WHAT IS TURP?

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems in males due to an enlarged prostate.

REASONS FOR THE PROCEDURE

Your Esse Health Urologist may recommend TURP to correct restricted urine flow due to an enlarged prostate.

THE PROCEDURE

TURP is performed in a hospital under general or spinal anesthesia. A thin instrument, called a resectoscope, is placed through the penis into the urethra to the prostate gland. Utilizing the resectoscope, the surgeon removes tiny pieces of the prostate tissue that are restricting urine flow. Irrigating fluid is released, and the pieces are pushed to the bladder then flushed out at the end of the procedure. The procedure may last from 90 minutes to two hours. Following the procedure, a catheter will remain in place for a few days to help with urine flow.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

Severe complications are rare, but you may experience bladder injury, electrolyte abnormalities, infection, loss of erections and retrograde ejaculation (when ejaculate goes into the bladder and not out through the penis).