The definitive surgical treatment for BPH
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes excess prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra — providing significant, durable improvement in urinary symptoms when medications and less invasive options are insufficient. Performed endoscopically with no abdominal incisions.
What is TURP?
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat conditions such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — the enlargement of the prostate gland that can compress the urethra and cause bothersome urinary symptoms.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on TURP. This procedure is a common surgical solution for individuals experiencing prostate issues, and this page aims to provide valuable information to help you understand the process and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Understanding TURP
When TURP is recommended
TURP is often recommended when BPH causes significant urinary problems that are not adequately controlled with medications or less invasive treatments.
Frequent urination
Going to the bathroom more often than normal, especially at night, that disrupts sleep and daily activities
Difficulty starting or stopping flow
Trouble initiating urination, weak stream, or difficulty stopping — signs of urethral obstruction
Incomplete emptying
A persistent feeling that the bladder isn’t fully emptied after urinating — a hallmark BPH symptom
How TURP is performed
The procedure is performed in three main phases, from preparation through the resection itself.
Preparation
Before the surgery, your doctor will provide instructions on how to prepare, which may include dietary adjustments and discontinuing certain medications (especially blood thinners) in the days leading up to your procedure.
Anesthesia
TURP is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia — your anesthesia team will discuss which option is best for you based on your health and preferences. You will be comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Resection process
During the procedure, a thin tube with a lighted camera (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra to access the prostate. A cutting tool is then used to remove excess prostate tissue, relieving pressure on the urethra and restoring urinary flow.
This is a surgical procedure
Although TURP is performed endoscopically with no external incisions, it is still a surgical procedure requiring general or spinal anesthesia and a hospital stay. You’ll need to follow standard pre-operative instructions and arrange for transportation and support during your recovery at home.
Your provider will discuss the anesthesia plan, expected recovery, and possible aftereffects with you in detail before surgery.
Why TURP remains the gold standard
Improved urinary flow
TURP can significantly alleviate symptoms such as a weak urine stream, difficulty starting the flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder — often providing dramatic and immediately noticeable improvement.
Better quality of life
Many individuals experience an improvement in their overall quality of life after TURP — including better sleep from reduced nighttime urination, less anxiety about restroom access, and a return to normal daily activities.
Hospital stay & recovery at home
Most patients stay in the hospital for a day or two following TURP for monitoring, pain management, and initial recovery. A catheter is typically in place during this time to allow the urethra to heal properly.
Your doctor will provide detailed instructions for at-home care — including medication, physical activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Full recovery takes several weeks, with most patients gradually returning to normal activities under their surgeon’s guidance.
Being fully informed
Like any surgical procedure, TURP carries certain risks. Understanding these is an important part of making an informed decision — your surgeon will discuss all potential complications with you in detail during consultation.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after TURP, especially during the first days of recovery. Significant bleeding requiring intervention is uncommon.
Infection
Infection risk is minimized with proper hygiene and antibiotic use. Your care team will provide specific instructions to reduce this risk.
Sexual function changes
TURP may impact sexual function, including changes to ejaculation. See the detailed discussion below.
About sexual function after TURP
TURP can impact sexual function, and it’s important to discuss this openly before deciding on surgery. The most common effect is retrograde ejaculation — where semen travels backward into the bladder rather than forward during orgasm. This is not physically harmful and does not typically affect sexual pleasure, but it does affect fertility.
Some patients may also experience changes in erectile function, though the risk is generally lower than with more extensive prostate procedures. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks based on your health, prostate size, and current sexual function — and will help you consider what these changes might mean for you.
If preserving ejaculatory function is a priority, your surgeon may discuss alternative treatments that better preserve this aspect of sexual function.
TURP in context of your BPH options
TURP is one of several treatments for BPH. Your urology team will help you understand which option is best suited to your prostate size, symptoms, and priorities.
TURP (this page)
Rezūm™ Water Vapor
UroLift® Implants
PAE Embolization
Discuss your BPH options
TURP is a well-established procedure with a high success rate in improving urinary symptoms associated with BPH. If you think TURP may be the right option for you, schedule a consultation with our urology team to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action.