What is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, is a surgical procedure that removes parts of the prostate glands to relieve symptoms and as treatment brought about by the enlargement of the prostate.

For more information about this procedure, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness – Urology Center.

The prostate is a gland that only men have. It is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is responsible for making fluid that contains the sperm, this fluid will protect the sperm when they travel towards the woman’s egg during intercourse.

TURP is recommended if you have the following condition:

• Bladder stones with prostate enlargement
• Bleeding from the prostate
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Bladder control issues due to prostate problems
• Damage to the kidneys due to the inability to urinate

If your prostate gland is enlarged, it can put pressure on your bladder and urethra and can give you a hard time peeing. Some of the symptoms may improve after you undergo transurethral resection of the prostate, which includes:

• A weak flow of urine
• Frequency of peeing
• Sudden urge to pee
• Waking up frequently during the night to pee
• Inability to completely empty your bladder

Before you get qualified to undergo this procedure, your urologist will perform a complete physical exam to determine your overall health condition. You will also need to treat any existing medical condition that you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and lung problems. if you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking several weeks before your surgery. And you will be asked to stop taking other medications and drugs that can thin your blood and other supplements.

The following will also be considered before the surgery:

• The size of your prostate gland
• The severity of your symptoms

Transurethral resection is done by using a device called a resectoscope, which will be inserted through the tip of your penis and into the tube that carries urine from your bladder. The resectoscope is about twelve inches long and half an inch in diameter, and contains a lighted camera and valves that control irrigating fluid. This will help the urologist on removing the tissue that blocks the urethra one piece at a time.

Like many other surgeries, although TURP is a common type of prostate surgery, this procedure comes with risks. These risks can include:

• Blood clots
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Heart attack during the surgery
• Reactions to medicines

After the surgery, there are also additional risks, and they can include:

• Problems with urine control
• Erection problems
• Loss of sperm fertility
• Urethral stricture
• Transurethral resection syndrome
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Damage to internal organs

If you have questions regarding transurethral resection of the prostate, our urologists at Doral Health and Wellness – Urology Center are always at your service to guide and answer your questions. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 to book an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690, or visit our website at http://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/ to book an appointment online.