Transurethral resection of the prostate is a standard surgery for removing the enlarged part of the prostate where it constricts the urethra 1. It is done when a patient has bleeding through the urethra, kidney damage due to urine backup, frequent urination or an inability to urinate, or stones in the bladder.

Cautions

The surgery lasts about 90 minutes and the patient stays in the hospital about three days with a catheter connected to drain urine. After surgery, you should drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet and avoid driving, heavy lifting or operating machinery. A prophylactic laxative is often given to prevent constipation and straining.

Complications

After TURP surgery, there may be some blood in the urine, discomfort, urgency to urinate or difficulty with urine control. Three out of 10 men experience a loss of sexual function for up to a year.

Side Effects

A common side effect is dry climax, a problem with ejaculation that may make the patient sterile. Other side effects include problems urinating, discomfort while urinating and incontinence.

Sexual Effects

Patients often experience a loss of sexual function or discomfort during sex, but these symptoms usually lessen over the months following TURP surgery. Most men regain the ability to enjoy sex within months of the procedure.

Recovery Time

The longer you suffered symptoms before getting the surgery, the longer you will need to recover after the surgery. If you were able to have an erection before TURP surgery, you ought to be able to do so afterward.

Other Threats to Recovery

After surgery, extra prostate tissue can grow back and block urine flow. The bladder itself can be damaged or infected. The muscles around the urethra can be damaged during surgery and cause it to be difficult to control urine flow. Scars around the urethra may narrow it and cause the urethra to need to be stretched later.