What is TURP?
TURP (also TUR-P) is a standard surgical procedure. It involves the complete or partial removal of the prostate. TURP stands for transurethral resection of the prostate or transurethral prostate resection. Transurethral means that the prostate is ablated and removed through the urethra using a special instrument.
Prostate
TURB
TURB (also TUR-B) is the transurethral resection of the urinary bladder. It is mainly used for the treatment of tumors of the urinary bladder. The surgical steps are basically the same as those of TURP.
When is TURP performed?
- frequent urination in small amounts (pollakiuria)
- urination at night (nocturia)
- constant urge to urinate (urge symptoms)
- weakened urine stream
- urinary dribbling
- residual urinary sensation
If BPH cannot be treated with medication or if any of the following complications occur, transurethral resection of the prostate is necessary:
- Urinary retention – inability to empty the bladder with urinary retention
- Bladder stones
- Overflow bladder – the bladder remains largely full while additional urine flows out drop by drop
In addition, TURP can also be used to obtain prostate tissue for closer examination (diagnostic TURP).
What do you do during a TURP?
What are the risks of TURP?
In addition to the general surgical risks, specific complications can occur during TURP. However, these are rare because TURP is basically a gentle procedure with few complications. These include:
- Bleeding
- Perforation of the prostate capsule
- Injury to neighboring organs
- Washing fluid into the circulation (TUR syndrome)
TUR syndrome
What do I have to pay attention to after a TURP?
During the first 24 hours, the bladder is continuously flushed to prevent the surgical wound from becoming infected. A few days after TURP, the urine may still contain blood or clots. Although the TURP wound is not visible, you should take it easy for the first few weeks and avoid both heavy physical exertion and sexual intercourse.