TURP (Prostate Surgery)
This webpage will give you information about a
trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). If you have any
questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health
professional.
What causes prostate trouble?
Prostate trouble is caused by the growth of the prostate gland.
It is normal for the prostate gland to get bigger with age.
However, if the gland tightens around the urethra it can interrupt
the flow of urine from the bladder (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - An enlarged prostate gland narrows the urethra,
preventing urine from draining out of the bladder.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The benefits of surgery are a better flow of urine, improved
bladder emptying and less need to get up at night.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
For most men an operation is not essential. There are
medications available to treat the condition but this is rarely a
permanent solution.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general or spinal
anaesthetic. A TURP usually takes less than half an hour. Your
surgeon will insert a resectoscope (a small operating telescope)
into the urethra and remove enough prostate tissue to relieve the
pressure on your urethra.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Impotence
- Retention of urine
- Incontinence
- Reduction in fertility
- Narrowing of the urethra
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after three to four days. For the
first few times you pass urine, you will feel a stinging pain. You
should be able to return to work after four to six weeks. Most men
make a good recovery, with a big improvement in their symptoms.
Summary
Prostate trouble is common. If your medication does not help or
symptoms are severe, prostate surgery should relieve your
symptoms.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr John Lemberger FRCS
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins.
All rights reserved. This document is intended for information
purposes only and should not replace -advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the
information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or
otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your
personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital