Do you also have to urinate frequently? Is your bladder weak, does it stop and stop? Or do you have to get up several times at night to urinate? These can be symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland that many men experience as they age. Today we are going to talk about one of the most important and successful surgeries for this. That is the TURP surgery.
What is TURP surgery?
Simply put, TURP is the surgical removal of an enlarged part of your prostate gland. The full name for this is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) .
Imagine, the prostate gland is located around the tube that carries urine (urethra). As you age, this gland gradually gets bigger. When it gets bigger, the urethra starts to get blocked. That's when you have difficulty urinating.
During TURP surgery, the doctor inserts a very fine instrument into your urethra and uses an electric current or laser to cut out and remove the enlarged prostate gland. Since no incisions are made on the outside, there are no scars.
Why do you need to have TURP surgery?
TURP surgery is mainly performed to treat a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) . This means "enlargement of the prostate gland due to a non-cancerous cause." This is a very common condition in men as they age, so it's nothing to worry about.
But the symptoms of BPH can be a bit bothersome. As we mentioned earlier, the enlarged prostate gland compresses the urethra. This can cause symptoms like:
| Common symptoms of BPH | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Urinary urgency | Feeling an urgent need that makes you feel like you have to go now, and that you can't hold back. |
| Frequent need to urinate | Having to urinate frequently, like every two hours. |
| Weak urine stream | Weak, dribbling, or intermittent urine flow. |
| Urinary retention | Feeling like there is still urine left in the bladder even after urinating. |
| Frequent urination at night (Nocturia) | Having to wake up several times at night to urinate, even when you are sleeping soundly. |
| Kidney damage | This is seen when the condition is at its most severe. The kidneys can be affected because urine is not being excreted properly. |
Usually, your doctor will first try to control the condition with medications. However, if medications don't work, or if you have other complications like urinary stones or kidney problems, TURP surgery may be the best solution.
What happens before the surgery?
Although there is no incision in the TURP procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. So you will not feel any pain. Your doctor will discuss with you which anesthesia method is best for you.
In preparation for anesthesia, you will be advised to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before surgery. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (especially blood thinners) . Ask if you need to stop taking any of these medications before surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
This surgery is usually done in a hospital operating room. It usually takes less than 90 minutes. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during the surgery:
1. Inserting the instrument: The doctor inserts a thin tube-like instrument (Rectoscope) with a camera attached into your urethra.
2. Examination and removal of parts: The prostate gland is examined carefully with the camera, and any enlarged parts that are blocking the urethra are cut out using an electric current or a laser.
3. Washing the removed parts: Then, using a special solution, the cut pieces of tissue are pushed into your bladder.
4. Removing the fragments: Finally, all the pieces of tissue in the bladder are pulled out along the urethra.
5. Removing the device: When the work is finished, the device that was originally inserted is removed.
What happens after the surgery?
After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area. Some people will stay in the hospital for a day or two. Some people may be sent home the same day.
While you are in the hospital, another tube (catheter) will be placed in your urethra. This is to ensure that urine flows out without obstruction after the surgery. This tube is usually removed before you go home.
What are the benefits and risks of TURP surgery?
Like any other surgery, this surgery has its benefits as well as some risks, and it is important to be aware of them.
| Advantages | Risks / Side Effects (Risks / Complications) |
|---|---|
| Quick results: Within a few days of surgery, you will start to feel a big difference and relief in your urination difficulties. | Erectile dysfunction: Some people may have problems getting an erection. |
| Solution for severe symptoms: This is a very effective treatment for severe BPH symptoms that cannot be controlled with medication. | Retrograde ejaculation: Sperm does not come out during orgasm and instead travels back towards the bladder. |
| A solution to other complications: This surgery is also recommended for conditions such as urinary stones and kidney problems caused by BPH. | Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine. |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs): There is a risk of urinary tract infections. | |
| Hematuria: The presence of blood in the urine. |
How long does it take to heal?
It can take four to six weeks to fully recover. You need to be very careful during this time.
- Stop lifting weights and doing strenuous exercises.
- Avoid having sex.
- Avoid driving if you are taking painkillers.
If your job is not very physically demanding, you should be able to return to work in about two to three weeks. However, it is important to consult your doctor about all of this and follow his or her instructions exactly.
Situations when you need to see a doctor immediately
When you get home after surgery, there are some symptoms you should watch out for. If you notice any of these, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately .
- Fever.
- New symptoms such as weak urine stream and frequent urination.
- Dark red blood or blood clots in the urine.
- Not being able to urinate at all.
TURP is a very safe and effective treatment for BPH. But it is not the only solution. There are now new non-surgical, minimally invasive, and faster-recovery treatments. You can discuss with your doctor which treatment is best for you, based on your health condition and your preferences.
Take-Home Message
- TURP is a common and successful surgery for urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland (BPH) in men as they age.
- In this, no incision is made on the outside. The surgery is performed by inserting a delicate instrument along the urethra.
- Within a few days after surgery, you will start to feel great relief when urinating.
- It takes about 4-6 weeks to fully heal, and during that time, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous work.
- As with any surgery, there are some risks, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor before having the procedure.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate after surgery, seek medical advice immediately.
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