Introduction
If you or someone in your family is struggling with difficulty passing urine, waking up multiple times at night to use the toilet, or a weak urine stream — you are not alone. These are common signs of an enlarged prostate, a condition that affects millions of men in India, especially after the age of 50.
When medicines are no longer enough, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called TURP. This article explains everything you need to know about TURP surgery in simple, easy-to-understand language — what it is, how it is done, what to expect during recovery, and what risks to be aware of.
Whether you are a patient yourself or a family member researching options, this guide will help you make a well-informed decision before consulting a urologist in Jaipur or anywhere else in Rajasthan.
What Is TURP?
TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It is a surgical procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
In simple words: the surgeon removes excess prostate tissue that is pressing against the urine pipe (urethra) and blocking the flow of urine — without making any cut on the outside of your body.
The procedure is performed through the urethra (the tube through which urine passes), using a specially designed instrument called a resectoscope. This is why TURP is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure — there are no external wounds or stitches on the skin.
TURP has been performed worldwide for decades and remains one of the most well-studied and commonly performed operations for prostate enlargement.
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TURP Full Form in Medical
| Term | Full Form |
|——|———–|
| TURP | Transurethral Resection of the Prostate |
| BPH | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia |
| LUTS | Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms |
- Trans = through
- Urethral = via the urethra (the urine pipe)
- Resection = surgical removal
- of the Prostate = the gland being treated
So, the full form of TURP in medical terminology is: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate — a procedure where excess prostate tissue is removed through the urine passage, without any skin incision.
Why Is TURP Surgery Done?
TURP surgery is done to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
As men age, the prostate gland can gradually grow larger. Because the prostate sits around the urethra (urine pipe), an enlarged prostate squeezes the urine passage and makes it difficult to urinate normally.
TURP is typically recommended when:
- Medications (like alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) have not improved symptoms sufficiently
- Urinary symptoms are significantly affecting quality of life
- The patient is unable to urinate at all (urinary retention)
- There are complications such as repeated urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney damage due to urine blockage
- The prostate is enlarged to a degree that warrants surgical intervention
Seeking enlarged prostate treatment in Jaipur or elsewhere? A qualified urologist will assess whether TURP or an alternative procedure is the right choice based on your specific condition.
Symptoms That May Mean You Need TURP
These are the common symptoms of BPH that may eventually lead a doctor to consider TURP:
- Weak or slow urine stream — urine dribbles rather than flows
- Difficulty starting to urinate — you strain or wait before urine begins
- Frequent urination, especially at night (called nocturia) — waking up 2 or more times to use the toilet
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying — you feel you haven’t fully urinated
- Sudden urge to urinate that is hard to control
- Urinary retention — complete inability to pass urine (medical emergency)
- Blood in urine in some cases
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
> ⚠️ Important: These symptoms can have multiple causes. Always consult a urologist for proper evaluation before assuming it is prostate-related.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TURP?
TURP is considered for men who:
- Are diagnosed with moderate-to-severe BPH confirmed by ultrasound and flow studies
- Have failed or partially responded to medications
- Have a prostate size that is suitable for TURP (typically under 80–100 grams; larger prostates may need alternative approaches)
- Are medically fit for anaesthesia (general or spinal)
- Have developed complications such as urinary retention, bladder stones, or kidney function decline due to blocked urine flow
TURP may not be the first choice if:
- The prostate is very large (over 100g) — open surgery or laser procedures may be considered
- The patient has significant bleeding disorders or is on blood thinners that cannot be stopped
- Very young patients concerned about retrograde ejaculation (see risks section)
Your urologist will review your ultrasound, urine flow test (uroflowmetry), and overall health before recommending the right procedure.
How Is the TURP Procedure Performed? (Step-by-Step)
Here is a simple, step-by-step explanation of what happens during a TURP procedure:
Step 1 — Anaesthesia
You will be given either spinal anaesthesia (you are awake but numb from the waist down) or general anaesthesia (you are completely asleep). The choice depends on your health and the anaesthetist’s assessment. Most TURP procedures in India are performed under spinal anaesthesia.
Step 2 — Positioning
You are positioned lying on your back with your legs raised (lithotomy position). This allows the surgeon clear access to the urethra.
Step 3 — Insertion of the Resectoscope
A thin, rigid instrument called a resectoscope is carefully passed through the urethra — the natural opening through which urine exits the body. No cuts are made on the skin.
Step 4 — Visualisation
The resectoscope has a small camera and light at its tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside the urethra and prostate in real time on a monitor.
Step 5 — Resection (Removal) of Prostate Tissue
A small wire loop at the tip of the resectoscope carries an electrical current. The surgeon uses this loop to carefully cut away the excess prostate tissue that is blocking the urine passage. The tissue is removed in small chips.
Step 6 — Irrigation and Bleeding Control
Throughout the procedure, fluid is continuously flushed through the resectoscope to keep the area clear and to wash out the tissue chips. Any bleeding vessels are sealed using the electrical current (cauterisation).
