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University of Washington Department of Urology Seal University of Washington | School of Medicine
Department of Urology
University of Washington | School of Medicine
Department of Urology

Treatments & Procedures - Surgical

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Authored by: Michael P. Porter, MD
Last updated: February 10, 2006

Overview

During a TURP, the urologic surgeon removes enlarged prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine leaving the bladder. It is one of the most common surgical procedures perfomred for treating BPH. It is performed using a special scope which is placed in the urethra, so no incisions are required. The surgeon visualizes the obstructing tissue using the scope, and then removes the tissue with electric cautery using a device that fits on the scope. The procedure usually takes about 1 hour, and can be perfrmoed under general or spinal anesthesia.

Medications

Patients may be prescribed pain medicine and antibiotics posteoperatively.

Considerations

TURP is offered to patients with symptomatic BPH who do not respond to or tolerate medication, do not want to take medication long term, or develop complications from BPH.

Effectiveness

TURP is the most effective procedure performed for BPH, and is the procedure that all newer procedures are compared to. Only about 10% of men will require another procedure in the 10 years following TURP, and most men experience a dramatic imporvement in symptoms after TURP.

Risk

What are the risks involved with this procedure?

Because TURP is a surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. The risk of serious infection or need for blood transfusion, however, is low.

What are the risks involved with NOT having this procedure?

Patients with complication from BPH who elect not to have this procedure are risk of recurrent infections, possible kidney damage, and needing for catheters to drain their bladder.

Urgency

The urgency of the procedure is dependent on the severity of symptoms and whether there are complications from BPH.

Related Treatments

Minimally invasive treatments for BPH

Request an Appointment

At UWMC

Call (206) 598-4294.

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At HMC

Call (206) 731-3241

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