About this topic
The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder in men. Sometimes, the prostate may become too large. Then, less urine flows out of the bladder opening. Your doctor can remove the inner part of the prostate to make passing urine easier. This procedure is called a transurethral resection of the prostate. The procedure may also be called a TURP. TURP can remove all or part of the prostate gland. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- You need to limit your activity and rest after the procedure for 1 to 2 days. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal activity level.
- You need to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a each day. Drinking water is very important if your urine becomes red. Red urine means your treated area is bleeding.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to prevent infection. Follow the instructions given to you with the drugs.
- You need to keep your penis clean to prevent infection. Wash your penis with soap and water at least two times each day.
- Avoid straining or lifting heavy objects until your doctor tells you everything is healed.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor may send the cut tissue to a lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- The urine catheter will be removed. Do not try to take your catheter out by yourself.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve spasms
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- You will need to limit your activity while the urine catheter is in place. Talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work and driving.
- You need to limit your sexual activity after the procedure for about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Try to go for regular short walks.
- Do not lift things over 10 pounds.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat foods high in fiber like fruit, bran, cereal, and beans. Fiber will help prevent hard stools and straining.
- Avoid coffee, soft drinks, and beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol).
What problems could happen?
- Infection. Urinary tract infection is the most common.
- Passing the semen into the bladder instead of out through the urethra
- Loss of sperm fertility. If you plan on having children, talk to your doctor before your procedure.
- Problem with urine control which is rarely long-lasting.
- Need for another TURP procedure, either because the signs never improved or simply return over time as the prostate continues to get bigger.
- Problem with erection which is rare.
- Bleeding or small blood clots
- A hole in the bladder
- Reduced sexual activity
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- Very bad pain in the belly that cannot be treated by pain relievers
- Not able to drink or eat
- Problems with your urine such as thick, yellow, green, or milky drainage; burning feeling when you pass urine; little urine or no urine at all; urine smells bad.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
If you go home with a tube in your urethra, call your doctor for these signs: ‚
- Pain near the catheter
- Leaking urine
- More blood in your urine
- Tube seems blocked or you see grit or stones in your urine
- Catheter falls out
Helpful tips
- Always keep the tubes drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
- Avoid loops in catheter's drainage tubing.
- You may take showers. Do not take baths until the tube is removed.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my catheter, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or problems with my catheter or urine.
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=31 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