Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a type of prostate surgery done to relieve moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

During TURP, a combined visual and surgical instrument (resectoscope) is inserted through the tip of your penis and into the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra). The urethra is surrounded by the prostate. Using the resectoscope, your doctor trims away excess prostate tissue that's blocking urine flow and increases the size of the channel that allows you to empty your bladder.

TURP is one of the most effective options for treating urinary symptoms caused by BPH. To determine whether TURP or another treatment is the right choice for you, your doctor will consider how severe your symptoms are, what other health problems you have, and the size and shape of your prostate.

Why it's done
References
  1. Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm. Accessed April 11, 2013.
  2. Prostate enlargement: Benign prostatic hyperplasia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/index.aspx. Accessed April 11, 2013.
  3. Cunningham GR, et al. Surgical and other invasive therapies of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 11, 2013.
  4. Thiel DD, et al. Electroresection and open surgery. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2009;36:461.
  5. Graham SD, et al. Glenn's Urologic Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010:166.
  6. Smith RD, et al. Transurethral resection of the prostate revisited and updated. Current Opinion in Urology. 2011;21:36.
  7. Preparing for your operation and recovery. American College of Surgeons. http://www.facs.org/patienteducation/surgery.html. Accessed April 11, 2013.
  8. Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1445/0.html. Accessed April 11, 2013.
  9. AskMayoExpert. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  10. Update on AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Journal of Urology. 2011;185:1793.
MY00633 July 23, 2013

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