What happens if you have prostate surgery?

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After a person reaches the age of 40 years old, cells in the prostate gland can sometimes begin to multiply. This growth can lead to enlargement of the gland, causing it to squeeze the urethra, often interfering with urination.

This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). It is not related to cancer and is usually harmless, though it can cause unpleasant symptoms.

The prostate is a walnut-sized reproductive gland responsible for producing some of the fluid components of semen. The fluid combines with sperm from the testicles when it enters the urethra during ejaculation.

The most common surgery for BPH is called transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP. During the procedure, surgeons remove the excess prostate tissue through the urethra.

Fast facts on BPH surgery:

  • Surgery is rarely the first line of treatment for BPH.
  • A doctor who specializes in the urinary tract does most TURP surgeries.
  • TURP is considered a fairly safe, effective procedure for treating BPH.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

To perform a transurethral resection of the prostate, a surgeon will insert a resectoscope into the urethra.

According to the American Urological Association, transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP is the most common type of surgery used to treat BPH. Every year, doctors perform it on around 150,000 American men.

Surgeons perform most TURP procedures when the patient is under general anesthesia and unconscious or asleep.

Alternatively, they use spinal anesthesia, where a needle is placed in the spine to stop any sensation below the waist.

How does the procedure work?

After anesthesia, a surgeon will insert a tool called a resectoscope into the urethra. In some cases, a separate device will be used to flush sterile fluid through the surgical site.

Once the surgeon has positioned the resectoscope, they will use it to cut away abnormal prostate tissues and seal broken blood vessels.

Finally, the surgeon will insert a long plastic tube called a catheter into the urethra and flush destroyed prostate tissues into the bladder where they are excreted through urine.

Recovery

Most TURP surgeries take between 1 and 2 hours and require several hours recovery under continuous monitoring.

The catheter is usually kept in place for 2 to 3 days after TURP surgeries and removed when the bladder has been completely flushed.

What are the side effects?

Initially, the urethra and surrounding area will be inflamed, and it will be difficult to urinate. The catheter and flushing process can also be uncomfortable and cause bladder cramping.

The urethra, penis, and lower abdominal area will be tender, red, and swollen for a few weeks after surgery, which can interfere with urination. Most people also feel very weak and tire easily for several weeks.

Common side effects of TURP surgeries include:

  • difficulty completely emptying the bladder
  • urinary incontinence or leakage
  • urinary urgency or the sudden urge to urinate
  • discomfort during urination
  • small dribbles or clots of blood in the urine, for up to 6 weeks

The minor side effects associated with TURP surgeries usually go away as the urethra and prostate tissues become less inflamed, usually within a few weeks.

Though TURP surgeries may or may not be associated with erectile difficulty in some people, they can decrease the volume of semen produced during ejaculation.

surgeon wearing face mask and glasses
Some side effects of BPH surgery include excessive bleeding, retrograde ejaculation, and impotence.

As with any medical procedure, especially those involving anesthesia, the surgery for BPH is associated with some medical complications.

Possible but rare risks associated with TURP procedures include:

  • excessive bleeding
  • urinary tract infections
  • retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows backward into the bladder during ejaculation
  • chronic urinary problems, especially incontinence
  • prostate regrowth or scarring, with about 10 percent of men requiring further surgery within 5 years
  • impotence or erectile dysfunction
  • a split stream of urine caused by urethral narrowing
  • chronic prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate
  • allergic or abnormal reaction to anesthesia

Post-TURP syndrome

In rare cases, post-TURP syndrome occurs. This is where too much of the fluid used for surgical flushing is absorbed by the body, leading to major electrolyte, fluid, and blood volume imbalances.

Early signs of post-TURP syndrome include:

  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • restlessness
  • abdominal pain
  • tightness in the chest

Signs of severe post-TURP syndrome include:

  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • blurred vision
  • seizure
  • coma

Though rare, post-TURP syndrome can be fatal if it is not treated early enough.

Recovery time

It is usually safe to return to basic everyday activities 1 to 2 weeks after TURP procedures, and safe to return to strenuous activities after 1 to 2 months.

Tips for better recovery

glass of water on table
Tips for a better recovery include eating a healthful diet, avoiding sexual intercourse for a few weeks, and staying hydrated.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of complications after TURP surgery.

Common tips include:

  • staying hydrated
  • eating a healthful, balanced diet
  • avoiding sexual intercourse for between 1 and 2 months
  • avoiding heavy lifting for 1 to 2 months
  • limiting exercises that put a strain on the groin or lower abdominal area
  • avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
  • limiting the use of over-the-counter medications that can cause dehydration, such as decongestants and anti-histamines

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When to see a doctor

Most people begin to feel better and have an improved urine flow within 4 to 6 weeks after TURP surgery.

Overall, the risk of serious complications after TURP surgery is quite low. But as with all surgeries, there are some potential health risks associated with the procedure that require medical attention and intervention.

Reasons to seek medical attention after TURP surgery include:

  • bleeding from the urethra, outer prostate, or penis
  • inflammation and pain in the urethra, prostate, or penis lasting longer than 2 weeks or worsening
  • reduced urine flow or urinary symptoms, such as incontinence or urinary urgency 6 weeks post-surgery
  • blood in the urine that is severe or lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks
  • severe clots of blood in urine or urine that is entirely red
  • weakness and fatigue that does not improve after 4 weeks
  • impotence or erectile dysfunction
  • difficulty ejaculating
  • dizziness, shortness of breath, or confusion
  • severe or intensifying abdominal pain or discomfort

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