TURP — Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
TURP, or transurethral resection of the prostate, is a procedure that relieves urinary blockage caused by an enlarged prostate. A thin instrument is passed through the urethra and the obstructing inner prostate tissue is trimmed away, with no external incision. It is a long-established, effective treatment for the bothersome urinary symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
TURP is considered a benchmark surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that squeezes the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. Working entirely through the urethra with a resectoscope, the surgeon removes the inner, obstructing portion of the prostate using an electrical loop or, in modern bipolar systems, in a saline environment that improves safety. The result is a wider channel and a much stronger urinary stream. A catheter drains the bladder for a short period afterwards while the area heals.
Our urology and robotic surgery teams offer TURP alongside laser options such as HoLEP and other minimally invasive treatments, choosing the technique that best fits the size of the prostate and the patient's health. For international patients, a coordinator arranges the urology consultation, flow tests and imaging review, and provides a transparent, personalized cost estimate before travel. Specialists can review prior investigations remotely, so the plan is largely settled before you arrive for a focused, well-supported stay.
Who is a candidate?
- Men with bothersome urinary symptoms — weak stream, straining, frequency or incomplete emptying — from an enlarged prostate
- Those whose symptoms have not improved enough with medication or who prefer a definitive solution
- Men who have had urinary retention requiring a catheter because of prostate obstruction
- Patients with recurrent urinary infections, bladder stones or blood in the urine related to prostate enlargement
- Men with a moderately enlarged prostate suited to resection through the urethra
- Patients confirmed fit for spinal or general anesthesia at pre-operative assessment
What happens
- 1
Consultation and assessment
A urologist reviews your symptoms and performs tests such as a urine-flow study, prostate examination, blood tests and imaging to confirm that prostate obstruction is the cause and that TURP is appropriate.
- 2
Preparation
You are admitted on the day of surgery and fast beforehand. The anesthesia team plans spinal or general anesthesia, and any blood-thinning medication is managed in advance.
- 3
The procedure
A resectoscope is passed through the urethra and the surgeon trims away the obstructing inner prostate tissue, sealing small vessels. No external cuts are made; the removed tissue is sent for examination.
- 4
Early recovery
A catheter drains the bladder and gentle irrigation clears the urine for a day or two. Once the urine is clear and you are passing it well, the catheter is removed before you go home.
- 5
Healing at home
Mild burning, urgency and occasional blood-tinged urine are normal for a few weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding heavy lifting and following your urologist's advice support a smooth recovery.
Benefits
- Strongly and durably improves urine flow and relieves obstructive symptoms
- Performed entirely through the urethra, with no external incision or scar
- Long-established technique with well-understood, predictable results
- Allows the removed tissue to be examined to rule out unexpected disease
- Can resolve retention, recurrent infections and bleeding caused by obstruction
Risks & considerations
- Temporary burning, urgency and blood-tinged urine for a few weeks during healing
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen passing back into the bladder) is common after TURP
- Urinary infection or, less commonly, short-term difficulty controlling urine
- Narrowing of the urethra or bladder neck over time in a minority of men
- Bleeding that occasionally requires further treatment
- The usual risks of spinal or general anesthesia, assessed beforehand
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.
TURP — Transurethral Resection of the Prostate — frequently asked questions
Cost depends on the technique used, the type of anesthesia and length of stay. Your coordinator prepares a single, transparent estimate before you travel. Most patients plan a stay of several days to a week, allowing for the 1–3 night admission, catheter removal and a follow-up check before flying home.
Yes. You can send your flow studies, PSA and other blood results, prostate imaging and symptom history for a remote review, so our specialists confirm whether TURP or an alternative such as laser surgery is the best fit and outline the plan in advance.
Most men retain erectile function, but retrograde ejaculation — semen passing into the bladder rather than out — is common afterwards and is harmless, though it can affect fertility. Your urologist will discuss this fully before surgery.
Both relieve prostate obstruction through the urethra. TURP trims tissue with an electrical loop, while HoLEP uses a laser to enucleate it and can suit larger prostates. Your surgeon recommends the option best matched to your prostate size and health.
Many men notice a stronger stream soon after the catheter is removed. Mild irritation settles over a few weeks, and the full benefit is usually clear within one to two months.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement, not prostate cancer. The tissue removed during TURP is routinely examined under the microscope, which also provides reassurance by checking for any unexpected findings.
Related treatments
Considering turp — transurethral resection of the prostate?
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