TURP for Enlarged Prostate

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate. The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis only found in men. It's located between the penis and bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis). If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra. This can cause symptoms such as having difficulty peeing. Why TURP is carried out TURP is often recommended when prostate enlargement causes troublesome symptoms and fails to respond to treatment with medication. Symptoms that may improve after TURP include: problems with starting to pee a weak flow of pee, or stopping and starting having to strain to pee a frequent need to pee waking up frequently during the night to pee a sudden urge to pee being unable to empty your bladder fully How TURP is performed TURP is carried out using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire. This is passed along your urethra until it reaches your prostate, which means no cuts (incisions) need to be made in your skin. The loop of wire is then heated with an electric current and used to cut away the section of your prostate causing your symptoms. A thin tube called a catheter is then inserted into your urethra to pump fluid into the bladder and flush away pieces of the prostate that have been removed. General or spinal anaesthesia is used during the procedure so you don't feel any pain while it's carried out.

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