What is a ‘TURP’?

  • TURP stands for trans urethral resection of the prostate, otherwise called a ‘re-bore’
  • Obstructing prostate tissue is removed with a telescope to improve urine flow
  • Only the inner part of the prostate is removed, to increase the internal diameter
  • This may identify cancer being present, but is not a cure for prostate cancer

How long does it take?

  • 40 – 60 minutes under a general or spinal anesthetic
  • Please discuss details of the anesthetic with your anesthetist

What do I need to do before surgery?

  • Stop taking blood thinning medication when advised by your surgeon
  • You must not eat or drink for 6 hours before your operation

What are the risks?

  • Bleeding and blood clots in urine
  • Infection in urine or blood (sepsis) – antibiotics are given
  • Dry ejaculation
  • Narrowing of the urethra or bladder neck
  • Erection difficulties – rare
  • Need for blood transfusion – rare
  • Incontinence – very rare

What can I expect after surgery?

  • A catheter remains for 1 – 2 days to drain urine and wash out any blood clots
  • Hospital stay is 2 – 3 days
  • You may have some urinary frequency, urgency or blood in your urine during recovery, which can take up to 6 weeks to settle
  • You will be given a post-op review appointment about 6 weeks following surgery