Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Overview

What is an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH)?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. It helps make semen, the fluid that carries sperm. The prostate surrounds the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis, so if it becomes enlarged, it can make passing urine more difficult.

As men get older, the prostate commonly becomes enlarged. This non-cancerous enlargement is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is common after the age of 50 and is not the same as prostate cancer.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

• Difficulty starting to pass urine
• A weak or slow urine stream
• Stopping and starting while passing urine
• Taking longer to empty the bladder
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
• Dribbling urine after finishing
• Needing to pass urine more often or urgently
• Waking up during the night to pass urine

What treatments should I expect?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they affect daily life.

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle changes (reducing caffeine and evening fluids)
• Medicines to relax or shrink the prostate
• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) for moderate to severe symptoms or urinary obstruction

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

What is TURP and why is it done?

TURP is a common operation used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. A thin instrument called a resectoscope is passed through the penis into the tube that carries urine from the bladder (urethra). Using this instrument, the surgeon removes the enlarged prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine.

Your doctor may recommend TURP if:

• Medicines have not relieved your symptoms
• You have repeated urinary retention
• You develop recurrent urinary tract infections
• You have bladder stones or bleeding due to an enlarged prostate
• Your bladder or kidneys are being affected by urinary obstruction

Before the procedure

Before TURP, your doctor may:

• Review your medical history and medications
• Perform blood and urine tests
• Check your prostate and bladder with imaging or cystoscopy if required
• Ask you to stop blood-thinning medicines if appropriate
• Advise you not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery

Procedure

Step-by-step overview

• The procedure usually takes 60–90 minutes
• You will receive general anaesthesia (you will be asleep) or spinal anaesthesia (the lower half of your body will be numb)
• You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection
• A thin instrument called a resectoscope (a tube with a tiny camera and surgical instruments) is passed through the penis into the urethra
• No cuts are made on the outside of the body
• The surgeon removes the enlarged prostate tissue in small pieces
• The removed tissue is washed into the bladder using a special fluid released through the resectoscope
• A soft tube (catheter) is placed into the bladder to drain urine and wash out any blood
• Most people stay in hospital for 1–2 days

After the procedure

After TURP:

• You will be monitored in the recovery area
• The urinary catheter (a temporary soft tube placed into the bladder to drain urine) usually remains in place for 1–3 days
• It is normal to notice mild burning while passing urine and small amounts of blood in the urine for a short time
• You will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the bladder
• Pain is usually mild and controlled with medicines

Benefits and risks of TURP

Benefits

• Improves urine flow
• Relieves urinary symptoms
• Reduces the risk of urinary retention
• Improves quality of life
• Provides long-lasting relief of urinary symptoms

Possible risks

• Bleeding
• Urinary tract infection
• Temporary difficulty controlling urine
• Narrowing of the urethra
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder instead of leaving through the penis)
• Erectile dysfunction is uncommon but can occur

Recovery

• Most people return to light activities within 1–2 weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 4–6 weeks
• Drink plenty of water unless advised otherwise
• Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating a high-fibre diet
• Attend follow-up appointments as advised by your doctor

When should I contact my doctor?

Contact your doctor immediately if you have:

• Fever or chills
• Suddenly cannot pass urine
• Heavy bleeding or passing large blood clots in the urine
• Redness, swelling, or increasing pain around the penis
• Severe pain that does not improve with pain medicine

Myths and facts

Myth 1: An enlarged prostate means I have prostate cancer. Fact: No. An enlarged prostate (BPH) is a common, non-cancerous condition and is not the same as prostate cancer.

Myth 2: TURP involves cuts on the outside of the body. Fact: TURP is performed through the urethra, so no cuts are made on the outside of the body.

Myth 3: TURP removes the entire prostate. Fact: TURP removes only the enlarged part of the prostate that is blocking the flow of urine.

Myth 4: I will have a urinary catheter permanently after TURP. Fact: The catheter is temporary and is usually removed within 1–3 days, depending on your recovery.

Myth 5: Recovery after TURP takes several months. Fact: Most people return to light activities within 1–2 weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for 4–6 weeks.

References

1. National Health Service. Enlarged Prostate. [Online] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/enlarged-prostate/. Accessed on: 15 July 2026.
2. Mayo Clinic. Transurethral resection of the prostate. [Online] Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/turp/about/pac-20384880. Accessed on: 15 July 2026.
3. National Health Service. Transurethral resection of the prostate. [Online] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-turp/. Accessed on: 15 July 2026.