An enlarged prostate is a common term used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH. The typical reason for an enlarged prostate is natural aging. As men enter middle age, their prostate grows again, and this causes the prostate to tighten around or partially block the urethra, the urinary tract that lets urine pass out of the body. Some urinary issues created by an enlarged prostate are having a weak urinary flow, a frequent need to urinate many times during the day and night, difficulty and pain when starting to urinate, urinary tract infections, a sensation that the bladder is never completely empty, and leaking or dribbling urine. BPH may be a part of aging, but no man has to endure the pressure, pain, or inconvenience associated with an enlarged prostate.
TURP surgery is performed in a hospital and requires that you remain in the hospital for a few days to ensure there are no post-operative issues. Full recovery after a TURP operation may take several weeks. Your surgeon will discuss pre-operative preparations and post-operative home care with you before the surgery is performed. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work and normal daily activities. You should not drive a vehicle until your surgeon tells you it is okay.
TURP Surgery
You will have a general anesthesia, so you will sleep through the surgery and not feel any pain. Your breathing and vital signs are monitored during the operation. The surgeon may first insert an endoscope through the tip of your penis to inspect your urethra and bladder. This inspection shows any bladder stones or tumors needing treatment during your TURP operation. The endoscope is removed and a resectoscope, a thin surgical instrument with an attached camera and an electrical wire loop, is inserted through the tip of your penis into your urethra. This instrument removes the prostate tissue that is blocking or squeezing your urethra.
Hospital Stay
You will need to remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days while you start to heal. If needed, you will be given pain medication. You will be given liquids once you are awake. You will be given solid foods if you can tolerate them. The catheter will remain in place while you are in the hospital. This helps to drain your urine as your prostate heals. It is normal to see blood in your urine after an operation. The catheter is removed when signs of blood in your urine stops. A follow-up appointment is scheduled with your surgeon before you leave the hospital. You will need to have someone available to drive you home.
Home Care
Once you are recovering at home, you will need to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. Your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication for soreness while you are healing. To prevent any bleeding from the surgery site, do not lift heavy objects or engage in sexual activities until your recovery is complete.
