TURP (and Mini-TURP)

What is a TURP procedure?

TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It is a surgical procedure designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a cause of nocturia. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can block urine flow.

There is also a scaled-down version called a mini-TURP.

How is a TURP procedure performed?

The TURP prostate procedure is what we consider the “gold standard” for endoscopic treatment of BPH. When we say “endoscopic”, we mean that your surgeon will use an endoscope: a medical device that looks like a thin tube. The endoscope will have a light and a lens, allowing your doctor to see inside your body. It may also include a wire loop that can be heated with an electric current. This wire loop can cut tissue. For example, to remove part of your prostate.

Before the procedure, you will be instructed to stop taking any medications that increase your risk of bleeding. These include blood thinners (such as Warfarin) and over-the-counter pain relievers.

The TURP prostate surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your urologist will insert the endoscope through your urethra. Then, they will shave part of the prostate gland away to open the urethra and allow better urine flow. We usually say it’s like coring out an apple.

This procedure aims to relieve urinary symptoms by creating a wider channel through the prostate for urine to flow more easily. This helps patients with problems like weak urine (pee) stream, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying their bladder.

What is the difference between the TURP and Mini-TURP procedures?

In a traditional TURP, a surgeon inserts a resectoscope through the urethra to reach the prostate without making any external incisions (cuts). A resectoscope is a type of endoscope. Then, the surgeon uses the attached electrical wire loop to remove the excess prostate tissue that’s blocking your urine flow.

The Mini-TURP is essentially a smaller-scale version of the standard procedure. It uses miniaturized instruments to remove less tissue. It potentially offers advantages like reduced bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.

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Who is the ideal candidate for the TURP procedure?

TURP is an option for almost any man with a moderately enlarged prostate. There is clear evidence that TURP immediately improves voiding symptoms and urinary flow. Extremely enlarged prostates may require a different surgical approach.

What is the success rate for the TURP procedure?

TURP is the gold standard for endoscopic management of BPH. When evaluating a new treatment option for BPH, TURP is typically the standard treatment against which the new treatment is compared.

Most men have immediate improvements in flow and can empty their bladders more completely. Urinary symptoms will usually improve even more over time.

The data show that 80-90% of patients report that their urinary symptoms have disappeared or become significantly less.

What are the risks or complications of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

TURP, while still minimally invasive, is still a surgery. And with almost all surgeries, there are risks, such as infection, bleeding (possibly requiring re-operation), scarring of the urethra, and urinary incontinence. During the TURP, every effort will be made to preserve your ability to ejaculate. However, the reality is that most likely, you will not be able to ejaculate after your TURP.

What is the TURP surgery recovery like?

In the hospital: the TURP procedure is not an outpatient procedure, but it generally requires only a one-night stay. This is so your healthcare team can flush out the blood from your bladder using a continuous irrigation system while your prostate scabs over. “Continuous irrigation stream” means that sterile fluid will continue to wash out your bladder. This irrigating fluid is turned off in the morning, and you will be discharged home that day, usually with your Foley catheter. Since your urethra will be swollen from the operation, the catheter will help you pass urine (pee).

The catheter remains in place for three to seven days. Otherwise, it is an endoscopic procedure performed without any incisions. You should have minimal pain or other recovery considerations.

At home: You will most likely feel tired and a bit “under the weather” for a week or two. However, most men recover after 3-4 weeks.

For the first 3-4 weeks, you should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

Your Tower Urology healthcare experts will give you more detailed information about your at-home recovery.

Are there other procedures to consider instead of the TURP to treat BPH?

Yes, there are many options to treat BPH. The options that are available to you depend first on the size and anatomy of your prostate. This is usually checked via imaging and/or cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a type of endoscopy that uses a cystoscope. This is an instrument that lets your doctor see inside your body. Then, based on your priorities, your Tower urologist will decide the best treatment for you.

TURP is the tried-and-true endoscopic treatment for BPH. It requires a bit more “upfront investment”—you need to go to the operating room, stay a night in the hospital, and have a catheter for a few days. However, the surgery works very well and directly removes the prostate tissue that is causing the issues.

What makes Tower Urology unique for TURP and mini-TURP procedures in Los Angeles?

At Tower Urology, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to general urology care. All our professionals are committed to providing you with expert care, including follow-up. We take the time to understand you and personalize your treatment plan to your specific needs.

