What is it?
TURP is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
During the operation, a special instrument is passed through the urethra (the urine channel), and part of the prostate tissue is removed to relieve pressure and improve urine flow.
TURP has long been considered the “gold standard” treatment for moderate to severe BPH.
Why is it done?
TURP is recommended when BPH symptoms are severe or do not improve with medication. It may be needed if you experience:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Weak stream or dribbling
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgency or incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Recurrent urinary infections, bladder stones, or kidney problems caused by obstruction
The Procedure:
- Performed in hospital under spinal or general anaesthesia
- A resectoscope (thin tube with camera and surgical loop) is inserted through the penis
- Small pieces of prostate tissue are shaved away to clear the urine channel
- A catheter (tube) is left in the bladder for 1–2 days afterwards to help with healing and urine drainage
Benefits:
- Significant improvement in urine flow and symptoms
- Long-lasting results for most men
- No external cuts or scars
Risks & Considerations:
- Bleeding (sometimes requiring blood transfusion)
- Infection
- Temporary difficulty passing urine after catheter removal
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen flows backward into the bladder) – very common after TURP but harmless
- Rarely: incontinence or erectile dysfunction
Recovery:
- Hospital stay is usually 1–3 days
- Most men can return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks
- Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks
- Symptoms such as urgency, frequency, or burning may take a few weeks to settle as the bladder recovers
Why seek advice?
TURP is a safe and highly effective operation for men with troublesome BPH. If urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life and medications aren’t enough, TURP may be the best option to restore normal bladder function.