About TURP Surgery
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What is TURP Surgery?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure performed to remove the whole or only a portion of the prostate gland that is enlarged.
Surgery is recommended if all other forms of treatment have been unsuccessful in treating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
TURP surgery is more common in the treatment of an enlarged prostate than open prostatectomy. Open prostatectomy is only required if the prostate is very large. The symptoms are significantly reduced after TURP surgery.
How is TURP Surgery Performed?
- A cystoscope, which is an endoscopic tube, is inserted into the patient¡¯s urethra.
- A special cutting tool is inserted into the cystoscope.
- The prostate gland is removed in pieces with the help of an electric current.
- A sterile solution is used to flush the patient¡¯s bladder and remove the tissues of the prostate gland.
How to Prepare for TURP Surgery?
- The patient is physically examined to ensure that the patient is in a good condition to undergo surgery.
- The patient may need to give some tests like blood and urine analysis, etc.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking with or without a prescription. These may include supplements or herbs or drugs.
- Certain medication that the patient is taking may be stopped two weeks before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has any ailments or medical conditions.
- The patient must stop smoking to ensure a quick recovery.
Duration of procedure/surgery : Approximately 1 hour
Days admitted : Approximately 4 days
Anesthesia : General or spinal anesthesia
Recovery : - Blood or blood clots from the bladder are removed after the surgery with the help of a catheter.
- The catheter is removed when there is no more bleeding or blood clots in the urine.
- Frequent urination symptom may continue for six weeks after the surgery.
- The patient can resume normal diet after the surgery.
- Medication may be provided to reduce bladder spasms.
Risks : Risks of anesthesia include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Allergic reaction to medication
Risks of any surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clotting
- Infection
Risks of TURP surgery include:
- Bladder perforation
- Bladder neck stenosis
- Injury to the internal sphincter system, which may lead to retrograde ejaculation
- Urethral stricture, in which the urinary outlet is tightened due to scar tissue
- Urinary incontinence
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Damage to other organs and structures.
- TURP Syndrome:
During TURP surgery, excess amounts of fluids absorption from the open sinusoids of the prostate can cause hyponatremia and water stroke. This can result in mental status changes, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and coma. TURP syndrome may be prevented by limiting the duration of the surgery to less than one hour.
After care : - The patient should avoid strenuous activities including sexual intercourse for six weeks after the surgery.
- The patient will need to change positions in bed and do some exercises to maintain blood circulation.
- The patient is also required to use some coughing and breathing techniques from time-to-time, between three to four hours.
- The patient may need to wear special stockings to prevent blood clotting.
- A breathing device may be used to help the patient in clearing the lungs and preventing pneumonia.
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