Step 7 — Catheter Placement
At the end of the procedure, a urinary catheter (a thin tube) is placed into the bladder through the urethra. This helps drain urine and allows the operated area to heal. The catheter is usually kept for 2 to 3 days.
The entire procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
What Happens During the Hospital Stay?
Most patients stay in hospital for 2 to 3 days after TURP. Here is what to generally expect:
- Day of surgery: You recover from anaesthesia, the catheter is in place, and urine drains into a collection bag. Initial urine may be blood-tinged — this is normal.
- Day 1–2: The catheter remains. IV fluids or oral fluids are encouraged to flush the bladder. Pain or discomfort is managed with medications. Nursing staff monitor for any complications.
- Day 2–3: The catheter is usually removed once urine has cleared sufficiently. You will be asked to pass urine on your own before discharge to confirm the flow has improved.
- Discharge: You go home with instructions on activity restrictions, hydration, medications, and follow-up appointments.
TURP Recovery Timeline
Day 1 (In Hospital)
- Catheter in place, urine may be red or pink
- Rest advised; pain medications given
- Fluid intake encouraged
Week 1 (At Home)
- Catheter removed before discharge (day 2–3)
- Some burning sensation or urgency while urinating — this is expected and improves
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, driving
- Drink 2–3 litres of water daily to flush the bladder
- Light bleeding in urine may continue — usually minor
Week 2
- Urinary symptoms gradually improve
- Most patients can resume light daily activities
- Avoid alcohol, spicy food, and activities that strain the pelvic area
- A follow-up visit with your urologist is typically scheduled around this time
Week 4
- Most men notice a significant improvement in urine flow
- Light walking and normal household activities are generally fine
- Sexual activity should still be avoided until cleared by your doctor
Week 6
- Most patients have fully recovered and can resume normal activities including driving, sexual activity, and moderate exercise
- Final follow-up assessment of urine flow improvement
- Results of resected tissue (sent to pathology) are reviewed
> ⏱️ Note: Recovery timelines can vary between individuals based on age, overall health, and prostate size. Always follow your treating urologist’s specific guidance.
Benefits of TURP Surgery
When performed on the right candidate, TURP offers several meaningful benefits:
- Significant improvement in urine flow — most men experience noticeably stronger and easier urination
- Relief from frequent nighttime urination — better sleep quality
- No external incisions or visible scars — procedure done entirely through the urethra
- Well-established safety record — TURP has been refined over many decades
- Durable results — most patients enjoy long-lasting improvement in symptoms
- Short hospital stay — typically 2 to 3 days
- Quick return to daily life — most men resume normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks
- Tissue sample available for pathology — removed tissue is examined under the microscope, which can incidentally detect early prostate cancer if present
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Like any surgical procedure, TURP carries certain risks. It is important to understand these before making a decision. Your urologist will discuss all risks with you in detail.
Common and usually temporary:
- Blood in urine (haematuria) — typically clears within a few weeks
- Burning or urgency during urination — usually resolves as healing progresses
- Urinary tract infection — managed with antibiotics if it occurs
Less common:
- Retrograde ejaculation — the most common long-term side effect. During ejaculation, semen goes backwards into the bladder rather than outward. This affects fertility but does not affect sexual pleasure or the ability to have an erection. It occurs in a significant proportion of patients and is usually permanent. Men who wish to father children in the future should discuss this with their urologist before surgery.
- Erectile dysfunction — less common, but can occur
- Urinary incontinence — temporary leaking of urine is common in the early weeks; permanent incontinence is rare
- Urethral stricture — scarring in the urethra, which may develop months or years later and can narrow the passage
- Need for repeat surgery — in some cases, symptoms may return years later
Rare but serious:
- Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion
- TURP syndrome (dilutional hyponatraemia) — a rare but serious complication when excess irrigation fluid is absorbed; modern bipolar TURP techniques have significantly reduced this risk
- Perforation of the bladder or surrounding structures (very rare)
> ✅ Discuss your individual risk profile with a qualified urologist in Jaipur or nearby before proceeding with surgery.
TURP vs Laser Surgery for Enlarged Prostate
Both TURP and laser surgery are effective options for treating enlarged prostate. The right choice depends on individual factors including prostate size, medications, and overall health. Here is a comparison:
| Feature | TURP (Conventional) | Laser Surgery (e.g., HoLEP, GreenLight) |
|—|—|—|
| Hospital Stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days (often shorter) |
| Bleeding Risk | Moderate | Lower (better for patients on blood thinners) |
| Catheter Duration | 2–3 days | 1–2 days (sometimes less) |
| Recovery Time | 4–6 weeks | 2–4 weeks (often faster) |
| Suitability | Moderate prostate size (under ~80–100g) | Can treat larger prostates; preferred if on anticoagulants |
| Tissue for Pathology | Yes (resected chips sent) | Depends on technique (HoLEP sends tissue; vaporisation does not) |
| Availability | Widely available | Available at select centres; requires specialised training |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Long-term Outcomes | Well-established, decades of data | Excellent outcomes; growing body of evidence |
> Key Point: Neither procedure is universally “better.” Your urologist will recommend the most suitable option based on your specific prostate size, medical history, medications, and available expertise. Prostate laser surgery vs TURP is a conversation best had with your treating doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of TURP?
TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It is a surgical procedure where excess prostate tissue causing urine blockage is removed through the urine passage (urethra), without any cut on the skin.
2. Is TURP a major surgery?
TURP is considered a significant surgical procedure that requires anaesthesia and a short hospital stay. However, it is *not* an open surgery — no cuts are made on the body. It is performed through the natural urinary opening. While it is safer than open prostate surgery, it still carries risks like any surgery and requires careful pre-operative evaluation.
3. Is TURP painful?
The procedure is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the operation. After surgery, some discomfort, burning sensation, and urgency during urination are common for the first 1–2 weeks. These are managed with medications and usually improve as healing progresses.
4. How many days does recovery take after TURP?
Most men are back to light daily activities within 2 weeks and fully recovered within 4 to 6 weeks. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity are typically avoided for 4–6 weeks. Your urologist’s specific instructions should always be followed.
5. Can prostate enlargement come back after TURP?
TURP removes the inner portion of the prostate that is causing obstruction, and the results are generally long-lasting. However, the prostate gland continues to exist and can, in some men, regrow over many years. A small percentage of patients may require a repeat procedure years later. Regular follow-up with a urologist is advised.
6. Is laser surgery better than TURP?
Neither is universally better — both have their advantages and appropriate uses. Laser surgery (such as HoLEP or GreenLight) may be preferred for patients on blood-thinning medications, for very large prostates, or for shorter catheter time. TURP remains highly effective and is widely available. The best choice depends on your individual medical situation and your surgeon’s expertise. Discuss prostate laser surgery vs TURP in detail with your urologist.
7. Will TURP affect my sexual life?
TURP can affect ejaculation — most men experience retrograde ejaculation (semen going into the bladder instead of outward) after the procedure. This does not usually affect sexual desire or the ability to have an erection, but it does affect fertility. Erectile dysfunction after TURP is less common. These aspects should be discussed with your urologist before surgery, especially if fathering children is a consideration.
8. Can TURP be done on patients with diabetes or heart disease?
Men with controlled diabetes, heart conditions, or high blood pressure can generally undergo TURP, but require careful pre-operative assessment by both the urologist and relevant specialists (cardiologist, physician). Blood thinners may need to be adjusted before surgery. An individualised evaluation is essential — never attempt to self-assess surgical fitness.
9. What medications should I stop before TURP?
Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, or similar drugs are usually stopped several days before surgery to reduce bleeding risk. Your urologist and anaesthetist will give specific instructions based on your medications and the reason for which you take them.
10. Is TURP available in Jaipur?
Yes. Prostate surgery in Jaipur, including TURP, is available at several urology centres and hospitals. If you are looking for enlarged prostate treatment in Jaipur, a consultation with a qualified urologist at UROWALA can help you understand whether TURP or an alternative procedure is right for your condition.
When Should You Consult a Urologist?
You should consult a urologist without delay if you experience:
- Complete inability to pass urine — this is a medical emergency
- Blood in urine that does not clear quickly
- Increasing difficulty urinating despite being on medications
- Symptoms that are worsening over time or significantly affecting your sleep and daily life
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Signs of kidney problems such as swelling of the feet, reduced urine output, or back pain
Even if your symptoms are mild, a baseline evaluation with a urologist in Jaipur is a good idea for men over 50 — early assessment helps guide whether monitoring, medications, or surgery is the right path for you.
Key Takeaways
- TURP full form: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate — a procedure to remove excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow
- TURP is done through the urethra with no cuts on the skin
- It is recommended when medications have not worked adequately or complications have developed
- Hospital stay is typically 2–3 days; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks
- Retrograde ejaculation is the most common long-term side effect — discuss this with your urologist before surgery
- Both TURP and laser prostate surgery are effective — the best choice depends on individual factors
- Always consult a qualified urologist for proper evaluation before any decision
Consult a Urologist at UROWALA, Jaipur
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, early evaluation is always better than waiting. At UROWALA, we provide honest, patient-first guidance to help you understand your condition and your options.
📞 Book a consultation: [urowala.com](https://urowala.com)
*This article is intended for general patient education only. It does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified urologist for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition.*
About the Author
Dr. Mohit Sharma is an MCh Urology (AIIMS) specialist at Urowala, Jaipur. His areas of interest include prostate disorders, kidney stone disease, urinary tract conditions, men’s health, and minimally invasive urological procedures. Through UROWALA, he aims to make urological healthcare easier to understand and more accessible for patients.