TURP
What exactly is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
The prostate gland is exclusively present in men. It rests underneath the bladder and wraps around the urethra. The urethra is the tube that transports pee from the body. The prostate gland contributes to the production of sperm.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that removes sections of the prostate gland via the penis. No cuts (incisions) are required.
The surgeon enters the prostate by inserting an instrument (resectoscope) via the end of the penis and the urethra. This instrument is about 12 inches long and half an inch in diameter. It contains an LED camera and valves for controlling irrigation fluid. It also has an electrical wire loop for cutting tissue and sealing blood arteries. The surgeon uses a wire loop to remove the tissue obstructing the urethra one piece at a time. The irrigating fluid transports the bits of tissue into the bladder. They are flushed out at the conclusion of the treatment. This operation is also known as the button TURP. Instead of a loop, a little button-shaped device on the end of the resectoscope vaporizes prostate tissue with an electrical current.
Why would I need a TURP?
TURP is most often performed to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. This is most often caused by benign prostate hyperplasia. BPH is not cancerous. It’s a normal aspect of aging. When the prostate gland enlarges, it may push on the urethra, interfering with or blocking the flow of urine from the body.
A TURP may be performed just to alleviate symptoms, rather than to cure the condition. For example, if you are unable to pee due to prostate cancer, surgery to remove the prostate is not an option. Then you may require a TURP.
There might be additional reasons why your healthcare physician recommends a TURP.
What are the dangers associated with a TURP?
All treatments include hazards. This surgery may have the following risks:
- Bladder Injury
- Bleeding
- Blood in the pee after surgery
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Infection
- Loss of Erections
- Painful or difficult urinating
- Ejaculated sperm enters the bladder rather than exiting the penis (retrograde ejaculation), or ejaculation may be lost.
- Scar tissue
Depending on your condition, you may face additional hazards. Prior to the treatment, discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.
What exactly occurs during a TURP?
TURP frequently necessitates a hospital stay. Procedures may differ based on your condition and your healthcare provider’s policies.
Generally, a TURP follows this procedure:
You will be given anesthetic to put you to sleep during the surgery. Sometimes a drug is used to numb your body from the waist down while keeping you awake (spinal anesthesia). Your feet will be put in high stirrups.
Throughout the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and blood oxygen levels will be constantly monitored.
After you’ve been sedated, a breathing tube may be inserted down your throat into your lungs and attached to a ventilator. This will help you breathe during operation. If you are under spinal anesthesia, you will not need a breathing tube.
The surgeon may initially use a tiny tube (cystoscope) to check the urethra and bladder. This features a light and a camera at one end. This tube is inserted through the tip of the penis and into the urethra and bladder. This allows the healthcare professional to assess these locations for bladder tumors or stones.
Next, the resectoscope is inserted into the urethra. It is performed to remove portions of prostate tissue that are bulging or obstructing the urethra. Electricity will be delivered via the resectoscope to halt any bleeding. The particles are flushed into the bladder. They are then emptied via the urethra.
The resectoscope is removed.
The healthcare professional will insert a soft, flexible tube (catheter) into your bladder to remove pee.
What occurs after the TURP?
In the hospital.
- Following the treatment, you may be sent to a recovery room and carefully monitored. When your blood pressure, pulse, and respiration are steady and you are awake, you will be transferred to your hospital room.
- You may get pain medication as required. This may be administered by a nurse. You may also administer it yourself using a device attached to your IV line.
- When you are awake, you may begin to consume beverages. You will be able to consume solid meals once you are ready to manage them.
- The catheter will remain in place for 1–3 days. This is to facilitate urine drainage while your prostate gland recovers. You will most likely have blood in your urine after surgery. A bag of solution may be linked to the catheter to flush blood and any clots from your bladder and catheter. The bleeding will gradually lessen. Next, the catheter will be withdrawn.
- Plans will be made for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Depending on your circumstances, your physician may provide you with additional advice after the surgery.
At home.
- Once you get home, you should drink plenty of water. This helps to remove any residual blood or clots from your bladder.
- You will be instructed not to do any hard lifting for many weeks after the TURP. This is intended to help avoid bleeding.
- You may feel painful for many days after a TURP. Take a pain reliever as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
- You should not drive unless your healthcare physician instructs you to. Other activity limits may apply.
If you have any of the following, call your healthcare provider:
- Fever and chills
- Urinary problems
- Trouble regulating your bladder.
- Changes in urine production, color, or odor
- Increased blood or clots in urine
Depending on your specific circumstances, your healthcare practitioner may provide you with additional instructions after the surgery.