Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate, commonly known as TURP, is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urine flow, and a weak urine stream. TURP aims to alleviate these symptoms by removing excess prostate tissue. Those who have opted for this surgery have reported an average of 85% to 90% improvement in urine flow
How Can You Benefit From This Surgery?
- TURP effectively relieves bothersome urinary symptoms associated with BPH, improving the patient’s quality of life.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, which means it is performed through the urethra without the need for external incisions.
- This also means that there are fewer chances of complications and a faster recovery time.
- The surgery has a long track record of success in treating BPH, with many patients experiencing significant symptom improvement.
How Is It Done?
- On the day of the procedure, you’ll be given either general or spinal anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- As you lie on the operation table with your legs raised, the surgeon will insert a urinary catheter into your urethra to drain your bladder. This catheter will remain in place for a period after the procedure.
- He will then insert a thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope which will help him see the inside of your prostate and urethra.
- Through the cystoscope, the surgeon will pass a specialized instrument called a resectoscope into the urethra and up to the prostate. The resectoscope has a wire loop or blade at the end.
- Using the wire loop or blade, the urology surgeon will carefully remove small pieces of the prostate tissue. These pieces are then flushed into the bladder and eventually removed at the end of the procedure.
- To control bleeding, the surgeon may use an electric current to cauterize blood vessels within the prostate.
- The catheter is connected to a drainage bag to collect urine. It remains in place for a few days to allow the bladder and urethra to heal.
- After the procedure, you’ll spend some time in the recovery room. Depending on your specific case, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
Post-Operative Care:
The post-operative care is most crucial to ensure quick recovery and satisfactory results. This includes religiously following the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. It also includes cleaning the catheter and the pee bag regularly. Do not forget to take ample rest while you recover. Do not miss the follow-up appointments so that the urologist can assess your progress, remove the catheter, and discuss any concerns or complications. You should be able to resume your regular life after a few weeks.
Remember that medical procedures and outcomes can vary from person to person. So, discuss your conditions and treatment options with our chief urologist, Dr. Priyank Salecha, to devise a tailored plan that will best enhance the quality of your life.
