Surgical Procedures for Enlarged Prostate: Understanding Potential Hazards, After-effects, and Healing Process
In the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure. This article provides a detailed overview of TURP, its recovery process, and associated side effects.
TURP surgery involves the use of a resectoscope to cut away abnormal prostate tissues and seal broken blood vessels. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Recovery from TURP is reasonably quick, with most patients returning to their usual activities within a month or so, but careful management of bleeding and urinary symptoms is necessary during the healing period.
The recovery time for TURP surgery typically involves a hospital stay of 1 to 4 days post-surgery, with most patients resuming usual activities within 2 to 4 weeks. Full healing may take up to 6 weeks, and strenuous activities should generally be avoided for about 6 weeks to allow proper recovery.
Common side effects and postoperative experiences include the presence of a urinary catheter for several days after surgery, blood in the urine (hematuria) for days to weeks, temporary urinary incontinence or difficulty controlling urine, mild pain or discomfort during urination, and less common but possible side effects such as retrograde ejaculation and urinary tract infections.
Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to return to basic everyday activities, and 1 to 2 months for strenuous activities. It's crucial to stay hydrated, eat a healthful, balanced diet, avoid sexual intercourse for 1 to 2 months, avoid heavy lifting for the same duration, limit exercises that strain the groin or lower abdominal area, avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, and limit the use of over-the-counter medications that can cause dehydration.
Post-TURP syndrome, although rare, can occur due to too much of the fluid used for surgical flushing being absorbed by the body, leading to major electrolyte, fluid, and blood imbalances. Severe post-TURP syndrome can cause difficulty breathing, blurred vision, seizures, coma, and is potentially fatal if not treated early enough.
Other types of BPH surgery include Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP), laser prostatectomy (HoLEP and PVP), prostatic urethral lifts, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and open prostatectomy.
When experiencing symptoms such as bleeding from the urethra, outer prostate, or penis; inflammation and pain lasting longer than 2 weeks or worsening; reduced urine flow or urinary symptoms, such as incontinence or urinary urgency 6 weeks post-surgery; blood in the urine that is severe or lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks; severe clots of blood in urine or urine that is entirely red; weakness and fatigue that does not improve after 4 weeks; impotence or erectile dysfunction; difficulty ejaculating; dizziness, shortness of breath, or confusion; severe or intensifying abdominal pain or discomfort, it is essential to seek medical attention.
In minor cases of BPH, prostatic devices may be inserted into the prostate to lift it away from the urethra, reducing urethral pressure and constriction. In severe cases of BPH, the prostate may be partially or entirely removed through open prostatectomy, which is associated with a higher rate of side effects and risk of complications.
[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Retrieved from
- UC can offer resources to those seeking information about Urinary Health, including TURP, a surgical procedure for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
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