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Choosing Between TURP and UroLift for BPH: What Brooklyn Patients Should Know
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects many men as they age. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine flow, trouble starting or stopping, and feeling like your bladder is never fully empty. If medication doesn’t help or causes side effects, it might be time to consider a procedure to treat BPH.
Two popular options are TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and UroLift. Both are offered by Dr. Jon Lazare, a trusted Urologist in Brooklyn. Choosing between them depends on your health, your prostate size, and your lifestyle goals. Here’s what you should know.
What Is TURP?
TURP is the “gold standard” surgery for BPH. It has been used for many years to remove extra prostate tissue that blocks urine flow. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a small tool through the penis and into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). A tiny loop cuts away pieces of the prostate to open up the passage.
TURP can be done in two ways:
- Traditional TURP: Uses electrical energy to remove tissue.
- Green Light Laser TURP: Uses laser energy to vaporize the tissue instead of cutting it. It usually causes less bleeding and has a shorter recovery.
What Is UroLift?
UroLift is a newer, less invasive option. Instead of removing tissue, UroLift uses small implants to hold the enlarged prostate out of the way. These tiny implants lift and pin the prostate to open the urethra. No cutting, heating, or removal of tissue is needed.
The UroLift procedure is quick and usually done in the office under local anesthesia. Many men return home the same day and recover faster than with surgery.
How Do They Compare?
Let’s look at some of the major differences between TURP and UroLift to help you decide which one might be right for you.
1. Who’s a Good Candidate?
- TURP: Best for men with larger prostates or more severe symptoms. It’s often recommended when the prostate is too big for UroLift to be effective.
- UroLift: Works well for men with mild to moderate symptoms and smaller to medium-sized prostates. It’s a great choice if you want a quick recovery and want to avoid major surgery.
2. Recovery Time
- TURP: Most men stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. You may need a catheter for a few days afterward. Full recovery can take several weeks.
- UroLift: Recovery is much quicker. Many men go home the same day and return to normal activity within a few days. You might have mild discomfort or urinary symptoms for a week or two.
3. Long-Term Results
- TURP: Known for lasting results. Most men enjoy strong urine flow and fewer symptoms for 10 years or more.
- UroLift: Results typically last about 5 years. Some men may need a second treatment later on, but it’s still a good option for those who want to delay surgery.
4. Sexual Side Effects
This is a big concern for many men—and an important part of choosing the right treatment.
- TURP: Can cause retrograde ejaculation (semen flows backward into the bladder), which doesn’t harm your health but can affect fertility and satisfaction. Rarely, it may cause erectile dysfunction.
- UroLift: Has little to no risk of sexual side effects. It helps preserve both ejaculation and erections, which makes it a top choice for younger men or those concerned about intimacy.
5. Anesthesia and Setting
- TURP: Requires spinal or general anesthesia and is done in a hospital.
- UroLift: Performed in the office or surgery center with local anesthesia. No hospital stay is needed.
6. Risks and Side Effects
- TURP: May cause bleeding, infection, or short-term trouble urinating. These are usually mild and go away with time.
- UroLift: May cause temporary burning with urination, urgency, or pelvic discomfort. These symptoms typically improve within a couple of weeks.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing between TURP and UroLift depends on:
- Your prostate size
- Your overall health
- How serious your symptoms are
- Your concerns about sexual side effects
- How fast you want to recover
- Whether you prefer a long-term fix or a quick, low-risk option
Talking with an experienced Urologist in Brooklyn, like Dr. Jon Lazare, can help you make the best choice for your body and your life.
Final Thoughts
Both TURP and UroLift are effective treatments for BPH, and each has its own benefits. TURP is a time-tested solution for men with larger prostates or more serious symptoms. UroLift is a newer, less invasive option that offers quicker recovery and fewer sexual side effects.
If you’re struggling with BPH and want to explore your options, Dr. Lazare and his team at Lazare Urology are here to help. With expert care and the latest treatments, you can find relief—and get back to living your life without constant bathroom trips or discomfort.
Ready to take the next step? It starts with a conversation.
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