Transurethral Resection of the Prostate – TURP

What is TURP?

Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, is a procedure performed to treat BPH or benign enlargement of the prostate.  The prostate is a male sex gland that is situated below the bladder and wraps around the urethra.  The urethra is the tube that runs the length of the penis and carries the urine from the urinary bladder to the outside.  When the prostate enlarges, it compresses the urethra and blocks the flow of urine.  The TURP removes the inside of the prostate and eliminates urinary blockage.

Who is a Candidate for TURP?

If you have moderate to severe difficulty urinating due to BPH, you are a candidate for the TURP.  Prior to undergoing surgery, you should first be treated with medication.  If the medication fails to improve your symptoms or has intolerable side effects then the next step is the TURP.

You should consider the TURP if you have the following symptoms despite a trial of medication:

• Frequent urination during the day and night
• Urgent urination
• Urgency incontinence
• Slow urination
• Interruption of the urine stream
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Urinary tract infections.

How to Prepare for the TURP Procedure

Before your procedure, Dr. Lazare will explain the procedure to you, and you will be able to ask any questions that you may have. He will also review your health history and perform a physical exam to ensure you are in good health. Be sure to disclose any allergies or sensitivities to medications. Also, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as soon as possible to help improve recovery and your overall health.

The TURP Procedure

This surgery can be done under general or spinal anesthesia, and usually takes 60-90 minutes to complete. To start the procedure, Dr. Lazare inserts a fiber-optic telescope called a cystoscope into the urethra.  He then advances the scope to the prostate.  Dr. Lazare then uses a small loop containing electrical current to cut away prostatic tissue under direct vision.  All excess prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine is trimmed away. No incisions are created on the outside of the body, so you won’t have to worry about the formation of unsightly scars.

TURP Recovery

After the TURP procedure, most patients are discharged home from the hospital the following morning.  They go home with a urinary catheter attached to a leg bag.  Dr. Lazare will remove the catheter in his office two days later.

During the following week, you may see some blood in your urine and experience painful urination. These symptoms should improve with time. Please drink plenty of water as this prevents the formation of blood clots.  These blood clots can potentially interfere with your ability to urinate.

Once you return home, it is generally recommended that you:

• Drink plenty of water to flush out the bladder.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks.
• Avoid sex for 2 weeks
• Avoid drinking alcohol until you are no longer taking pain medication

If at any time during recovery you are unable to urinate, you notice bright red blood or large blood clots in the urine, or you develop a fever over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, contact Dr. Lazare right away.

What Are the Risks of the TURP?

The recovery is smooth in most patients. The procedure rarely causes incontinence or impotence.  The TURP, however, will cause you to ejaculate less fluid. You should not have this procedure if you want to have more children.

More severe complications occur infrequently. They include significant bleeding and urinary tract infections. Occasionally, the TURP results in the “TUR” syndrome which is due to the absorption of excess fluid during the operation. This is usually treated with water restriction, a diuretic, and the intravenous infusion of concentrated saline.

In Dr. Lazare’s hands, serious complications occur about 1 % of the time.

What Are the Results of the TURP?

Of all the procedures performed upon the prostate for BPH, the TURP is considered the “gold standard”. The TURP procedure has been around for almost 100 years and has stood the test of time.  The procedure relieves symptoms quickly and effectively in the vast majority of patients. The results of the procedure are durable for about 15 years.  After 15 years, you may require a repeat TURP. 

Contact Us

If you are looking for a solution for symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate in Brookyn, Dr. Lazare can help. Get started today by contacting our Brooklyn, NY office today to schedule your appointment.