TURP - Transurethral Resection of Prostate
The prostate gland is a fibrous organ that surrounds the urinary urethra. An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra, thus causing problems with urination. TURP is the most common surgical procedure in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Urine is stored inside the bladder, which when full leaks its contents from the urethra. If the prostate (the gland that surrounds the urethra) increases in size, this increase may block the urethra making it difficult or even impossible to urinate. When this happens, prostate surgery becomes a necessity.

The resectoscope is inserted through the urethra to reach and resect the prostate gland. The surgeon inserts a Foley catheter to help drain the bladder after surgery.

Suspend all anti-coagulation medication, for example, Warfarin (also marketed as Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin and Waran).

Among the complications that can arise

Short term
The risk of bleeding requiring blood transfusion and post-TURP syndrome that results from absorption of hiposmolar irrigation fluid

Long term
Erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems as well as urinary incontinence, urethral or bladder neck stenosis and also recurrent or persistent urinary complaints.

After surgery, a catheter is inserted into the bladder to remove any blood clots present as a result of the procedure. This also enables delivery of a solution to irrigate the bladder in order to remove blood clots and keep the catheter clear of obstructions. When the urine is free of clots and has reduced bleeding, the catheter is removed and the patient can return home.