Transurethral resection of prostate gland (TURP)
TURP stands for transurethral resection of the prostate gland. It is a minimally-invasive procedure to remove prostate tissue and improve urine flow in men with enlarged prostate glands.
Quick facts
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get seen and treated within 14 days
What is it for?
Treatment to remove part of the prostate gland
Treatment overview
Prostate problems are common, affecting one in three men over the age of fifty.
The London Clinic's urology team provides TURP together with a comprehensive range of innovative prostate treatments, and a comfortable, stress-free environment in which to recover.
The London Clinic's urology consultants perform TURP in state-of-the-art operating theatres, using the latest equipment and technology.
The urologists are assisted by an expert multidisciplinary team that will support you from your first consultation, during your procedure, and throughout your recovery.
As well as TURP, other treatments can improve urine flow and resolve symptoms.
The London Clinic offers medical therapies, surgical procedures, and innovative new treatments for BPH.
TURP consultation at The London Clinic
The world-leading urologists will assess and advise you in The London Clinic’s comfortable, private, and well-equipped consulting rooms.
The surgeons will take a detailed medical history, examine your abdomen, pelvis and prostate gland, and ask about the impact your urinary symptoms have on your health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Your consultant may arrange tests and investigations in the cutting-edge imaging suite. These may include:
- Blood tests to check for anaemia, inflammation and kidney function
- Prostate-Specific Antigen to screen for prostate cancer
- Ultrasound
- Urinalysis
- Urodynamic studies
In accordance with NICE, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, the Urology consultants work with highly-trained multidisciplinary teams to discuss and plan your treatment.
They will arrange your admission, explain the benefits and risks of the procedure, answer questions, and address any concerns you have.
TURP surgery at The London Clinic
The urologists at The London Clinic perform TURP under general anaesthetic or using a spinal block so that you are awake but numb below the waist. The procedure lasts less than an hour.
Your surgeon will insert a fine operating telescope called a resectoscope into your penis.
They will not make any incisions into the skin, so you will not have a scar following the procedure.
They will use a fine loop of wire to cut away the part of the prostate that blocks the bladder and urethra. The wire is heated, allowing it to seal blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
The surgeon will insert a thin tube called a catheter into your urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away loose tissue.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
TURP is transurethral resection of the prostate gland. It is surgery to remove part of the prostate gland to prevent it from obstructing urine flow.
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and penis in men.
As the prostate gland grows, it can progressively obstruct the bladder, where it joins the urethra, affecting the normal flow of urine.
In TURP surgery, the consultant urologist operates through a surgical telescope to shave away tissue from the prostate, relieving the blockage and improving urine flow.
Benign prostate enlargement or BPH is the most common cause of prostate enlargement.
It gradually blocks the flow of urine, increasing the risk of urine infections, and causing distressing symptoms, including:
- Problems initiation urine flow.
- Needing to pass urine more frequently.
- A weak urine stream.
- The sensation that the bladder isn't emptying properly.
- Dribbling after passing urine.
- Getting up at night to go to the toilet.
- Urgency when you need to pass urine.
The urologists at The London Clinic provide comprehensive treatment programmes for prostate problems. These include:
- Bladder neck incision: Minimally-invasive surgery to open up the neck of the bladder
- Medication: Drug treatment can improve the symptoms of prostate enlargement, particularly in the early stages
- Aquablation therapy: A minimally-invasive surgical treatment in which the surgeon removes prostate tissue using a heat-free waterjet
- Urolift: A minimally invasive procedure in which the urologist inserts an implant that rapidly improves urine flow without the loss of ejaculatory or erectile function
- Prostate artery embolisation: The London Clinic is one of the first independent hospitals in the UK to offer prostate artery embolisation. The procedure involves blocking the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, causing it to shrink
- iTind: A temporary implant that the urologists insert in a quick, minimally-invasive procedure. The device presses on the urethra and improves the flow of urine.
After the procedure, you will need to stay in hospital overnight so that the expert team can monitor and support you as you recover.
The catheter will drain your urine, and fluid irrigation will prevent any blood or tissue from blocking the urine flow.
The team will usually remove the catheter after 24-48 hours. When you can pass urine independently, you can usually go home.
Your consultant will let you know their findings during surgery and provide individual guidance on aftercare. They will also arrange follow-up.
Take time to rest and recover. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving and sex for 3-4 weeks. You should be able to return to work and normal activities after around a month.
However, it can take longer, especially if your job involves manual labour.
Passing urine can be uncomfortable for several days. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2-3 litres a day) to keep the urine dilute and reduce discomfort.
If you are in increasing pain or struggling to empty your bladder, contact the urology team. They will always be on hand if you have any problems or worries.
You should avoid intercourse for three to four weeks after surgery because it can disturb healing and cause bleeding.
The procedure can affect ejaculation. It makes semen go back into the bladder instead of coming out of the penis.
This is known as retrograde ejaculation. It's harmless, and the sensation of orgasm shouldn't change. However, it does affect fertility.
All surgery has risks. The surgeons and The London Clinic team are dedicated to reducing complications and helping your recovery.
Problems with pain, bleeding, scarring, and infection can happen after any operation.
Specific issues with TURP surgery include:
- problems having an erection
- difficulty passing urine
- incontinence
- reduction in fertility
- narrowing of the urethra
- recurrence of symptoms.
Speak to your surgeon if you have any concerns. They will always take time to discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and answer any questions.