TURP: Side Effects and Recovery Period
Prostate surgery, specifically the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an effective and sometimes long-lasting procedure for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it does come with its own set of side effects, as well as a much longer recovery period than a non-invasive procedure such as prostate artery embolization.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate.
The procedure is performed by using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, a camera, and a loop of wire.
During the procedure, which requires the use of general or spinal anesthesia to prevent any pain, the resectoscope is entered into the penis and passes along the urethra until it reaches the prostate.
Once the instrument has reached the prostate, the loop of wire on it is then heated with an electric current and is used to cut away the section of the prostate that is causing BPH symptoms.
Following this, a thin tube called a catheter is then inserted into the urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away pieces of the prostate that have been removed.
The TURP procedure usually necessitates a hospital stay for one to three days following the operation.
During this time the catheter used during the operation will be left in place throughout the duration of the hospital stay because post-op the urethra will be swollen which can hinder the ability to urinate normally.
Following the procedure, many men experience difficulties urinating, as well as blood in their urine. They also report feeling tired and under the weather for at least a week or two after the procedure. However, for some men, these issues can last upwards of 4 to 8 weeks.
During the 4 to 8 weeks, most patients are advised to stay off work and avoid lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, driving, and having sex during this time.
The most common side effect following the TURP procedure is inflammation in the urethra and surrounding area.
This swelling and inflammation can cause difficulty urinating, which sometimes requires the catheter to stay in longer.
This, however, can also be problematic since the catheter can not only be uncomfortable and cause bladder cramping- but it can also come with its own health risks such as an increased risk for urinary tract infections and other infections as well.
Some of the other common side effects of TURP surgeries include, but are not limited to:
- difficulty completely emptying the bladder
- urinary incontinence or leakage
- urinary urgency or the sudden urge to urinate
- discomfort during urination
- small dribbles or clots of blood in the urine, for up to 6 weeks
- erectile difficulty
- decreases in semen produced during ejaculation
These common side effects usually go away with rest and time, as the urethra and prostate tissues become less inflamed, usually within a few weeks. However, in some cases, they might not.
In fact, as with all surgeries, TURP does come with its own set of serious risks and complications.
In our next article, we will take a look at some of the serious risks and complications associated with transurethral resection of the prostate, and look at some of the alternative procedures that are available such as Prostate Artery Embolization.
