TURP

As men age, many experience prostate enlargement, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). When BPH causes uncomfortable symptoms, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is one of the most effective and commonly performed surgical treatments. At my urology clinic in Belize, I frequently recommend TURP to patients suffering from moderate to severe BPH symptoms. In this post, I’ll explain what TURP is, how it works, and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What Is TURP?

TURP is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove part of the prostate gland in men with BPH. As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, making it difficult to urinate. TURP involves using a specialized instrument, called a resectoscope, which is inserted through the urethra to trim away excess prostate tissue and relieve this pressure, restoring normal urine flow.

Who Needs TURP?

TURP is recommended for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms that do not respond to medications or other treatments. Symptoms that may lead to TURP include:

• Frequent urination: Especially at night (nocturia).
• Weak urine stream: Difficulty maintaining a strong, steady flow of urine.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Feeling like the bladder doesn’t fully empty after urinating.
• Urgency to urinate: A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
• Urinary retention: The inability to start urination or fully empty the bladder, which can sometimes lead to painful bladder distension or infections.

When left untreated, BPH can lead to complications such as bladder stones, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and, in severe cases, kidney damage. TURP provides a permanent solution to these issues by removing the prostate tissue that is obstructing the urethra.

How Is TURP Performed?

TURP is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general or spinal anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. Insertion of the Resectoscope:
   A resectoscope, a thin tube fitted with a light, camera, and cutting loop, is inserted into the urethra and advanced to the prostate. No external incisions are needed.

2. Trimming the Prostate Tissue:
   Using the cutting loop, I trim away the overgrown portions of the prostate tissue that are blocking the flow of urine. This creates a wider channel for urine to pass through the urethra.

3. Irrigation:
   A continuous flow of fluid is used to remove the trimmed tissue from the bladder, ensuring that the area is clean and the flow of urine is unobstructed.

4. Post-Procedure Care:
   After the procedure, a catheter is temporarily inserted into the bladder to allow urine to drain while the treated area heals. The catheter is typically removed after 1-2 days.

What Are the Benefits of TURP?

TURP is considered the gold standard for BPH treatment, offering several benefits:

• Improved urinary flow: TURP provides almost immediate relief from urinary symptoms by removing the tissue that is blocking the urethra.
• Minimally invasive: Since TURP is performed through the urethra, no external incisions are made, resulting in a faster recovery and reduced risk of complications.
• Long-lasting results: Most men experience significant, long-term improvements in urinary function after TURP.
• Quick recovery: Patients typically return to their normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure.

What Should I Expect After TURP?

After TURP, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort or temporary side effects during recovery, such as:

• Blood in the urine: Small amounts of blood in the urine are common for a few days after the procedure.
• Urinary urgency or frequency: You may feel the need to urinate more often or more urgently than usual, but this typically improves as the bladder heals.
• Discomfort while urinating: A slight burning sensation during urination can occur but should resolve within a few weeks.
• Temporary incontinence: Some men experience mild incontinence (leakage of urine) after TURP, but this usually improves over time as the muscles regain strength.

I will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage these symptoms and when to follow up for further evaluation. Most patients are able to return to light activities after about 1 week and resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks.

What Are the Risks of TURP?

While TURP is a safe and effective procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks. Possible complications include:

• Infection: Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection after the procedure.
• Retrograde ejaculation: In some cases, semen may enter the bladder during ejaculation instead of exiting through the urethra. This is harmless but may affect fertility.
• Erectile dysfunction: Though rare, some men experience temporary or long-term erectile dysfunction after TURP.
• Urethral stricture: Scar tissue may form in the urethra after the procedure, causing it to narrow. If this occurs, further treatment may be needed.

I will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of TURP with you to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with the surgery.

Why Choose TURP for BPH Treatment?

For men who have not found relief from medications or other non-surgical treatments, TURP is an excellent option. It offers long-term relief from BPH symptoms and improves your overall quality of life. The procedure is particularly beneficial for men with:

• Severe BPH symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
• Urinary retention that causes discomfort or infections.
• Complications such as bladder stones or recurring UTIs due to BPH.

As your urologist, my goal is to provide you with the most effective and personalized treatment to relieve your symptoms and restore normal urinary function.

Final Thoughts

TURP is a proven and reliable treatment for men with moderate to severe prostate enlargement. If you’re experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of BPH and are looking for a long-term solution, TURP may be the right option for you. I encourage you to schedule a consultation at my clinic in Belize to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.