TURP Surgery

Transurethral resection of the prostate tends to be considered an effective treatment choice for men who have moderate to serious urinary problems that haven't gotten better with medicine. This surgery has a high success rate in relieving urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland. However, as with any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and urinary incontinence. The overall procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes to do. 

Benefits of TURP Surgery:

1. Symptom Relief: Transurethral resection of the prostate effectively reduces urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and weak urine flow.

2. Improved Quality of Life: Many patients experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life after the surgery, allowing them to engage in daily activities without discomfort.

3. Minimally Invasive: TURP is considered a minimally invasive procedure compared to open surgery, which means less pain and a quicker recovery time.

4. Long-lasting Results: The results of TURP are generally long-lasting, and many patients enjoy relief from symptoms for years.

5. No Need for Ongoing Medication: After Transurethral resection of the prostate, many patients find they no longer need medications to manage their symptoms, which can save money and reduce side effects.

Risks of TURP Surgery:

1. Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the procedure, which may require additional treatment.

2. Infection: Like any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can occur in the urinary tract.

3. Urinary Incontinence: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) after surgery.

4. Erectile Dysfunction: Although rare, some men may experience erectile dysfunction following Transurethral resection of the prostate.

5. Retrograde Ejaculation: This occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during ejaculation. It can affect fertility but is not harmful.

6. Need for Additional Procedures: In some cases, patients may require further treatments or surgeries if symptoms return or complications arise.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat an enlarged prostate gland that is causing urinary symptoms. The patient is given either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable during the procedure. The surgeon inserts a resectoscope, which is a small, tube-like instrument, through the penis and into the urethra. Using a wire loop attached to the resectoscope, the surgeon removes small portions of the prostate gland that are obstructing the flow of urine.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure in simple language:

Before the Procedure:

1. Consultation: The patient meets with a urologist to discuss symptoms, medical history, and the reasons for surgery. Tests may include a physical exam, blood tests, or imaging studies.

2. Preoperative Instructions: The doctor provides instructions, which may include:

   • Avoiding certain medications (like blood thinners) before surgery.
   • Not eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure.

3. Anesthesia: The patient may discuss anesthesia options with the doctor, which could include general anesthesia (the patient is asleep) or spinal anesthesia (the lower body is numbed).

During the Procedure:

1. Positioning: The patient is positioned comfortably on the operating table, usually lying on their back.

2. Anesthesia Administration: Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

3. Insertion of the Resectoscope: The surgeon inserts a special instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The resectoscope has a camera and cutting tools.

4. Resection of Prostate Tissue: Using the resectoscope, the surgeon carefully removes excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary obstruction. This process involves:

   • Cutting away small pieces of the prostate.
   • Using irrigation fluid to wash away blood and tissue, ensuring clear visibility.

5. Completion: Once enough tissue has been removed, the surgeon withdraws the resectoscope and checks for any bleeding.

6. Catheter Placement: A catheter (a thin tube) is often placed in the bladder to help drain urine during recovery.

After the Procedure:

1. Recovery in the Hospital: The patient is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Vital signs will be checked, and pain relief is provided.

2. Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. The catheter typically remains in place for a few days to help the bladder heal.

3. Home Care Instructions: Before leaving, the doctor provides instructions for home care, which may include:

   • Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the bladder.
   • Managing any pain with prescribed medications.
   • Watching for signs of infection (like fever or increased pain).

4. Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a few weeks to check on healing and to remove the catheter if it hasn’t been done earlier.

The removed tissue is then flushed out of the bladder. The surgeon monitors the patient's condition during the procedure and stops the bleeding using specialized tools. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours. After the procedure, the patient will be closely monitored for any complications and will typically stay in the hospital for a few days. They will need to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.