Resection of the prostate

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate gland. TURP is often used to treat prostate enlargement.

Prostate enlargement

The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis that is only found in men. It is located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).

The main function of the prostate is to help with the production of semen. The prostate produces a thick, white fluid that is liquefied by a special protein known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The fluid is then mixed with sperm, produced by the testicles, to create semen.

If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra. This can cause symptoms that affect urination (passing urine when going to the toilet). These symptoms include:

• difficulties starting urination,
• a frequent need to urinate, and
• difficulty emptying the bladder fully.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Prostate enlargement is a common condition that is associated with ageing. It is estimated that 60 per cent of men who are 60 years of age, or over, have some degree of prostate enlargement.

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but most experts agree that it is linked to changes in hormone levels in a man’s body due to ageing.

How common is TURP?

TURP is one of the most common types of prostate surgery, with an estimated 40,000 TURPs performed each year in the UK.

Due to the nature of prostate enlargement, most TURPs are carried in men who are 60 years of age, or over, with the average age being 69 years.

A TURP is usually a straightforward procedure, and most men will be able to leave hospital within three days of having the operation.