Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

A Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP is the surgical removal of prostate tissue blocking normal urine flow.

Often called “the gold standard,” a TURP is the most common surgical treatment for an enlarged prostate. It takes about one hour and is performed in a hospital with the patient receiving a general or regional anesthetic. Patients usually stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Recovery may take several weeks.

A TURP is performed with a tube-like instrument called a resectoscope, which is inserted into the penis, up through the urethra (the canal that carries urine out of the body) to the prostate gland. The resectoscope is equipped with surgical tools to remove excess prostatic tissue, which is sent for analysis. After the procedure, the patient usually wears a catheter for about two days.

Side effects of a TURP may include blood in urine, urinary urgency, pain and short-term difficulty controlling urination. The most common long-term side effect is a dry orgasm, also called retrograde ejaculation.