risks in detail before the procedure and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Conclusion
TURP surgery is a highly effective treatment for men suffering from severe urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you are experiencing persistent symptoms despite medication, TURP may provide significant relief and improve your quality of life. At Zymus Hospital, our skilled urologists specialize in TURP and other prostate treatments, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care.
If you are struggling with prostate issues or are considering TURP surgery, Zymus Hospital offers expert diagnosis and treatment. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and get personalized care from our experienced team.
Book an appointment at Zymus Hospital to learn more about TURP surgery and take the first step toward better prostate health.
