Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): Procedure & Purpose

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged and obstructs the flow of urine.

TURP is performed using a resectoscope, a small instrument that is inserted into the urethra and used to cut and remove the excess prostate tissue. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.

TURP is a safe and effective procedure, but it can have some side effects, such as bleeding, pain, and incontinence. Most side effects resolve within a few weeks, but some men may experience long-term incontinence.

TURP is typically recommended for men who have moderate to severe BPH and who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication or minimally invasive procedures.