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Prostate surgery (TURP) Pokanga repe tātea
Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is an operation to remove part of your prostate gland. It is commonly used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
When you would have a TURP
The prostate is a small gland that is between your penis and bladder. It surrounds your urethra, the tube that carries wee (urine) from your bladder to your penis, where it leaves your body. The prostate helps produce fluid that, together with sperm made in your testicles, makes up semen.
The prostate gets larger as you get older. As it gets bigger, it squeezes your urethra. This can cause problems weeing (urinating), such as:
- trouble starting to wee
- a weak stream of wee
- trouble stopping the flow, or dribbling
- flow stopping and starting
- often having an urgent need to go to the toilet
- feeling the need to go more often, sometimes with small amounts or none coming out
- getting up more than once at night.
Healthcare providers usually recommend a TURP procedure when your symptoms significantly affect your day-to-day living and are not helped by medication.
Having a TURP
During a TURP, a thin instrument called a resectoscope is passed up the urine tube (urethra) from the tip of the penis. Small pieces of the prostate are cut away through the instrument.
A tube (urinary catheter) is then placed through your urethra to your bladder and fluid is used to flush out the pieces.
After a TURP
You will usually have the catheter in your bladder for 1 or 2 days after your surgery.
Once the catheter has been removed, you can expect:
- some trouble weeing
- some blood in your wee for a few weeks.
Rare complications after a TURP include:
- bleeding
- loss of control of wee (incontinence)
- a narrowed urethra (stricture).
A TURP does not usually affect your sexual function. Some men find they no longer have any fluid (ejaculate) when they have an orgasm. This is because the fluid goes into the bladder instead of out the penis. This does not reduce sexual pleasure but it can have an effect on fertility.
Self care after a TURP
You may be able to do your usual activities by 2 to 4 weeks after your TURP, but it can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. During this time, you should:
- drink lots of fluid, especially water, to help flush out your bladder and lower the risk of infection
- avoid exercise, strenuous activity and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks
- avoid straining when passing a poo
- not have sex
- start pelvic floor exercises as soon as you can, to help you regain control of your bladder.