Important: This page is for general education only and is not personal medical advice. Your treatment plan should be based on your symptoms, exam, labs, imaging, and shared decision-making with your urologist.
What is TURP?
TURP is a procedure used to treat urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPH). A scope is passed through the urethra, and obstructing prostate tissue is removed to improve urine flow. No external incision is required.
Who is a candidate?
- Bothersome urinary symptoms not controlled with medication
- Recurrent urinary retention or incomplete emptying
- Complications of obstruction (e.g., recurrent UTIs, bladder changes, bleeding from BPH in select cases)
- Patients who prefer procedural treatment over long-term medication
Expected benefits
- Stronger urine stream and better emptying
- Less urgency/frequency/nocturia for many patients
- Often rapid symptom improvement within days to weeks
Risks and trade-offs
- Bleeding, infection, temporary burning or urgency
- Retrograde ejaculation is common after TURP
- Temporary catheter after surgery
- Less commonly: scar tissue, incontinence, erectile changes, or need for future retreatment
Recovery timeline (typical)
- Day 0–1: procedure + short observation/hospital stay depending on case
- First week: urinary frequency/urgency and mild blood in urine can occur
- 2–4 weeks: gradual improvement in comfort and flow
- 4–6 weeks: most patients return to baseline activities per surgeon guidance
Procedure video (graphic, real surgical footage)
This embedded clip uses real TURP operative footage. Viewer discretion advised.
Source video: YouTube – “Full TURP procedure prostate resection”
Questions to ask your urologist
- Is TURP the best option for my prostate size and symptoms?
- What alternatives should I consider (e.g., medication or other procedural options)?
- What is my expected catheter time and return-to-work timeline?
- How likely are sexual side effects in my specific case?
References used for patient-facing education
- Mayo Clinic – TURP
- Memorial Sloan Kettering – TURP patient education
- StatPearls – TURP overview
- AUA BPH Guideline
Note: OpenEvidence is largely clinician-gated; this public page is based on accessible guideline and patient-education sources.