Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: Do You Need TURP Surgery?

For men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), transurethral resection of the prostate offers one option for relief of troublesome symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty urinating.

BPH is a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged and causes uncomfortable symptoms for many older men. According to Healthline, symptoms of BPH include difficulty starting urination, starting and stopping urination, feeling urinary urgency, waking at night to urinate, and not being able to fully empty the bladder.

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The pressure of an enlarged prostate can cause frequent UTIs, painful bladder stones, and kidney damage if left untreated. 

Nearly all men will develop BPH or other bladder problems if they live long enough, but the severity of symptoms varies greatly, according to WebMD. Some men have only mild symptoms, while others have more severe symptoms that greatly disrupt their lives.

Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP surgery, is often considered when severe symptoms are present.

Studies cited by WebMD have shown that at least 70 percent of men who have TURP surgery see improvement of their symptoms and that men experience approximately 85 percent improvement in their American Urological Association symptom index scores.

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TURP surgery is done by inserting a resectoscope into the urethra and trimming the excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow. TURP may also be done in some cases of prostate cancer when the prostate can’t be removed completely.

According to Johns Hopkins Health Library, TURP surgery can have complications including infection, retrograde ejaculation, blood clots, and sexual dysfunction. In rare instances, men can lose urine control completely after surgery or experience urethral stricture from scar tissue. Eight percent of men will need to have TURP surgery again in five years.

Following TURP surgery, men should drink plenty of water to flush out blood and clots from the bladder. Heavy lifting and sexual activity are prohibited for four to six weeks, and men should not allow themselves to become constipated, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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