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