Trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

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.

Who is a Candidate?

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.

Recovery Timeline

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.

Benefits

• 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.

Risks

• 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.