What Is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)?

What Is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)?

When men get older, the prostate gland sometimes grows bigger. This can cause problems with peeing. One treatment doctors use is called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, or TURP for short. TURP is a surgery that helps relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

At Lazare Urology, TURP is one of the most common procedures we perform to help men feel better and live healthier.

Why Does the Prostate Cause Problems?

The prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate gets bigger, it can squeeze the urethra. This makes it hard for urine to flow freely.

As the prostate grows, common symptoms can include:

• Weak or slow urine stream
  
• Trouble starting or stopping peeing
  
• Needing to pee more often, especially at night
  
• Feeling like the bladder is never empty
  

This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, but it can make daily life harder.

What Is TURP?

TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It is a surgery used to remove the extra prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. The good news is that TURP doesn’t require cutting through the skin.

Here’s how it works:

• The doctor puts a small tool called a resectoscope into the tip of the penis and up into the urethra.
  
• The resectoscope has a tiny camera so the doctor can see inside.
  
• A special electric loop on the tool trims away the extra prostate tissue.
  
• The extra tissue is safely washed away during the procedure.
  

Because the surgeon works through the urethra, no outside incision (cut) is needed. This helps many men recover faster than with traditional surgery.

Who Might Need a TURP?

TURP is usually recommended when a man’s BPH symptoms are:

• Severe
  
• Not improving with medicine
  
• Causing bladder problems, infections, or kidney trouble
  

Doctors at Lazare Urology evaluate each patient carefully before deciding if TURP is the best choice. Some men may do well with medication or lifestyle changes, but others need surgery to feel better.

What Happens Before Surgery?

Before a TURP, your urologist will:

• Ask about symptoms and medical history
  
• Do a physical exam
  
• Order blood tests and urine tests
  
• Maybe take a prostate ultrasound or measure urine flow
  

This helps your doctor be sure TURP is the right choice and plan the procedure safely.

What Happens During the Surgery?

TURP usually takes about 60–90 minutes. Most men are given either general anesthesia (you sleep) or spinal anesthesia (numb from the waist down).

During the surgery:

• A sterile tube (resectoscope) goes through the urethra
  
• Extra prostate tissue is removed bit by bit
  
• A special solution washes the area
  
• A temporary catheter may be placed to help with urination after the procedure
  

You typically stay in the hospital for 1–2 days afterwards, but many men go home the same day depending on their health.

What to Expect After TURP

After surgery, you may feel:

• Burning when peeing
  
• A small amount of blood in urine
  
• Urgency to urinate
  

These are common and usually go away over time. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself at home, including:

• Drinking lots of fluids
  
• Avoiding heavy lifting
  
• Taking medications as prescribed
  

Most men feel much better within a few weeks, and improvements in urine flow are often noticeable soon after surgery.

Benefits of TURP

TURP is considered the gold standard surgery for enlarged prostate problems. Many men experience:

• Stronger urine stream
  
• Less urgency and frequency
  
• Better bladder emptying
  
• Improved quality of life
  

It can also help prevent more serious problems like bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and damage to the kidneys.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

Every surgery has risks. Some possible side effects of TURP include:

• Temporary bleeding
  
• Urinary tract infection
  
• Difficulty controlling urine (rare)
  
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes backward into bladder)
  

Your urologist at Lazare Urology will explain all risks and help you make the best decision for your health.

Is TURP Right for You?

Not every man with BPH needs TURP. Some men respond well to:

• Medicines
  
• Lifestyle changes
  
• Minimally invasive therapies
  

But if symptoms are serious or don’t improve with other treatments, TURP may be the best option. It has helped millions of men regain comfort and confidence.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you are having trouble with urination or suspect an enlarged prostate, don’t wait. Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you choose the most effective treatment. The urology experts at Lazare Urology are here to guide you through every step of care.

Whether it’s explaining your symptoms, answering questions about TURP, or managing your recovery, we are committed to your comfort and health.

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