Endoscopic Resection of Prostate (TURP)

What does this procedure involve? 

The prostate gland sits around your urethra (waterpipe) as it leaves the bladder and, when it enlarges, it may block the flow of urine.

TURP involves telescopic removal of the obstructing, central part of the prostate with diathermy (electric current), creating a wide channel to allow urine to flow more easily.

We usually insert a temporary bladder catheter at the end of the operation.

Key points

• TURP involves coring out your prostate gland to improve the flow of urine
• TURP is the operation usually performed to improve urine flow and most men get good relief of their symptoms
• A bladder catheter is used for a short time after the operation to wash out blood clots
• The most common after-effects are inability to emit semen during ejaculation and temporary bleeding, burning or urinary frequency
• On average, the procedure takes between 45 & 60 minutes to complete
• You should expect to be in hospital for one to three nights, although in some hospitals, the procedures is done as a day case