Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. It also treats blocked urine flow due to bladder stones, kidney or bladder damage, or repeated urinary tract infections. During a TURP procedure, a surgeon removes portions of the prostate gland that are blocking the flow of urine through the urethra. 

If your enlarged prostate and its related symptoms significantly impact your quality of life and haven’t shown improvement with other treatments, your Penn Medicine provider may recommend transurethral prostatectomy surgery. For example, candidates may:

• Experience bothersome urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, a weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, or difficulty starting urination. 
• Have tried other treatments for BPH, such as medications, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures, without adequate relief of symptoms. 

TURP is only recommended if you have a suitable prostate size, as determined by imaging studies or physical examination. You must also be in good health and tolerate anesthesia and surgical procedures.

Candidates for TURP undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of Penn Medicine professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, and urologists to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each specific situation. 

Several days before your TURP surgery, your doctor will review the procedure and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Your care team will review your medications, discuss your health history, and inform you about the preparations needed for the surgery.

Here’s what you can expect on the day of your procedure:

• You’ll be given anesthesia with sedation, allowing you to be asleep and pain-free during the surgery. 
• The surgeon will insert a thin tube called a resectoscope into the hole in the tip of your penis. The tube is passed through the urethra into the inner part of the prostate. 
• The surgeon will then pass an electrical current or a laser through the resectoscope to remove the prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow. The tissue is carried into the bladder, draining through your urethra after the procedure. 
• A soft, flexible tube called a catheter is put into your bladder to help drain urine. 
• The procedure takes about one to two hours. 
• Following the surgery, you’ll be monitored closely as you wake up from anesthesia. 
• You’ll stay in the hospital for a day or two. The catheter will be removed before you go home.

After returning home, attending all follow-up appointments with your surgical team is essential. This ensures they can monitor your recovery and discuss any additional care or further monitoring needed. 

When you partner with Penn Medicine specialists, you can expect seasoned surgeons whose expertise reduces your risks for complications like urination and erection issues. In rare cases when complications do occur, we have specialized doctors skilled at managing these issues to enhance your quality of life.