Transurethral resection of the prostate TURP

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  This procedure can be carried out under general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic (which, although you'll be awake, will block pain in the area). You'll also be given a dose of antibiotics during the operation to reduce the risk of infection. Your surgeon will place a thin operating telescope (resectoscope) into your urethra. They will then pass a small, electrically-heated loop through the telescope and remove small pieces of prostate tissue. At the end of the procedure, your surgeon will insert a catheter to drain urine from your bladder into a bag. The procedure usually takes about one hour.

• How to prepare icon plus

  You shouldn't eat anything for six hours before your operation, but you can drink clear fluids up to one hour before your operation. If you are on anti-coagulation therapy medicine, you should stop taking it three to 10 days before your operation. Make sure you speak to your consultant about this. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• Afterwards icon plus

  You'll be cared for in hospital for two to three days after your surgery. The catheter will be removed one or two days after your surgery and the amount of urine passed will be measured to check you're emptying your bladder completely. You may have some pain and blood in your urine for a couple of weeks. Simple pain killers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can help, and remember to drink at least two litres of water a day (a glass every hour). You'll probably feel tired for a week or two. You may need to take between three and six weeks off work but this depends on the type of job you have. You can have sex again after three to four weeks.