Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP can provide relief to patients suffering symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. By removing obstructive prostate tissue, patients will be better able to urinate and completely empty their bladder. 

The TURP procedure 

TURP is performed under general anesthesia (you’re asleep) or spinal anesthesia (you’re conscious but won’t feel anything) and typically takes about 60-90 minutes. Your doctor will use a resectoscope — a device that allows your doctor to see inside and remove the tissue. The scope will be inserted through your urethra and into the prostate area. There, the doctor will trim away portions of the prostate that are giving you trouble.

You can expect to stay in the hospital one or two days after the procedure. 

Advantages of TURP

When compared to a similar procedure to remove obstructive prostate tissue — photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) — TURP requires a longer hospital stay and can seem more invasive. Ideal candidates for TURP include men who:

• Have a prostate that has grown to a very large size.
• Have health problems that make PVP inadvisable.
• May require additional procedures at the same time (e.g., removing bladder stones).

Talk to your doctor to see which procedure will work best for you. 

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677  or, request an appointment to learn more about the TURP procedure.