Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
An enlarged prostate means that the gland has grown bigger and now presses against the urethra. This can cause urinary problems such as a need to urinate more often, a weak stream, and trouble starting urination. These problems happen because it takes more pressure to push urine through a smaller opening. One of the most effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement is transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP, a surgical procedure that aims to relieve lower urinary symptoms.
Transurethral resection of the prostate may be necessary when medications no longer provide relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms or if an individual experience repeated urinary tract infections.
Transurethral resection of the prostate is done by inserting a thin, lighted tube through the penis and into the urethra. The surgeon then uses tools attached to the tube to remove excess tissue from the prostate gland. This widens the urethra and relieves urinary symptoms in most men.
This medical intervention is usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means patients can go home on the same day. Patients will likely have a catheter in their bladder to help drain urine for one to two days after surgery before they can urinate normally again.
