Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
A highly effective, routine surgical procedure to remove the blocking parts of an enlarged prostate, restoring a strong urinary flow and relieving discomfort.
Key takeaways
- A highly effective, routine surgical procedure to remove the blocking parts of an enlarged prostate, restoring a strong urinary flow and relieving discomfort.
- Specialty: Prostate & Urinary Procedures
1–3
Catheter usually in placedays
No
Via natural water pipescars
Lasting
Usually long-term relief
Treatment Overview
About Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
If you are struggling with a weak urinary stream, finding yourself waking up multiple times a night to go to the toilet, or feeling like your bladder never truly empties, you may be experiencing Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE). This is a common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows and squeezes the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body), acting much like a foot pressing down on a hosepipe.
A TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a highly reliable, routine operation designed to clear this blockage. Using a thin telescopic camera inserted directly through the eye of your penis, the surgeon removes the central, obstructing tissue using an electrical loop. Because the entire procedure is performed internally through your natural urinary passage, there are absolutely no external cuts or incisions made to your skin, allowing for a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
A TURP procedure provides life-changing improvements to your quality of life and long-term bladder health:
Stronger Urinary Stream: By clearing the physical blockage, your urine will flow much more quickly, freely, and easily.
Complete Bladder Emptying: You will no longer feel the frustrating sensation of retaining urine after a trip to the toilet.
Fewer Late-Night Toilet Trips: The constant urge to urinate, especially during the night, will drastically reduce, allowing for a better night's sleep.
Protects Kidney Health: Unblocking the bladder removes the pressure build-up that can back up and damage your kidneys over time.
Elimination of Permanent Catheters: If you previously relied on a long-term catheter to pass urine due to acute retention, a TURP can successfully allow you to urinate naturally again.
02
Risks
TURP is one of the most common and safely performed urological procedures in the UK, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks. In accordance with the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines, these include:
Retrograde Ejaculation ("Dry Orgasm"): This is a very common long-term effect, affecting around 65% to 75% of men. During an orgasm, semen travels backward into your bladder instead of out of the penis. It is entirely harmless and does not affect sexual pleasure, but it does reduce your fertility.
Bleeding: It is common to see blood in your urine after the operation. However, up to 4% men may experience heavier bleeding that requires a blood transfusion or a quick return to the operating theatre to clear clots.
Infection: A small risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the bladder, testicles, or kidneys, which is easily managed with antibiotics.
Erectile Dysfunction: A small risk (between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50) of developing new or worsening erection problems.
Regrowth of the Prostate: There is a minor chance (around 10%) that the prostate tissue may grow back over several years, requiring a repeat procedure in the future.
Urethral Stricture: Rarely, scar tissue can form in your urethra, causing a narrow patch that might need a brief stretching procedure later on.
Incidental cancer: The prostate tissue removed during surgery is submitted for pathology review. Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 cases there may be a finding of an unsuspected cancer in the removed tissue which may need further treatment.
03
Side Effects
Following your surgery, your bladder and urinary passage will need time to heal. It is normal to experience some temporary side effects during the first few weeks:
Blood in the Urine: Your urine will look pink or blood-stained initially. You may also notice temporary bleeding or small scabs passing around 10 to 14 days after surgery as the internal wound heals.
Urinary Urgency and Frequency: You may feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate or find yourself going to the toilet more often. This happens because your bladder becomes temporarily irritable after being unblocked, but it steadily improves over 3 months.
Mild Burning or Stinging: You may experience a stinging sensation when passing urine for the first few weeks, which can be managed with simple pain relief.
Temporary Catheter Discomfort: You will have a tube (catheter) in your bladder for 1 to 3 days after the operation to drain urine and flush out any blood clots, which can cause a mild tugging or cramping feeling.
What We Treat
How Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
To ensure you are fully prepared for your hospital stay, please complete these pre-operative steps:
Attend Your Pre-Assessment Clinic: You will have routine blood tests, an ECG to check your heart, a urine test, and MRSA swabs a few weeks before your surgery.
Review Blood Thinners: Tell your urologist about all medications you take. You will be given specific instructions on when to pause any blood-thinning tablets (like aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin).
Follow Fasting ("Nil by Mouth") Instructions: You must not eat any food for six hours before your operation. You are usually allowed to drink plain water up to two hours before you arrive.
Pack an Overnight Bag: Since a TURP usually requires a hospital stay of 1 to 3 nights, bring comfortable clothing, toiletries, and reading material.
Prepare for Your Return: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home from the hospital and support you during your first night back.
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During Procedure
The TURP operation is highly controlled, takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and is performed inside an operating theatre:
Administering the Anaesthetic: You will be given either a spinal anaesthetic (which numbs you completely from the waist down while you remain awake) or a general anaesthetic (where you are safely put to sleep).
Telescopic Insertion: The surgeon passes a specialised telescope (resectoscope) directly into your urethra through the tip of your penis, avoiding any skin incisions.
Tissue Removal: Using a heated wire loop powered by an electrical current (diathermy), the surgeon carefully cuts away the central parts of the prostate tissue piece by piece to open up a wide channel.
Sealing Blood Vessels: The surgeon carefully cauterises (seals) the blood vessels in the remaining prostate cavity to minimise any bleeding.
Catheter and Irrigation Placement: A temporary three-way catheter is inserted into your bladder. This tube is connected to bags of sterile fluid that continuously wash (irrigate) your bladder to clear away blood clots and ensure it drains smoothly.
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After Procedure
Your recovery at home plays a major role in achieving the best results from your surgery. Please adhere to this clinical guidance:
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink double your normal amount of water (around 2.5 to 3 litres daily) for the first 24 to 48 hours after your catheter is removed to flush your system and reduce infection risks.
Avoid Straining and Constipation: Straining to pass a bowel movement can put pressure on your prostate and cause bleeding. Eat plenty of high-fibre foods, fruit, and vegetables, and take a gentle laxative if needed.
Rest Comfortably: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving, or vigorous house chores for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Walking light distances is encouraged as soon as you feel up to it.
Pause Sexual Activity: Do not engage in any sexual activity (including masturbation and intercourse) for 3 to 4 weeks to give the delicate internal wound ample time to heal properly.
Monitor for Heavy Bleeding: If your urine becomes thick with blood, if you pass large blood clots, or if you suddenly find it impossible to pass urine at all, contact your hospital team or GP immediately.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
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We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
For most men with normal erectile function before surgery, a TURP does not significantly impact the ability to get or maintain an erection long-term. However, a very common permanent change is retrograde ejaculation ("dry orgasm"). This is where semen travels into the bladder rather than out of the penis during climax. It feels exactly the same and is entirely harmless, but it does mean your fertility will be reduced.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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Most men need between two to three weeks at home to rest before they feel ready to return to work. If your job involves a lot of physical activity, heavy lifting, or long hours on your feet, we strongly recommend taking three to four weeks off, or arranging light duties with your employer until your urology team gives you the all-clear.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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A TURP is a highly effective, long-lasting treatment that provides excellent relief from urinary symptoms for many years. However, because the outer shell of the prostate is left intact, there is a small chance (around 10% of men) that the prostate tissue can slowly grow back over a 5 to 10-year period. If this occurs and causes severe blockages again, a repeat procedure can safely be performed.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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