Transurethral Resection of th... Health Article

TURP is a type of surgery used to treat a benign enlargement of the prostate, also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).  This surgical treatment removes prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra. This helps relieve symptoms. TURP is the most common BPH procedure. But certain other procedures also help relieve BPH symptoms. Your doctor may do one of these instead of TURP. They include TUIP, TUNA, or laser ablation. If you will have one of these procedures, your doctor can tell you more about it. Your preparation and experience during surgery will be similar to TURP. 

Preparing for Surgery

Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. For instance, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications a few days before the procedure. If your procedure will be done in a hospital, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything after the midnight before surgery. Be sure to follow any special instructions you’re given.

During the TURP Procedure

• An IV (intravenous) line is put into your hand or arm. You’ll be given pain medication through the IV. This medication probably won’t put you completely to sleep. But you’ll be sleepy and feel no pain.

• The doctor inserts a cystoscope  (a thin, telescope-like tool) into your urethra. This tool lets your doctor see the blocked part of the urethra.

• A tool is inserted through the cystoscope. This is used to remove the excess prostate tissue. The cut pieces of tissue collect in the bladder. The doctor then washes them out of the bladder with water.

• The tissue pieces are sent to the lab to be sure they are free of cancer.