TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) in India

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects a large proportion of men as they age. As the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra and restrict urine flow, causing symptoms such as a weak or interrupted stream, frequent urination (especially at night), urgency, or difficulty starting urination.

What TURP is, and what it isn't

It's worth being clear about what TURP treats: it is a treatment for benign prostate enlargement, not prostate cancer. If cancer is suspected or confirmed, a different treatment approach is needed, and your urologist will guide you toward the appropriate option separately. TURP is generally recommended once symptoms significantly affect quality of life and medication hasn't provided enough relief, or when complications such as recurrent urinary infections, bladder stones, or kidney impact from prolonged obstruction have developed.

How the procedure works

A resectoscope, a thin instrument with a light, camera and cutting or vaporising tool, is passed through the urethra, with no external incision needed. The surgeon trims away the excess prostate tissue narrowing the urethra, widening the channel for urine to pass through. Modern TURP is commonly done using bipolar or laser technology rather than older monopolar methods, generally associated with less bleeding and a shorter catheter time.

What to expect with the catheter

A urinary catheter is typically placed at the end of surgery to allow the bladder to drain while the prostate area heals, and is generally removed within 1 to 3 days, sometimes with a period of bladder irrigation (a saline flush) in the meantime to prevent clot blockage. Most patients pass urine normally once the catheter is removed, though it can take a little practice and some mild burning or urgency in the following days.

A known and generally accepted side effect

Retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the body during ejaculation, occurs in a significant proportion of men after TURP, and is a well-known, generally harmless effect of the procedure rather than a complication. It doesn't affect the physical sensation of orgasm but does affect fertility, worth discussing with your urologist beforehand if this is a personal consideration.