TURP is a surgical procedure that does not undergo any sort of external incision and still removes the inner area of the prostate gland that blocks the flow of urine through the penis.
The surgeon uses an instrument such as resectoscope i.e. 12 inches long and ½ inches in diameter. The instrument is inserted inside the urethra to the prostate. This instrument comprises of light, valves that are helpful in controlling the fluid, electrical loop that cuts the tissues as well as it also seals the blood vessels. This instrument is inserted from the penis. The surgeon guides the wire loop inside so that it can remove all the destructive tissues one by one. All the pieces of destructive tissues are then carried out to the bladder along with the fluid and later on flushed out from the body at the end of this procedure. For the TURP surgery the patient has to stay in the hospital.
At times, because of prostate cancer the tube may get pressed that carries urine and as a result, the patient may feel the discomfort that is beyond any explanation. The doctor will recommend the patient to undergo TURP surgery that can remove some of the cancer so that you can urinate easily. Cancer in the prostate is not cured by this operation, but it relieves the discomfort and symptoms that are caused as a result of urethra getting pressed by cancer. This surgery is even performed on men that have non cancerous swelling in the prostate gland.
The prostate gland is a small walnut sized half muscular and half glandular. This is made up of centre and left and right lobes. The prostate glands main function is to secrete an alkaline fluid that is a very important part of semen. This fluid helps in carrying the sperm to its destination. The prostate gland plays a very important role sexually as well as in urinary function. With age the prostate gland enlarges and the patients may come across some issues related to the prostate gland in their life, such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatism, Prostatitis and Prostatalgia. TURP surgery is a procedure that helps in relieving the symptoms that occurs as a side effect of prostate enlargement. Cancer or enlargement of the prostate gland may press the urethra that can obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder, out of the body.
TURP surgery is performed on those men who cannot handle radical prostatectomy because of health issues or age factor. The doctors perform treatment depending upon certain factors such as:
In some mild cases of BPH treatment is not required and that decision completely depends upon what your doctor feels and observes from their evaluations. For rectifying the problems or its development, regular checkups are important.
TURP is usually performed to treat symptoms and not the disease. The doctor usually recommends TURP operation, if the symptoms that are caused as a result of BPH had not improved with medications and remedies. There are many more reasons available that can justify the requirement for TURP treatment.
BPH is one of the condition because of which the prostate gland may become enlarged and cause discomfort and problems related to urination. Some of the symptoms are as follows:
All these symptoms may cause problems, the patient may not be able to retain urine in their bladder that can cause infection and even cause the formation of stones in the bladder. Condition like BPH may be responsible for the higher level of PSA that may even lead to cancer. TURP is better for those patients who have been suffering for long from the severe symptoms that arise as a result of prostate enlargement. TURP actually help the patient get rid of these symptoms in a noticeable manner.
TURP treatment is required by those candidates who have BPH or it may also be done for prevent the complications that are caused as a result of urine blockage such as:
There are many ways or methods through which BPH or prostate gland swelling can be treated, but still amongst all of them TURP is the best and it is the most commonly performed procedure.
Before the surgery the patient is asked to stay empty stomach for at least 5 to 6 hours. TURP surgery is performed under the effect of general anaesthesia or at times even spinal anaesthesia, if there are some issues or medical condition involved. TURP operation is performed by passing a medical instrument called a resectoscope through the tip of penis inserted inside the urethra that reaches to the prostate. This tube comprises of a tiny camera that helps in visualizing the area inside the urethra completely that too without making any incisions or cuts. This instrument allows the doctor to examine the size of the prostate and urinary tract. He will suggest you to perform some tests like blood test and test related to prostate and urine flow.
The medical instrument, i.e. resectoscope helps in cutting the destructive tissue one by one and carries them inside the bladder along with the fluid. The procedure takes around almost about 90 minutes. After the complete procedure the destructive tissues will be removed completely. Once the entire procedure is finished, the patient will have to stay in hospital for at least 2 or 3 days/nights. The prostate tissues are also sent for further lab investigation that checks for the cancerous cells. TURP surgery is performed under the effect of general anaesthesia or at times even spinal anaesthesia, if there are some issues or medical condition involved.
TURP surgery/operation needs you to stay in the hospital. The procedure of this treatment depends upon the condition of the patient and doctor’s specialization. For the surgery to start and progress several steps have to be followed, such as:
After the TURP Operation is done the patient will have to stay in the hospital for at least 2 or 3 days depending upon his recovery and health. They must contact the doctor and ask about the precautions that must be taken care off. Ask the doctors what is expected out from this procedure after reaching home.
To recover from the treatment quickly the patient must follow the instructions of the doctors carefully. Some of the instructions that the doctors give to their patients are as follows:
The nurse will provide with an appointment at the outpatient clinic for routine checkups. During the check-ups the patient can discuss their worries with the doctor. The visit to the outpatient clinic is usually after 6 weeks that means, during this period the patient must take care of themselves. After the treatment, you must be extra cautious about some complications that may arise. Every surgical procedure comprises of one or the other risk and this goes well with TURP surgery as well. Once you have reached home, you must take lots of fluid because only it will help in flushing out the destructive tissues, blood and clots from the bladder.
You must avoid every tiring or strenuous work for a month or two because it can cause bleeding again. You may feel weak or vulnerable for some days or weeks after TURP surgery. For comfort patient can take pain relievers prescribed by their doctor.
The doctors may instruct the patient to be more cautious and give him/her the extra instruction on the basis of current situation of the patient.