We invite you to establish care with Tower Urology.

Call us or request your appointment online:

(855) 246-2700

Request your appointment online

Tower Urology is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Burbank, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles.

Our services include treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), elevated PSA, male infertility, chronic testicular pain, low testosterone, and prostatitis.

TURP procedure FAQs

Is a TURP major surgery?

TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is not considered a major surgery because it’s minimally invasive. Unlike a prostatectomy, which is a significant surgery involving external incisions (cuts), TURP is performed through the urethra without any cuts to the skin. The procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Tower Urology patients generally require a one-day hospital stay, though some patients may need up to three days.

Does TURP cause erectile dysfunction?

TURP can temporarily affect erectile function (ED), but long-term erectile dysfunction is uncommon. Research shows that erectile function may decrease significantly for about three months following the procedure but typically returns to pre-surgery levels by six months. About 11% of patients report new erectile dysfunction after TURP, while 8% with pre-existing ED experience improved function.

Interestingly, patients who experience better relief of urinary symptoms often report improved erectile function, possibly due to reduced mental stress and increased libido once urinary problems are resolved.

How effective is TURP in treating urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate?

TURP is highly effective for treating urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, with success rates of 80-90%.

Sources

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-turp/

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – Recovery
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-turp/recovery/

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Symptoms and causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

The Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Erectile Function
https://icurology.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4111/kju.2010.51.8.557

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/turp/about/pac-20384880

Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mens-health/turp

What patients say about Tower Urology

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Over 346 Reviews

Dr Josephson has a magic hand. after protate surgery usually most of the patients get leaks but mine was perfect. He is very intelligent, helpful, patient, and polite. I recommend him to all my friends and family

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I have been suffering from Testicular pain for the past 3.2 years, and it has been a challenging journey. If I do certain activities like long walks, lifting weights and sex triggers or worsen my testicular pain. The pain was intense enough to significantly impact my daily activities. Pain forces me to rest for 1 to 2 days and applying the Ice packs frequently. I finally met Dr. Justin Houman, who has truly been my life saver. I recently underwent Microsurgical Spermatic Cord Denervation and Varicocelectomies Surgery with Dr. Justice Houman and I noticed a significant reduction in my chronic testicular pain, which has greatly improved my quality of life. I have gradually resumed activities like long walks, lifting weights, sexual activity and I am experiencing only very minimal testicular pain, which doesn’t affect my daily activities. I would highly recommend Dr. Justice Houman to anyone suffering from chronic testicular pain, he is a true expert in men’s andrology. Dr. Houman is truly a life saver for me, Thank you very much Dr. Houman!

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Dr.Josephson was an Answer to many prayers! I recently had surgery in Bakersfield with urologist who is past his prime. I couldn't get help after my TURP surgery. For 3 months (90 days) I was in great discomfort, unable to urinate without extreme pain. 40 times a day,wanting to cry ! My Bakersfield urologist said there was NOTHING he could do to help me. A friend sent me to Dr. Josephine. I prayed for a miracle and Dr. Josephson kindly obliged. No further surgery was needed! Dr.Josephson took the "time" to examine me and found the issue immediately and I left his office as happy a child !! Thank you,Dr.Josephson, words cannot express my gratitude enough!! You helped me greatly in my time of need! You were kind and gentle and made me feel cared for. Thank you,May God Bless You !! JSM

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A family member was struggling with testicular pain for years and had concerns about fertility. I am so grateful that we were referred to Dr. Houman. He is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and has great bedside manner. He diagnosed a varicocele and recommended microsurgical varicocelectomy and we are so happy with the results. I highly recommend Dr. Houman.

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How did a woman with a lifetime of recurrent bladder infections wind up with a urologist whose specialty is male fertility? It happened like this...Dr. Houman was recommended to my husband when he began having the prostate problems that can devastate older men. Dr. Houman solved his urinary difficulties, and I'm convinced, kept him from the fate of a constant catheter. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to be his patient, and have been, for the first time in my life, free for several months of any infections. But the best part of being Dr. Houman's patient is this. When you are in trouble, he will keep in constant touch with you...he does not isolate himself behind a wall of nurses. Naturally, I recommend him highly, Marilyn B.

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