A TURP is where an instrument called a resectoscope is passed through the urethra of the penis to partially remove an enlarged or diseased prostate which is causing a partial or complete blockage of urine flow through the urethra.
Description
The prostate is a ring shaped gland found in men. It is located underneath the urinary bladder and around the first 2-3cm of the urethra (the tube through which urine flows from the bladder to the outside). It can be felt (palpated) through the rectum by inserting a finger through the anus and feeling the front wall of the rectum.
Although the exact function of the prostate is uncertain, it is known to secrete some of the seminal fluid which helps to ensure that sperm cells are active.
A normal and healthy prostate causes no hinderance to urine flow from the bladder and through the urethra. But as men age, the prostate tends to enlarge and by aged 55 years, men begin to notice the urine stream becoming weaker. By the age of 65 years, many men will have mild to severe prostatic symptoms which include;
- difficulty initiating a urine stream,
- dribbling some urine after completing urination,
- increased frequency of urination
- disturbed or sleepless night due to getting up through the night to urinate.
- a feeling of incomplete emptying of the ballder,
- leakage of urine (urge incontinance),
- inability to empty the bladder (urine retention).
Enlargement of the prostate can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) but both types can cause similar symptoms. Prostate cancer is very common although the causes of both of these types of prostate enlargement are not known.
Diagnosis of prostate enlargement can made by a rectal examination, checking for prostate specific antigen (blood PSA test), measuring urine flow rates and doing an ultrasound scan.
Treatment of prostate symptoms can include medial means by taking a regular tablet each day, but although this may control symptoms, it does not cure the underlying problem of an enlarged prostate.
Surgical opinions include an open wound to remove the prostate (prostatectomy) or more commonly these days by passing a special intrument through the penis called a resectoscope. This breaks down the prostate bit by bit while at the same time, blood vessels are coagulated so that bleeding is minimised. This procedure is known as a TURP. The removed pieces of prostate can be sent to the lab for further analysis. It is a very effective and reliable method to releave prostate symptoms. The main advantage of a TURP as opposed to an open procedure is that recovery from a TURP is much quicker.
Medical Facts
Men can return to sexual activity within 1-2 weeks, depending on pain. However, most men will find that they are unable to perform sexually after the procedure in the same way as before. They sometimes do not ejaculate sperm as this flows into the bladder as opposed to down the penis on orgasm. Men can therefore be infertile after this process. Erectile dysfunction can also occur.
How You Will Feel:
A TURP is usually done under general anaesthsesia although under certain circumstances, it can be performed under a spinal anaesthetic.
After the operation, the patient has a catheter inserted through the penis, into the bladder to drain the urine. This tube is usually removed after the 3rd day after a TURP or after around 7 days after an open prostatectomy.
The urine itself will usually be blood stained for 2-3 days.
How Long Will you stay in Hospital after your TURP Trans Urethral Resection of Prostate?
Single Day In-patient Care