Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is a treatment that treats urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, often known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TUIP is often utilized in younger men who have a small prostate and are worried about their fertility.
A combination visual and surgical equipment (resectoscope) is introduced via the tip of the penis into the tube that transports urine from your bladder (urethra). The prostate surrounds the urethra. The doctor creates one or two tiny grooves in the region where the prostate and bladder meet (bladder neck) to expand the urinary channel and enable urine to move more readily.
TUIP is one of numerous minimally invasive treatments available for BPH. Your doctor will examine the severity of your symptoms, any other health issues you may have, and the size and form of your prostate before deciding on the best BPH treatment option.
Why it is done.
TUIP helps to minimize urinary signs and symptoms caused by BPH, such as:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty beginning to urinate
- Slow (prolonged) urinating
- Increased urination at night
- Stopping and stopping when urinating
- The sensation of being unable to fully empty the bladder.
- Urinary tract infections.
TUIP may also be used to treat or prevent problems associated with obstructed urine flow, including:
- Recurring urinary tract infections.
- Kidney or bladder injury.
- Inability to regulate urine or to pee at all.
- Bladder Stones
- Blood in the Urine
TUIP has various benefits over other techniques of treating BPH, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy. The benefits may include:
- Reduced chance of bleeding. Men who use blood thinners or have a bleeding problem that prevents normal blood clotting may benefit from TUIP.
- Short hospital stay. TUIP may be performed as an outpatient procedure, however some men may need an overnight stay for monitoring. If you have additional health issues, TUIP may be a safer alternative to surgery.
- Reduced likelihood of dry orgasm. TUIP is less likely than other BPH therapies to induce semen to be released into the bladder instead of the penis (retrograde ejaculation). Retrograde ejaculation is not hazardous, but it may impair the capacity to father a child.
Risks
TUIP is typically considered safe, with few if any severe problems. Possible hazards of TUIP may include:
- Urination becomes difficult temporarily. You may have problems urinating for a few days after the surgery. Until you can pee on your own, you may need a tube (catheter) put into your penis to transport urine from your bladder.
- A urinary tract infection. This form of infection is a risk after any prostate operation. An infection is more likely to develop the longer you have a catheter in place. Antibiotics are often used as part of treatment.
- The need for re-treatment. TUIP may be less helpful in relieving urinary problems than other minimally invasive therapies or surgeries. You may need to have more BPH treatment.
What You Can Expect
You will be given either a general anesthetic to put you to sleep or a spinal block to prevent sensation from the waist down.
During the operation.
- Your doctor may place numbing gel within your urethra and numb the prostate region with an injection administered via your rectum.
- Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your doctor will introduce a resectoscope into the tip of your penis and stretch it to the prostate.
- The resectoscope has a lens or camera, a cutting instrument, and valves that discharge fluid to clean the surgical region.
- Using the resectoscope, the doctor makes one or two cuts (incisions) on the prostate’s inner surface.
Following the process.
- You may undergo TUIP as an outpatient, or you may need to remain in the hospital overnight for observation.
- Because swelling prevents urine flow, you will most likely need a urinary catheter. The catheter is typically withdrawn after one to three days. You will most likely be prescribed medications to avoid a urinary tract infection.
You may notice:
- Blood in the pee. This usually lasts many days.
- Urinary symptoms may be irritating. You may experience an urgent or frequent need to pee, or you may have to get up more often throughout the night to urinate. Most men feel burning, particularly at the tip of the penis and at the conclusion of urine. These symptoms often persist many days.
- Difficulty retaining urine. Loss of bladder control (incontinence) may develop when your bladder is acclimated to pushing urine through a narrower urethra caused by enlarged prostate tissue. Most men’s issues improve with time.
- A urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections are a risk after any enlarged prostate surgery. The longer you have a catheter in place, the higher your risk of infection.
Results
It may take many weeks before you see any relief in your urinary problems. If you detect any increasing urinary problems over time, see your doctor. Certain men need further BPH therapy.