Trans-Urethral Resection Of The Prostate (TURP)

What is TURP Surgery?

Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate gland, commonly referred to as TURP, is carried out primarily to relieve the obstruction caused by an enlarged Prostate.

Although, it can be performed to improve waterworks symptoms, it is not the type of operation that is usually carried out in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Why is TURP Surgery  (Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate Surgery) Performed?

The outcomes sought after Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) surgery are to relieve the following conditions:

  • problems starting to urinate such as a weak urine flow or stopping and starting
  • having to strain to pass urine
  • a frequent need to urinate during the day and night
  • a sudden urge to urinate
  • being unable to empty your bladder fully, and

TURP Surgery may also be done to treat or prevent complications due to blocked urine flow, such as

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Kidney or bladder damage
  • Inability to control urination or an inability to urinate at all
  • Bladder stones
  • Blood in your urine
  • Large bladder diverticulae (Outpouchings)

TURP typically relieves symptoms quickly. Most men experience a significantly stronger urine flow within a few days.

BPH, enlarged prostate, TURP, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Before and After TURP

About Trans-Urethral Resection of The Prostate Surgery

The duration of TURP procedure varies based on many factors (ie. size prostate) but normally takes between 45 and 60 minutes. The operation is performed by:

  • Passing a telescopic instrument in through the eye of the penis and up the urethra into the area of the prostate. Dr Kim will not need to make any cuts (incisions) on the outside of your body,
  • A special electrical loop is used to trim tissues that are causing enlarged prostate and its related bothersome symptoms and these pieces can then be flushed out,
  • The internal lining of the bladder is routinely inspected to ensure no injury to ureteric orifices and other landmarks and retrieval of all the tissues.
  • Dr Kim will check for haemostasis (to double check bloodless field) at the end of the procedure

The catheter (a plastic tube that drains urine from the bladder) used and usually kept in place from anything between one to two days after the surgery.

Whilst the catheter is in place, irrigating fluid can be instilled at the same time as the urine drains into a bag. Nurses change the irrigating fluid and bag at regular intervals.

Typically, you will be given a general anaesthetic but can be performed under spinal anaesthetics. This involves the placement of a needle into your lower back and after the injection of anaesthetic drugs; you will be completely numb from the waist down. Your anaesthetist will discuss this further with you.

The usual length of stay in hospital is 2 days.

Risks of  the Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate Surgery

There is a very high success rate associated with TURP,

However, any surgery involves risks that need to be considered. While uncommon the risks with TURP surgery can include:

  • Significant bleeding – requiring a blood transfusion (1%)
  • infection in the urine – although this risk is minimised by the routine administration of antibiotics
  • Incontinence – rare (less than 0.5%) and can be treatable
  • Impotence – very uncommon, but there are many treatments available.
  • Retrograde Ejaculation – very common and involves the absence of any fluid when you have a sexual orgasm.

Recovery after TURP Surgery

During the postoperative recovery period, some Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate Surgery patients some patients can experience some issues.

Urination

It is usual to have irritative urinary symptoms shortly after surgery. In particular, you may experience:

  • Irritation during urination,
  • Urinary frequency +/- urgency where you may find it difficult to hold or reach the toilet in time.

Blood In Urine

It is not uncommon to see some blood in the urine for up to few weeks after the operation. If you do see blood, you should increase your oral fluid intake to at least two to three litres of fluid per day (unless you have any medical reason not to do so)

You can back off on your fluid intake if your urine is clear.

If you develop excessively bright blood in your urine or experience difficulty to pass urine, you should contact Dr Kim or attend emergency department.

Resumption of Normal Activities

It is critically important to avoid any activity that involves straining or exertion for at least four weeks after TURP surgery.

Such activities include heavy lifting (for example, grocery shopping, picking up children etc.).

While there is no restriction on walking, during your four week recovery time, you should not

  • mow the lawn
  • play any sports that may involve some exertion such as golf or tennis.

You may resume driving a motor vehicle after two weeks. You should initially commence this with small trips and you should avoid any long car trips for at least four weeks.

You should try to have plenty of fibre in your diet and should you experience any problems with constipation, it is critically important that you do not strain and if you require help for constipation see your pharmacist or family doctor.

You should also try to avoid any sexual activity for the next four weeks.

If you’d like to know more about Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate Surgery in Sydney, contact Advanced Urology now!

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