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Trans-urethral resection of the prostate gland for BPH

Trans-urethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP)

A surgical procedure that reduces the size of an enlarged prostate gland.

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Webinar: Treatment for enlarged prostate

14 October at 6pm

Discover our range of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted treatments for enlarged prostate with Mr Steve Garnett, Consultant Urological Surgeon.

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Procedure type

Initial consultation price

Treatment price*

Monthly cost**

Member discount

TURP

£195

From £6,250

From £151.12

10%

TURP

Initial consultation price

£195

Treatment price*

From £6,250

Monthly cost**

From £151.12

Member discount

10%

I have a question about TURP for an enlarged prostate

Mr Steve Garnett, Consultant Urologist, discusses TURP for enlarged prostate (4 videos)

Video transcript

What is a TURP operation?

TURP is trans-urethral resection of prostate. Now, this is an operation that's been done for 40 years or so now to core out the inside of the prostate that's causing a blockage. And it's done using a camera that's put down the inside of the penis. And we use electrical energy running through a loop to cut through the prostate and remove that tissue that's causing a blockage.

Is TURP a major surgery?

TURP is considered a major operation, simply because it usually involves a general anaesthetic, or a spinal anaesthetic, and it takes about an hour or so to do. So, whilst there's no cuts on the outside, it is a major operation as such.

How long is a TURP procedure?

A TURP operation usually takes about an hour or so to do and most patients are in hospital for a couple of nights after that.

Can you drive after TURP surgery?

After a TURP operation, you can't drive for a couple of weeks and that's just to make sure everything heals up and that you're safe to drive, and you can do emergency stops and things like that if you need to.

Why would I have TURP?

Surgery is usually recommended only when patients are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate which has not responded to medication.

What happens during TURP?

The latest surgical techniques involve no external wound and usually patients are out of bed and pain free just the day after surgery.

Surgery is usually carried out under a spinal block anaesthetic (or general anaesthetic on request, or if needed) so you won’t feel anything below the waist. There are two types of operation, both of which involve inserting an instrument along the penis allowing the surgeon to remove the enlarged prostate gland in small pieces until it is no longer obstructing the flow of urine along the urinary passage (urethra).

The original procedure is called a Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate (TURP). A telescopic instrument (resectoscope) is introduced along the penis until the surgeon can see the obstructing prostate gland. The blocking gland will then be removed in small pieces until all of the obstruction is removed.

A relatively new method of prostate removal (resection) is called Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate in saline (TURPis). This uses bipolar technology to vaporise the tissue of the prostate gland; this is a quicker method of resection which also minimises bleeding. This method is ideal for removing smaller prostate glands and for patients who have a higher risk of bleeding. TURPis does not affect erectile function and should not affect urinary continence.

The newer TURPis is the safer of the two procedures, carrying no risk of TURP syndrome which can result from fluid absorption in the original TURP which is still performed in many hospitals.

What should I expect after TURP?

After the operation we’ll help manage any discomfort with painkillers. You’ll have a urethral catheter inserted during surgery to continuously drain your bladder. Your urine will be blood stained for 24 to 48 hours after the operation, after which the catheter will be removed.

Any tissue removed during the operation will be sent to the laboratory for testing; you’ll be given the results at your follow-up appointment.

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