TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a minimally invasive procedure for treating prostate enlargement, indicated for men with severe urinary obstruction or no response to medication, by shaving the gland to relieve symptoms. Find out how it works.
TURP is a treatment for an enlarged prostate. It is a surgical procedure prescribed when medications do not provide results or in cases of more severe benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms where the man cannot urinate. Stay here and clear your doubts.
What Is TURP and What Is It For?
TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate is one of the surgical procedures for prostate enlargement, caused by the reduction of male hormones such as testosterone.
In this minimally invasive surgery, the doctor shaves the prostate gland to unblock the urethra, the channel that carries urine to the bladder and then out of the body. After the procedure, an improvement in urinary symptoms is expected, depending on each clinical case.
When Is TURP Indicated?
TURP is indicated when medications have no effect, in cases of side effects, or when urinary obstruction is severe.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate, commonly after the age of 50, caused by a reduction in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. Check out the symptoms:
- Difficulty initiating urination;
- Reduced urine stream volume and force;
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying;
- Increased urinary frequency, especially at night;
- Dribbling after urination;
- Urinary infections that can affect the urethra, bladder, or kidneys;
- Changes in the bladder’s muscular wall.
How Is the TURP Procedure Performed?
A TURP is an endoscopic procedure performed with a resectoscope, a device using a high-frequency electric current and a small attached camera.
The resectoscope is inserted into the urethra until it reaches the prostate to remove internal prostate tissue. This reduces the gland’s volume and consequently unblocks the urethra.
The patient stays in the hospital for 1 or 2 days with a catheter to drain urine.
What Are the Benefits of Prostate TURP?
Check out the benefits of TURP:
- Minimally invasive prostate surgery;
- Quick recovery;
- Improvement in urinary symptoms;
- Lower risk of complications;
- Positive impact on patient well-being.
What Are the Risks of TURP?
The risk of urinary incontinence after TURP and bleeding do exist, but each one represents less than 1% of cases.
What Problems Can Arise After a TURP Surgery?
Retrograde ejaculation is one of the main complications of TURP. According to this article, it is present in more than 50% of cases.
In this condition, the semen, instead of being expelled through the penis during orgasm, goes into the bladder and is later released in the urine.
Can Prostate Shaving Cause Incontinence?
Temporary urinary incontinence is observed in 1% of men who undergo TURP. Permanent incontinence is also rare.
Does a Man Still Ejaculate After Prostate Shaving?
It depends. If the man develops retrograde ejaculation, intercourse will result in “dry” orgasms because there is no semen release. In this situation, the fluid is redirected to the bladder and later eliminated with urine.
Recovery Time for a TURP
Recovery after TURP can vary between 15 days to a few months. During this period, it is normal to experience:
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region;
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating;
- Urinary urgency.
What Are the Post-TURP Care Instructions?
Following some care measures after TURP is essential for a complete recovery. Here are the main ones:
- Maintain hydration and a balanced diet;
- Avoid exertion, including lifting heavy objects and vigorous exercise;
- Refrain from sexual activity;
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods;
- Follow medical instructions;
Inform your urologist if you experience severe pain, fever, bleeding, or any other symptom.
TURP is a treatment option that can relieve urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. Stay on Dr. Paulo Egydio’s blog for more information on men’s health.
