Is it difficult to urinate due to an enlarged prostate? Let's learn about TURP surgery (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate - TURP)

Do you also feel the need to urinate frequently? Does your urinary tract feel tight and not emptying properly? Or do you wake up several times at night to urinate? These could be symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is common in men as they age. In medical terms, this is called BPH, which means non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. TURP surgery is a very effective treatment for the discomfort caused by this condition. Although the name is a bit complicated, it is not as scary as you think. Today, we will talk about this in detail, in simple Sinhala that you can understand.

What exactly is TURP surgery?

Simply put, TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is the surgical removal of an enlarged part of your prostate gland.

Think about it, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland that only men have. It's located below your bladder, around your urethra. It's like a donut with a tube going through it. As you get older, this gland starts to get bigger. As it gets bigger, the urethra starts to get blocked. That's when problems with urination arise.

The biggest advantage of TURP surgery is that it doesn't require any cuts in your body . The doctor inserts a very thin, camera-equipped instrument into your urethra and uses an electric current or a laser to cut away any excess, stuck tissue in your prostate.

Why do I need to have this TURP surgery?

This surgery is mainly done for a condition called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) . This means 'non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland'. This is not cancer, so don't be afraid. It is a common condition that many men develop as they age. Here are the symptoms that can occur due to this.

What happens before and during the surgery?

Preparation before surgery

TURP is performed under anesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. This can be either general anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep, or spinal anesthesia, which numbs only the lower part of your body. Your doctor and anesthesiologist will explain to you which method is best for you.

You will be advised to stop eating and drinking a few hours before the surgery to prepare for anesthesia. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and especially blood thinners that you are taking. He or she will also advise you if you need to stop taking any of these before the surgery.

During surgery

This surgery usually takes less than 90 minutes. You will not feel any pain because you are under anesthesia.

1. The doctor inserts a very delicate instrument with a camera attached called a 'Rectoscope' along the urethra.

2. The prostate gland is examined with that camera, and excess tissue is cut and removed with a laser or electric current.

3. Then, using a special fluid, the cut pieces of tissue are pushed into the bladder.

4. Finally, all those pieces of tissue are pulled out of the bladder.

5. The rectoscope is removed and the surgery is completed.

What happens after the surgery and what are the benefits?

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. Some people will stay in the hospital for a day or two, while others can go home the same day. While you are in the hospital, a tube called a catheter will be placed in your urethra to help you pass urine. This catheter is usually removed before you go home.

This is a very effective solution for those with severe urinary problems that cannot be controlled with medication.

The risks and recovery time of this surgery

Like any surgery, TURP can have some minor risks, but these don't happen to everyone.

• Erectile Dysfunction: Problems with erection may occur.
• Retrograde ejaculation: This is when sperm does not come out during sexual intercourse and instead goes into the bladder. This does not harm the body, but it can make it difficult for children to conceive.
• Urinary incontinence: Sometimes, a small amount of urine may leak when you cough or laugh. This is usually temporary.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Blood in the urine (Hematuria).

Discuss these risks with your doctor before surgery and ask any questions you may have.

It usually takes about four to six weeks to fully recover. During this time , avoid lifting weights, doing strenuous exercise, or engaging in sexual activity until your doctor gives you permission. If you have a job that is not physically demanding, you may be able to return to work in two to three weeks. However, you should consult your doctor about this as well.

When to see a doctor immediately

• Fever.
• New urinary problems such as urinary incontinence and frequent urination.
• Urine that is dark red or contains blood clots.
• Inability to urinate at all.

In conclusion, TURP is a very effective and safe treatment for BPH. But it is not the only solution. There are now new, non-surgical, and minimally invasive treatments for this condition. Your doctor may first prescribe medications. If these do not work, you may be referred to a surgical procedure such as TURP. You should decide on the best treatment for you, based on your health history and your preferences, and together with your doctor.

TURP, prostate, BPH, urinary problems, men's health, surgery, difficulty urinating