Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat problems originating from an enlarged prostate. This treatment involves inserting an instrument called a resectoscope into the urethra through its opening on the penis. Then, using a tiny camera attached to the tip of this instrument, the doctor sees the excess prostate tissue responsible for blocking the urinary flow and trims it away.
TURP is widely considered a viable option to treat moderate to severe urinary problems that do not respond to medications. However, the success of this procedure depends pretty much on the practitioner’s expertise. Hence, consulting an experienced surgeon at a reputable medical facility is the primary prerequisite.
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Why would a TURP be performed?
TURP helps relieve symptoms that generally indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia. Those symptoms include:
- Urgent and frequent need to pee
- Trouble starting urination
- Increased urination frequency at night
- Slow and prolonged urination
- Intermittent stream of urine
- Urinary tract infections
Chronic prostatitis that hasn’t responded to medications can also be treated with TURP. Moreover, TURP can help overcome or prevent complications resulting from blocked urine flow, such as:
- Damage to the bladder and kidneys
- Recurring infections in your urinary tract
- Lack of control over urination or inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder stones
Preparing for Transurethral Prostate Resection
Several days ahead of surgery, your doctor may ask you to stop taking medicines that lead to excessive bleeding. Those medicines mainly include:
- Blood thinners such as clopidogrel or warfarin
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium
To mitigate the risk of post-surgery infections, a practitioner at EuroMed Clinic Dubai may prescribe antibiotics.
What is Involved in the TURP Procedure?
Transurethral resection of the prostate involves trimming away the prostate’s excess tissue. For this reason, the surgeon will administer general anesthesia before starting surgery. Then, they will insert an instrument with a tiny camera attached to its tip into the urethra opening on your penis and guide it all the way to the prostate, where they will cut away the excess tissue. The entire TURP procedure usually lasts an hour.
Once the procedure is complete, the doctor will put a catheter to help you urinate until the post-surgery swelling subsides. It usually takes a day or two for the patient to regain the ability to urinate on his own.
Recovery and Aftercare
TURP surgery causes some pain in the treated area that generally accompanies a persistent feeling of the need to urinate. These uncomfortable symptoms usually take a week to go away after you get home. You will heal completely after about two weeks.
Here are a few steps you may consider to accelerate the post-TURP healing.
- Be sure not to engage in excessive physical exertion. Avoid lifting heavy loads and straining in the bathroom when urinating or emptying your bowels.
- Drink plenty of water to urinate as usual.
- Avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits.
- Reduce the risk of incontinence by performing pelvic exercises.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor approves.
TURP is a safe procedure to treat problems caused by an enlarged prostate. However, it is crucial to get this treatment only from a skilled practitioner, or there will be an increased risk of post-op complications.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate FAQ’s
Is TURP a risky procedure?
No, TURP comes with minimal risk of severe infections. Transurethral prostate resection has been around for decades, during which it has evolved into a much safer and more effective procedure to treat several prostate issues. You can undergo this procedure without fearing the adverse effects. However, getting this treatment from a qualified practitioner is crucial.
What is the difference between TURP and Prostatectomy?
TURP involves removing the prostate tissue with the help of a scope inserted into the urethra from the tip of the penis. On the other hand, Prostatectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure, which involves a surgeon making an incision in the abdomen and then in the bladder to access and remove the inside of the prostate. Prostatectomy is generally considered for treating severer prostate problems.
Schedule a Consultation
You must speak to an experienced doctor if you want to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate to treat issues with your urinary tract. You can book a consultation at EuroMed Clinic Dubai, where you will get your urinary tract problems treated by board-certified urologists. So fill out the form below to get in touch.
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