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About the Surgery |
TURP is one of the most common operations performed in men over the age of 65. It is used to treat patients with urinary symptoms due to moderate to severe benign prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, BPH). The aim is to remove the core of the prostate from inside the gland to create an open channel, whilst avoiding the muscles and nerves that are important to maintain urinary continence and erectile function. |
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Aim of Surgery |
· Relief of urinary symptoms - stronger flow, less frequent toilet visits day and night, less urgency to urinate |
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How Long is Surgery |
· 60 minutes |
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Anaesthetic |
· General anaesthesia (unconscious)
OR
· Spinal anaesthesia – injection into the back (numb below waist) |
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Incision/Cut |
· No skin incisions – the entire operation is performed through the opening of the penis and all cuts are made internally |
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Description of Surgery |
· An instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the opening of your penis. It has a telescope and an electrical cutting loop at the end which enables the surgeon to view and remove the part of the prostate that is causing the blockage. The loop “cores” out the inside of the prostate one piece at a time to create an open channel. Irrigating fluid flows through the resectoscope continuously, removing tissue debris from the bladder. A urinary catheter (a narrow tube that is passed through the opening of the penis into the bladder) is inserted at the end of surgery |
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Complications of Surgery |
· “Dry ejaculation” (Retrograde ejaculation) – semen passes backwards into the bladder during ejaculation instead of passing down the urethra
·Excessive bleeding - may occur up to 6 weeks after surgery (even after your urine is normal in colour)
·Not able to pass urine – due to clots, swelling of bladder or bladder weakness requiring reinsertion of the urinary catheter for up to 2 weeks.
·Loss of bladder control (Incontinence) – usually improves in a few weeks but may be permanent (very rare)
·Erection problems 3-10%
·Infection 5%
·Scarring of the bladder neck causing narrowing (stricture)
·Injury to rectum (very rare)
·TURP syndrome – excessive absorption of irrigating fluid (rare) |
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Duration of Hospital Stay |
· 2 - 3 days |
