TURP
TURP is the most common form of surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, which is commonly known as enlarged prostate or BHP. TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, and is an operation to remove part of the enlarged prostate gland, which may be blocking the flow of urine, making it difficult to urinate.
See our post on alternatives to TURP for other treatments of BHP, or enlarged prostate.
Facts about TURP
The TURP operation usually takes around 90 minutes, and is generally performed under general anaesthetic so you are asleep, although occasionally it can be performed under spinal or epidural 
anaesthetic.
During a TURP operation, a small flexible telescopic camera called a resectoscope is moved up through the urethra, the tube that runs from the bladder through the penis. The surgeon will then use specially designed blades on the instrument to remove the centre of the prostate gland which is causing the obstruction.
The bladder will be flushed through with sterile solution to remove any particles of the prostate gland which have been removed.
What Happens After TURP?
- After TURP you will need to wear surgical stockings to prevent the formation of blood clots, and you may be given an anti-clotting injection.
- You will have a catheter to drain urine from your bladder and to flush out your bladder with sterile solution for around two to three days, until your urine is clear.
- You will usually have to stay in hospital for around four days, although you will be encouraged to get out of bed and move around once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Once at home you should try to have someone with you for a couple of days.
- It usually takes around six weeks to recover from TURP and during this time you should avoid strenuous activity, sexual intercourse and driving.
