Why is this procedure done?
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 will the results be?
You will be able to pass urine more easily. Your doctor may also take small pieces of the prostate to test and look for signs of illness or cancer. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Digital rectal exam ¢ ˆ ’ You would be asked to bend over a table or to lie on your side holding your knees close to your chest. The doctor would put a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate.
- PSA blood test
- Urine test
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- The doctor will put a scope into the opening at the end of your penis. The opening is your urethra and connects to your bladder. A small tool is put into the scope to remove all or part of prostate. This removes extra pressure on the urethra and makes a wider area for urine to pass through afterwards.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You will have a small tube called a catheter in your bladder. Your catheter will drain urine. Your urine may have blood and small clots. The catheter will be removed by your doctor in about 4 to 7 days.
- You may feel the need to pass urine or have some pain while you pass urine. Your doctor may give you drugs for the pain.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You will need to limit your activity while the urine catheter is in place.
- You need to limit your sexual activity after the procedure for about 4 to 6 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve spasms
- Prevent infection
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
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. ‚