Prostate surgery

A surgical solution for an enlarged prostate. Trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure designed to treat an enlarged prostate, a common condition in older men that can lead to difficulties with urination. During the surgery, the doctor inserts a special tool through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) to access the prostate gland. This tool is used to remove small pieces of prostate tissue, which helps create more space for urine to flow freely. TURP is considered less invasive than traditional open surgery, which requires a larger incision. Because of this minimally invasive approach, recovery time is usually shorter, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly. For men experiencing urinary issues due to an enlarged prostate, trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can offer an effective and efficient treatment option.

Men with an enlarged prostate gland causing moderate to severe urinary obstruction that has not improved with medication. Typical indications include: Difficulty starting or maintaining urination. Weak urine stream or incomplete bladder emptying. Frequent urination (especially at night). Urinary retention (inability to pass urine). Recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder stones due to obstruction. Kidney dysfunction secondary to long-term obstruction.

This is likely to vary with provider. Hospital stay: Usually 1–3 days. Catheter: Left in place for 24–72 hours postoperatively to drain urine and flush the bladder. Initial recovery: Some burning or blood in urine for a few days. Gradual improvement in urinary flow within 1–2 weeks. Return to normal activities: 2–4 weeks (avoid heavy lifting and straining). Full recovery: Around 4–6 weeks, depending on overall health and age.

Relieves urinary obstruction and restores normal urine flow. Significant improvement in quality of life and urinary symptoms. Reduces risk of recurrent retention, infection, and kidney damage. Minimally invasive (performed via urethra, no external incision). Long-lasting results for most patients.

Bleeding or infection (may require irrigation or transfusion). Retrograde ejaculation (semen flows into bladder - common but harmless). Urinary incontinence (usually temporary). Urethral stricture or bladder neck contracture (scar tissue formation). Erectile dysfunction (rare, <5%). TURP remains the gold-standard surgical treatment for symptomatic prostate enlargement, offering durable relief and improved urinary flow. This is just an outline. Your specialist urology surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

A surgical option for enlarged prostates. Open prostatectomy is a traditional surgical procedure used to treat very large prostates or severe symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. During this surgery, the surgeon makes a larger incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate gland directly. This allows for the removal of the enlarged portion of the prostate. Compared to trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP), open prostatectomy is more extensive and involves a longer recovery period. However, it may be necessary for larger prostates or in more complex cases where other treatments may not be suitable. For individuals with significant urinary issues caused by prostate enlargement, open prostatectomy provides a viable treatment option aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

Men with very large prostates causing severe lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary retention not manageable by TURP surgery or medication. Indications include: Severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causing significant obstruction. Recurrent urinary retention or bladder stones due to obstruction. Diverticula or bladder damage from long-term obstruction. Failed minimally invasive procedures (e.g. TURP, laser prostatectomy).

This is likely to vary with provider. Hospital stay: Usually 3–7 days. Catheter: Typically kept in for 5–7 days post-surgery. Initial recovery: Discomfort and blood in urine for up to 1–2 weeks. Gradual improvement in urinary flow after catheter removal. Return to light activities: 4–6 weeks. Full recovery: Around 6–8 weeks, depending on age and general health.

Effective removal of large prostate tissue that cannot be managed with less invasive methods. Dramatic improvement in urinary flow and symptom relief. Durable, long-term results - often no need for repeat procedures. Allows treatment of associated bladder pathology during the same surgery (e.g. stones).

Bleeding (higher risk than with TURP; may require transfusion). Infection (wound or urinary tract). Urinary incontinence (temporary, rarely persistent). Retrograde ejaculation (common but harmless). Erectile dysfunction (less common but possible). Wound complications (due to open incision). Longer hospital stay and recovery compared to TURP or laser surgery. This is just an outline. Your specialist urology surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent. Open prostatectomy remains the preferred option for very large prostates or when other methods are unsuitable, providing excellent long-term relief but with greater invasiveness and longer recovery than minimally invasive alternatives.