Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure by which portions of the prostate gland are removed through the urethra. The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system.

It consists of three lobes, and surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra (tube that channels urine from the bladder to the outside through the tip of the penis). The prostate weighs approximately one ounce (28 g), and is walnut-shaped. It is partly muscular and partly glandular, with ducts opening into the urethra. It secretes an antigen called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid (semen) that carries sperm.

A common prostate disorder is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). BPH is due to hormonal changes in the prostate, and is characterized by the enlargement or overgrowth of the gland as a result of an increase in the number of its constituent cells. BPH can raise PSA levels two to three times higher than normal. Men with increased PSA levels have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer. BPH usually affects the innermost part of the prostate first, and enlargement frequently results in a gradual squeezing of the urethra at the point where it runs through the prostate. The squeezing sometimes causes urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating. BPH may progress to the point of generating a dense capsule that blocks the flow of urine from the bladder, resulting in the inability to completely empty the bladder. Eventually, this could lead to bladder and kidney malfunction.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the treatment of choice for BPH, and the most common surgery performed for the condition. “Transurethral” refers to the procedure being performed through the urethra. “Resection ” refers to surgical removal.

2.When is it indicated?

Prostate disease usually occurs in men over age 40. BPH eventually develops in approximately 80% of all men. Prostate cancer occurs in one out of 10 men.

3.What happens during the procedure?

TURP is a type of transurethral surgery that does not involve an external incision. The surgeon reaches the prostate by inserting an instrument through the urethra. In addition to TURP, two other types of transurethral surgery are commonly performed, transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and transurethral laser incision of the prostate (TULIP). The TUIP procedure widens the urethra by making small cuts in the bladder neck (where the urethra and bladder meet), and in the prostate gland itself. In TULIP, a laser beam directed through the urethra melts the tissue.

The actual TURP procedure is simple. It is performed under general or local anesthesia. After an IV is inserted, the surgeon first examines the patient with a cystoscope, an instrument that allows him or her to see inside the bladder. The surgeon then inserts a device up the urethra via the penis opening, and removes the excess capsule material that has been restricting the flow of urine. The density of the normal prostate differs from that of the restricting capsule, making it relatively easy for the surgeon to tell exactly how much to remove. After excising the capsule material, the surgeon inserts a catheter into the bladder through the urethra for the subsequent withdrawal of urine.

4. How to prepare patients for TURP?

To prepare for TURP, patients should:

• Select an experienced TURP surgeon to perform the procedure.
• Purchase a mild natural bulk-forming laxative.
• Wear loose clothing on the morning of surgery.
• Ask friends or family to be available for assistance after surgery.
• Schedule a week off from work.
• Get sufficient sleep on the night before surgery.

5. What happens after the procedure?

When the patient awakens in the recovery room after the procedure, he already has a catheter in his penis, and is receiving pain medication via the IV line inserted prior to surgery.

The initial recovery period lasts approximately one week, and includes some pain and discomfort from the urinary catheter. Spastic convulsions of the bladder and prostate are expected as they respond to the surgical changes. The following medications are commonly prescribed after TURP:

• Bulk-forming laxative. Because of the surgical trauma and large quantities of liquids that patients are required to drink, they may need some form of laxative to promote normal bowel movements.

When discharged from the hospital, patients are advised to:

• Refrain from alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid sexual activities for a few weeks.
• Avoid driving a car for a week or more.
• Keep domestic activities to a minimum.
• Avoid weight lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Check their temperature and report any fever to the physician.
• Practice good hygiene, especially of the hands and penis.
• Drink plenty of liquids.

 6.What are the risks of the procedure?

Serious complications are less common for prostate surgery patients because of advances in operative methods. These are seen infrequently and not all the ones listed below are applicable to one individual.  However it is important that you are aware of the complications/risks that may arise out of this procedure which are as below:

1. The first is the possible development of incontinence, the inability to control urination, which may result in urine leakage or dribbling, especially just after surgery. Normal control usually returns within several weeks or months after surgery, but some patients have become permanently incontinent.
2. There is also a risk of retrograde ejaculation.
3. Other risks associated with TURP include:

• blood loss requiring transfusion
• postoperative urinary tract infection
• unsatisfactory long-term outcome
• Stricture urethra in long term

1. TURP syndrome effects 2–6% of TURP patients. Symptoms may include temporary blindness due to irrigation fluid entering the bloodstream. On very rare occasions, this can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. The syndrome may also include toxic shock due to bacteria entering the bloodstream, as well as internal hemorrhage.
2. Normal post-operative symptoms include:

• urination at night and reduced flow
• mild burning and stinging sensation while urinating
• reduced semen at ejaculation
• bladder control problems
• mild bladder spasms
• fatigue
• urination linked to bowel movements

To eliminate these symptoms, patients are advised to:

• Perineal exercise.
• Retrain their bladder.
• Take all medications that were prescribed after TURP .
• Inform themselves via support groups or pertinent reading.
• Get plenty of rest to facilitate the post-surgery healing process.