Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) operation Q&A

When should I consider a TURP?

You may be advised to have a TURP if the following have happened:

  • You have tried alpha-blocker drug treatments and they have failed
  • Your urethra is so blocked that you are getting frequent bladder infections
  • You are getting bladder stones because your bladder does not empty fully
  • You develop urinary retention, which means you cannot urinate at all and kidney damage may result

Does TURP hurt?

Some people find the catheter you have to wear after the operation uncomfortable, whereas other people are not bothered by it. If you have pain or discomfort, you can have painkillers.

In the first days after the operation, a clot of blood may block the catheter. If this happens, your bladder will become full, but the blockage prevents you from emptying your bladder. If you think this has happened tell the nurse who can flush the catheter with a syringe to remove blockages.

When can I start exercising again?

You should keep exercise to a minimum for the first month. Do not do any intense work, such as digging and lifting. You can resume sports such as golf, cycling and swimming after a month or so.

Is there a special diet I should follow after surgery?

Make sure you eat enough fruit and vegetables. Food that is high in fibre helps to avoid constipation. If you do become constipated, take a mild laxative or ask your doctor for advice. You must not strain as this will put pressure on the healing wound.

You should also aim to drink two litres of fluid each day for the first week or two. This will continue the flushing process and help prevent infection. Increase fluids if you notice more blood in the urine. Try to reduce drinking after six or eight pm, so you don’t have to get up during the night.

When can I start driving again?

Do not drive for the first two weeks after the operation. If you had to do an emergency stop, the sudden jerking movement could damage the healing wound. Before you come to hospital, you should contact your motor insurance company, as many will not provide full cover for patients who have had major surgery for the first three months after the operation.

When can I go back to work?

You can return to work a month after the operation. If you have a heavy manual job, your recovery time may be longer.

When can I have sex again?

You should not have sex for three weeks after the operation, as this may cause the internal wound to bleed. Some men worry that a TURP may cause impotence, but there is no clinical evidence to show this (1). A few men do have problems with potency after a TURP, but they are more likely to be aged 70 years or over. Also, men who had erectile problems before a TURP procedure will still have those problems afterwards.

Infolinks:

Ref:

  1. Muntener, Aellig & Kuettel et al | Sexual Function after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): results of an Independent Prospective Multicentre Assessment of Outcome | Journal of European Urology (Aug 2007): (52); 2; pp 510 - 516 | DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2007.01.088

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