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Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I'm having an operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). How long will it take to recover from my operation?

The time it will take for you to recover will depend on the type of surgery you're having. It may take up to six weeks for you to notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Explanation

There are a number of different techniques used for the surgical treatment of BPH. Your surgeon will advise on which is most suitable for you.

If you have the most common type of operation, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it will take about six weeks before your symptoms improve. In the meantime you may have to urinate more frequently than usual.

After your operation you shouldn't drive for about six weeks and you shouldn't have sex for two weeks. When you start having sex again the amount of semen you ejaculate may be reduced. This happens because sometimes the semen flows backwards into your bladder (retrograde ejaculation). This is harmless but may make your urine appear cloudy and can reduce your fertility.

You may have some blood in your urine or semen for about two weeks. This is common but can be worrying because a small amount of blood can colour your urine brightly. If the blood continues to be present in your urine for more than two weeks, you should talk to your GP.

There is no evidence that TURP increases the risk of impotence - some men find their erections improve.

If you develop a fever, have pain when passing urine or if your urine is smelly, you should see your GP as you may have an infection.

Further information

Sources

  • Longmore M, Wilkinson IB, Rajagopolan S. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004:262; 496-497
  • Guidelines on benign prostatic hyperplasia. European Association of Urology, 2004. www.uroweb.org
  • Some practical advice. Prostate UK. www.prostateuk.org, accessed 3 September 2008
  • Personal communication, Mr Raj Persad, Consultant Urologist, Spire Bristol Hospital, 10 October 2008
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I have heard about laser surgery for an enlarged prostate - what is this?

Using a laser is one option for 'minimally invasive' or keyhole surgery. Laser surgery uses energy to destroy the tissue of the prostate. Types of laser surgery include laser resection and photoselective vaporisation of the prostate.

Explanation

Laser resection (also known as laser enucleation) uses beams of laser light to cut out the prostate tissue. A small telescope is inserted into your urethra and a laser is used to target the prostate. The pieces of prostate tissue are then sucked out.

Photoselective vaporisation of the prostate uses a different type of laser that produces green light. This type of laser light is absorbed by tissue rich in blood, which means there is very little bleeding. The green laser light vaporises the prostate tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue so there is less scarring.

Both of these procedures offer advantages over the usual operation for enlarged prostate, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), including:

  • reduced bleeding
  • shorter hospital stay
  • reduced absorption of the fluid used to flush out the bladder

However, it's important to note that these procedures are more technically demanding than TURP and not as much is known about their long-term effects.

Your surgeon will advise whether laser surgery procedures are suitable for you.

Further information

Sources

  • Hanson RA, Zornow MH, Conlin MJ et al. Laser resection of the prostate: implications for anesthesia. Anesth Analg 2007; 105:475-479. www.anesthesia-analgesia.org
  • Harkaway RC, Issa MM. Medical and minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2006; 9:204-214. www.nature.com/pcan
  • Other treatments. Prostate UK. www.prostateuk.org, accessed 5 September 2008
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What is TURP syndrome?

TURP syndrome is a complication of TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) but can also occur after any other endoscopic procedure that uses a fluid to wash out the treatment area. This fluid can be absorbed into your body and may cause side-effects including low blood pressure (hypotension) and you may feel sick or vomit.

Explanation

TURP syndrome occurs if the irrigation fluid used to wash debris and blood from your bladder is absorbed into your body. This occurs most frequently when a vein is cut during your surgery and the fluid can enter your bloodstream directly.

Symptoms of TURP syndrome include:

  • chest or abdominal (tummy) pain
  • changes in your blood pressure
  • a decrease in your urine production
  • blurred vision
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • headache
  • confusion
  • losing consciousness

Some of these symptoms don't need treatment (such as blurred vision) and will clear up on their own but you may be given medicines through a drip to treat others.

TURP syndrome can't be prevented but you're at higher risk if you smoke. There is some evidence to suggest that newer surgical techniques, for example those using lasers, have a lower risk of TURP syndrome.

For more information about TURP syndrome, talk to your surgeon.

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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