TURP-TURP stands for Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate.
A TURP is usually performed under general anesthesia so you should be unconscious throughout the procedure.
The operation usually takes about 1-2 hours and will usually require a few nights hospital stay afterwards.
The procedure involves the surgeon inserting a thin, camera scope (a resectoscope) into the urethra. With the scope, the surgeon will be able to identify the prostate and using a wire loop attachment that emits a electric current, areas of the prostate will be carved out. Any bleeding that may occur will be cauterized by the same electric current. The bladder will be flushed with a sterile solution to remove any excess prostate tissue debris.
After the surgery, a urinary catheter fluid system will be in place. This system allows fluid to pass into and out of the bladder simultaneously. One or more bags, usually hanging above the bed, store liquid that runs slowly into the bladder via the catheter. A mixture of urine and this flushing liquid then flows out of another section of the catheter and is collected. Many men feel as though their bladder is constantly full when this system is placed.
Usually around 2-3 days, the urine in the catheter system runs clear and then the system will be removed. Urinating normally may sting a bit at first and the urine can be cloudy. To start with, there may be a constant urge to urinate and it can be difficult to control the flow. Also there may be leaks or dribbles of urine. These problems usually go away within 24 hours.
A full recovery from a TURP normally takes from 3-6 weeks. After this, normal activities, including sex, can be resumed, but heavy work or strenuous activity should be avoided for three months.
Deciding to have a TURP
TURP is generally a safe surgical procedure. But before deciding to have one, all men should be aware of all the benefits, risks, and possible side effects and complications.
Side-effects
Some potential side effects include:
- Bloody urine that should clear up after a few days.
- Retrograde Ejaculation-This may be a lasting side effect of a TURP. This occurs when semen to travel back up into the bladder rather than out through the penis at the time of orgasm. This should not interfere with the sexual act however.
Complications
Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after the operation. Most people are not affected. Possible complication include:
- excessive bleeding
- a urinary tract infection
- unexpected reaction to the anesthesia
- TURP syndrome-If too much water is absorbed from the fluid used to flush the bladder during the operation, this can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the blood.
- Deep Venous Thrombosis
A TURP can sometimes cause longer term problems. These can include:
- reduced fertility - this happens to about one in 10 men who have a TURP
- persistent urinary incontinence, even after the initial recovery period - this happens to about one in 100 men who have a TURP
- some men continue to have problems emptying their bladder completely
While most men will worry about how TURP will affect their sex life, research indicates that it doesn't increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
What are the alternatives to TURP?
Not all men who have BPH need to have a TURP. There are a number of options.
Medicines – These include Alpha Blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These groups of medication include their own profiles of benefits and risks.
Heat therapy - This uses microwaves, lasers or an electric current to destroy excess prostate tissue.
A stent –A physical structure placed in the urethra to enlarge the opening. However, stents usually becomes blocked over time, so this option is only for men who aren't suited to surgery or drug treatment. They are rarely used.
Herbal remedies – There are a number of herbal remedies available.
No treatment - If the symptoms are not too troublesome, some men choose not to have any treatment. The symptoms of BPH do not always get worse over time and may get slightly better.
Reference:
British United Provident Association
www.bupa.co.uk
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