TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate)
TURP, also known as transurethral resection of the prostate, is a definitive treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH, benign prostate hyperplasia). This procedure offers relief from the bothersome symptoms of BPH; symptoms are often significantly reduced or eliminated completely.
Melbourne urology Centre’s urological surgeons, Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa are highly experienced in performing TURP in Melbourne. They offer the highest standard or urological care, and a personalised approach that is individually tailored to each patient.
Who can benefit from having a TURP?
A TURP is a safe, effective and definitive treatment for men who are suffering with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH. These symptoms typically include:
- Straining to begin urination
- A weak stream of urine
- A start-stop stream of urine
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Increased need to urinate (frequency)
- Frequent waking to urinate at night (nocturia)
- Other complications associated with having an enlarged prostate.
Additionally, TURP may be an option for patients who:
- Have BPH and have failed minimally-invasive treatment options
- Have prostate anatomy that is not appropriate for other treatment options
- Have failed medical therapy, don’t want to take medication, or have experienced side effects
- Want to improve their quality of life to what it was before BPH symptoms.
What are the advantages of having a TURP?
The TURP procedure offers long-term relief from the bothersome symptoms of an enlarged prostate. With over 50 years of data that shows consistent results for patients, the TURP procedure offers a durable improvement in BPH symptoms, with very low revision rates.
Other advantages of having a TURP include:
- Minimally invasive with no skin incisions involved
- Fast recovery
- Minimal downtime after surgery
- Eliminates the lifelong need for medications.
How is the TURP procedure performed?
TURP is performed under general anaesthetic. A small endoscopic camera, known as a cystoscope, is used to guide an energy source into the urinary tract, where it is used to remove the enlarged, obstructing prostate tissue. This creates an open prostatic urethra (a channel).
The TURP procedure usually takes around an hour to complete.
Patients can expect to remain in hospital for 1-2 nights following their procedure. A urinary catheter is placed at the conclusion of the procedure in order to relieve pressure on the bladder and allow the tissue to heal. In the first 24 hours gentle irrigation fluid runs in the bladder to prevent clot obstruction.
What can patients expect following the TURP procedure?
Recovery from the TURP procedure is usually quick, and done at home for most patients. In the majority of cases, normal light activities can be resumed within 3-5 days following the procedure. Complete recovery of the prostate can take up to 4 weeks, and during this time, any strenuous activity should be avoided.
Most patients will notice an immediate improvement in urinary flow, bladder pressure, and bladder emptying following their TURP. Other symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia, usually take longer (up to 9 months) to improve. Some patients may benefit from bladder retraining with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, following their TURP.
Are there side effects associated with having a TURP?
The most common side effects of TURP can include discomfort or burning sensations with urination, blood in the urine, an urgent need to urinate, and/or difficulty controlling the urge to urinate. Most of these symptoms will resolve within 2-4 weeks following the procedure.
The other side effect of TURP that is common (and expected), is retrograde (dry) ejaculation. This occurs in around 90% of patients, and when it does occur, is permanent. Retrograde ejaculation is not dangerous.
Melbourne Urology Centre’s urological surgeons are highly experienced in performing TURP.
If you would like to know more about the TURP procedure or to discuss your eligibility for this treatment, please contact our rooms on 1300 702 811, or alternatively you may complete the online contact form. Dr Tony de Sousa and Dr Shekib Shahbaz have extensive experience in performing TURP.
For patients based in Melbourne TURP can be performed by our urological surgeons at a number of private hospitals throughout Victoria. We always endeavour to treat patients as close to home as possible.