Q1. What is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
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Q2. What is the prostate?
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Q3. How is benign prostatic hypertrophy diagnosed?
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Q4. What happens during TURP?
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Q5. Will I experience pain during surgery?
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Q6. What happens after the operation?
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Q7. Is TURP safe?
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Q8. What are the precautions I should take after the operation?
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| Q1. |
What is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)? |
| A1. |
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a procedure to resect the prostate that may be enlarged in a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), commonly found in elderly men. |
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| Q2. |
What is the prostate? |
| A2. |
The prostate is a small, chestnut-shaped gland composed of different lobes enclosed in a fibrous capsule. Located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, the prostate also surrounds the urethra – the canal through which urine is passed out of the body. |
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| Q3. |
How is benign prostatic hypertrophy diagnosed? |
| A3. |
It is usually diagnosed by a combination of some of the following methods:
- Digital rectal examination
- Measurement of the urine flow using a flow meter
- Measurement of the post-voiding residual urine by catheterisation or ultrasound
- Cystoscopy (examination of the urinary tract with a special viewing tube)
- Ultrasound of the urinary tract
- Intravenous pyelography (a specialised x-ray)
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| Q4. |
What happens during TURP? top |
| A4. |
An instrument is inserted through the penis and the innermost core of the gland adenoma is removed, relieving the compression on the urethra. This may be likened to removing the meat of an orange while leaving the skin intact. The operation takes about half an hour to two hours, with no incision on the skin. |
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| Q5. |
Will I experience pain during surgery? |
| A5. |
TURP is performed using spinal anaesthesia or general (whole-body) anaesthesia, in which the anaesthesia is administered by injection, inhalation or both in order to induce a loss of sensation and consciousness. Occasionally, a local anaesthetic will be administered, in which loss of sensation is induced in and around the prostate in order to block pain. The hospital stay for TURP is usually two to four days, depending upon factors such as the state of your health. |
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| Q6. |
What happens after the operation? top |
| A6. |
At the end of the surgery, a special catheter is inserted through the opening of the penis to drain urine from the bladder into a collection bag, bypassing the operation site. Urine is drained in this way for a few days allowing the surgical wound to heal undisturbed. To promote speedy healing, your bladder may be irrigated (flushed with water) via the catheter to keep it clean.
Once irrigation has stopped, you may notice that your urine is a little red due to the presence of blood in it. Don't be alarmed as some bleeding is normal. It should clear up by the time you are discharged from the hospital. |
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| Q7. |
Is TURP safe? |
| A7. |
No operation is completely risk-free, but TURP is generally safe and effective.
Some possible complications could include infection, bleeding and sexual dysfunction. Do speak to your surgeon if you need more details. |
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| Q8. |
What are the precautions I should take after the operation? |
| A8. |
Following TURP, you will not experience too much discomfort. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous exercise for three to four weeks after surgery.
Many patients notice a pinkish tinge to the urine immediately following the operation. This is due to the presence of blood in the urine.
Please check with your doctor if the blood seems excessive. You may also experience a burning sensation when urinating for a few days.
During the week or so after surgery, blood may reappear in the urine for a short time. If this occurs, drink plenty of water and limit activity. But do not exceed two litres of water a day. Try not to drink before you go to bed, as otherwise you may be awakened by a full bladder.
It is advisable to refrain from sex for a month or so. Do have your annual prostate examination to rule out cancer as TURP only removes part of the prostate gland.
There are usually no specific dietary restrictions. However, you should eat lots of fruits and roughage in order to ensure smooth bowel movement that can take place without straining on your part. |
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