Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

July 1, 2024

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Wesley Yip, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery, City of Hope^® Cancer Center Duarte

Many types of prostate cancer treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy, are designed to remove or destroy cancer cells. But some procedures may be used purely to provide symptom relief for patients with cancer. One such procedure is called a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This surgery may also be called transurethral prostatectomy, although it does not remove the whole prostate.

While many patients have no prostate cancer symptoms, some men may experience certain symptoms in the lower urinary tract, such as discomfort, straining or frequent urination. A TURP may help alleviate some of those symptoms and allow patients to urinate more easily.

Here’s a look at how TURP surgery is used to help prostate cancer patients.

What Is TURP Surgery?

For men with prostate cancer, a transurethral resection of the prostate may be used to relieve urinary symptoms. It is important for patients to know that a TURP procedure does not treat prostate cancer itself; its goal is to alleviate urinary symptoms. Patients commonly undergo other prostate cancer treatments directly after a TURP.

During TURP prostate surgery, a surgeon uses a specially designed scope passed through the penis into the body to remove the inner portion of the prostate that surrounds the tube (urethra) carrying urine from the bladder.

Once the scope is inserted, an electrical current or a laser is used to vaporize the excess prostate tissue. This surgery is considered noninvasive, since the skin is not cut during the procedure.

While TURP is an option for prostate cancer symptom relief, TURP is most often used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged and may interfere with the flow of urine.

TURP Versus Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is a surgery that removes the entire prostate gland and possibly some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. Both a prostatectomy and a TURP are common procedures used during the course of prostate cancer treatment, but there are key differences.

While a TURP is noninvasive, a prostatectomy is an invasive procedure the surgeon uses to either cut the skin to access the area (open prostatectomy) or make small cuts to insert a camera and surgical tools (laparoscopic prostatectomy). Either of these prostatectomy procedures may also be robot-assisted, using advanced technology. With prostatectomy, the surgeon has more access to the prostate and surrounding areas, and the procedure allows doctors to remove cancerous tissue.

TURP surgery, on the other hand, is a more limited access point through the penis. It only treats urinary symptoms by cutting away unwanted tissue.

Since prostatectomy is considered major surgery, it has a greater risk of potential side effects and complications than a less invasive surgery such as a TURP.

TURP Procedure

Before a transurethral resection of the prostate, the surgeon examines the patient and takes a thorough health history, focusing on urinary symptoms. The doctor may also order blood tests to study the patient’s urinary tract before the procedure.

The TURP procedure takes place in an operating room. Patients are typically given antibiotics before the surgery to help lower the risk of infection. The procedure is performed with the patient under either spinal anesthesia (which numbs the lower half of the body) or general anesthesia (which puts the patient to sleep).

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tool called a resectoscope through the tip of the penis into the urethra up to the level of the prostate. Once it’s in place, the surgeon removes the excess prostate tissue using electricity or laser light. The procedure typically takes about an hour.

After the procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the urethra. This tube helps prevent bleeding and keeps urine flowing freely while the patient heals. The catheter stays in place for up to a week after the procedure.

TURP Recovery

After TURP surgery, the patient typically spends one to two nights in the hospital. Slightly bloody or pink-tinged urine is common and resolves as the prostate heals over a few weeks. As long as there is not significant bleeding, the patient can go home with the catheter still in place.

After about a week, the patient will follow up with the surgeon. If the catheter is still in place, it will be removed and the surgeon will ensure that the patient is able to urinate without difficulty.

During TURP recovery, most men have minimal pain. Some surgeons may recommend pelvic floor exercises to help patients resume normal urination sooner. Patients can usually resume normal activities one to two weeks after surgery.