Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate
- or TURP. But what exactly does that mean?
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ that is part of your reproductive system.
It provides some of the fluid contained in semen.
The prostate is located just under the bladder and behind the testicles.
The urethra -- a hollow tube that carries both urine and semen to the penis -- passes
through the prostate.
In some men, the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:
Patient Education * a full bladder feeling even when the bladder
is empty
* pain when urinating
* weak urinary stream
* infertility
* and sexual dysfunction.
To relieve you of your symptoms, your doctor feels that you would benefit from a surgical
procedure called TURP.
TURP is designed to relieve symptoms by reducing the size of the prostate.
It is also a diagnostic procedure. Tissue removed during a resection of the prostate
or TURP is routinely screened for the presence of cancer.
So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation.
On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown.
You may receive a sedative by mouth and an intravenous line may be put in.
Once on the table, your feet and legs will be placed in an elevated position with your
knees apart.
The nurse will swab the penis with an antiseptic solution.
Your doctor will then lift your penis upward.
A well-lubricated instrument called a resectoscope is then gently inserted into the urethra.
When the resectoscope reaches the back of the penis, your doctor will pull the penis
downward in order to create a straight path into
the prostate.
Using this tool, your doctor will then scrape excess tissue from the prostate, restoring
it to its normal size.
Tissue removed from the prostate may be sent a laboratory for analysis.
When the surgery is complete, your doctor will remove the resectoscope. Your doctor
will probably ask you to wear a temporary Foley catheter.
A Foley catheter is a narrow tube inserted through your urethra and into your bladder.
The catheter is connected to a bag that is attached to your leg by a strap. While the
Foley catheter is in place, urine will pass from your bladder into the bag. You will not
need to urinate into a toilet.
The nurse will show you how to change the bag when it is full. An appointment will be
made for you to return to the doctor's office in a couple of days to have the catheter removed.
As soon as the anesthesia wears off and you feel comfortable, you'll be allowed to leave.