Prostate Surgery
Prostate surgery treats two main problems: an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) that blocks the flow of urine, and prostate cancer. Procedures range from minimally invasive techniques that relieve obstruction — such as TURP or laser surgery — to removal of the whole gland (prostatectomy) for cancer, chosen to fit the diagnosis and the man's symptoms.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
For an enlarged prostate that obstructs urine flow, surgery removes or reduces the overgrown tissue pressing on the urethra. The most established procedure is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), done through the urethra with no external incision; laser techniques such as HoLEP and ThuLEP enucleation or vaporization are alternatives that can suit larger glands or men on blood-thinning medication. These relieve symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent or urgent urination and incomplete emptying, and they are not presented as procedures that cause loss of erectile function.
For prostate cancer confined to the gland, the surgical treatment is radical prostatectomy — removal of the whole prostate — which is increasingly performed with robotic assistance through small incisions. Surgery is one of several options for prostate cancer alongside radiotherapy and active surveillance, and the right choice depends on the cancer's stage and grade and on the man's preferences.
International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including which procedure is planned and the expected stay. Our urologists can review symptom scores, PSA, ultrasound, biopsy and MRI remotely first so the recommendation fits your individual situation.
Who is a candidate?
- Men with an enlarged prostate (BPH) causing a weak stream, urgency, frequency or incomplete emptying
- Those whose urinary symptoms are not adequately controlled by medication
- Men with urinary retention, recurrent infections or other complications of an enlarged prostate
- Patients with localized prostate cancer for whom surgery is the chosen treatment
- People seeking a second opinion on whether surgery, medication or another option is best
What happens
- 1
Assessment
Symptom scores, a urine-flow test, ultrasound and PSA — and, for suspected cancer, biopsy and MRI — define the problem and which procedure is appropriate.
- 2
Choosing the procedure
For BPH, your urologist recommends TURP, laser surgery or another technique based on prostate size and your health. For cancer, surgery is weighed against radiotherapy and surveillance.
- 3
The procedure
BPH procedures are usually done through the urethra with no external incision; cancer surgery removes the whole gland, often robotically through small incisions, under general or spinal anesthesia.
- 4
Early recovery
A urinary catheter is usually needed for a short period afterwards. Most men go home within one to three days as urine flow and comfort improve.
- 5
Follow-up
Follow-up confirms symptom relief or, after cancer surgery, monitors PSA. International patients receive a recovery plan and remote support after returning home.
Benefits
- Relieves obstruction from an enlarged prostate, improving urinary flow and comfort
- Several techniques available — including laser options for larger glands or men on blood thinners
- For localized cancer, surgery can remove the disease with PSA as a clear marker afterwards
- Many BPH procedures need no external incision, being done through the urethra
- Robotic techniques for cancer can mean smaller incisions and a quicker recovery
Risks & considerations
- Temporary blood in the urine and a short period with a urinary catheter
- Changes to ejaculation (such as retrograde ejaculation) are common after BPH surgery
- Urinary leakage or erectile changes after cancer surgery, depending on the technique
- The general risks of surgery and anesthesia — bleeding, infection and clots
- Occasionally, the need for repeat treatment if symptoms return over time
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Urology Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Prostate Surgery — frequently asked questions
It treats an enlarged prostate (BPH) that blocks urine flow, and prostate cancer. The procedure is chosen to fit the diagnosis — from techniques that relieve obstruction to removal of the whole gland for cancer.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a well-established procedure that removes overgrown prostate tissue through the urethra, with no external incision, to relieve the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate.
BPH procedures such as HoLEP, ThuLEP and TURP usually preserve erections. The most common sexual change is retrograde ejaculation, where semen passes backward into the bladder, which can affect fertility but is different from losing erectile function. Cancer surgery can affect erections depending on the technique, and your urologist explains the expected risks for your procedure.
Yes. Send your symptom scores, PSA, ultrasound and any biopsy or MRI and our urologists provide an independent opinion on the best option before you commit to travel.
Prostate surgery usually means around one to three nights in hospital plus a short local recovery while the catheter is in — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering prostate surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.