A Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) is an operation that removes the obstructing part of the prostate gland that is causing urinary symptoms. This procedure is performed if you are having significant problems or issues passing water and/or may have stopped passing water altogether (urinary retention).
The operation is performed under general or local (spinal) anaesthesia. It is performed through a telescope the thickness of a pen and passed through the eye of the penis. This allows vision of the tissue being removed. An electrical loop is used to remove pieces of prostate tissue. Only the inner portion of the prostate is removed. That is, the prostate is NOT entirely removed. A catheter is placed at the end of the procedure. Patients usually stay in hospital for a 2-3 days post procedure.
