Transurethral Resection of Prostate (T.U.R.P.)

What is Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

Transurethral Resection of Prostate or T.U.R.-Prostate or T.U.R.P. is a treatment of choice if the enlarged prostate gland (due to non-cancerous or cancerous tumor) compresses on the urethra resulting in obstruction of urinary outflow. In the Transurethral Resection of Prostate, the glandular tissue is removed in small chips or pieces as opposed to Radical Prostatectomy where the prostate gland is removed in it's entirety. T.U.R.P. is an endoscopic procedure where the prostate gland can be visualized while it is being resected.

Where can I get Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

Country	Cost with MedSolution
India	(Please inquire for price)

Cost of procedure performed in the US: $9,500.

All prices are in US dollars and include the cost of the procedure and minimum hospital stay. Estimates and minimum hospital stay will vary depending upon individual needs and requirements.

Who is an ideal candidate for Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

If you have any of the urinary symptoms i.e. if you are unable to completely empty your bladder or experience pain, urgency or frequency of urination, if you have blood in the urine, if you have extremely slow stream of urine due to cancerous or non-cancerous (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) enlargement of the prostate gland, if you have stones in the urinary bladder, then you are and ideal candidate for Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

How do I prepare for Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

Routine blood and urine analysis, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level, CT of abdomen and chest x-ray will be requested by your physician on your pre-oparative consult. Inform your physician about your other health conditions and medications (including all the prescription, non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements i.e. vitamins, minerals and herbal products). Refrain from taking aspirin or Ibuprofen at least 2 weeks before Transurethral Resection of Prostate. Stop smoking a few weeks before Transurethral Resection of Prostate to prevent healing problems during recovery period. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 10 hours before the Transurethral Resection of Prostate surgery. You will be instructed to be hospitalized the night before the surgery.

What does the procedure for Transurethral Resection of Prostate involve?

Transurethral Resection of Prostate is performed under general anesthesia or spinal block with sedation. A cystoscope is inserted via the urethra up into the bladder. The bladder is filled with a solution so that it's interior is easily visualized. The prostate gland is examined, a surgical loop is inserted through the cystoscope to remove the portion of the enlarged prostate. A catheter is left in the bladder to allow for urine flow for several days after the procedure.

What to expect during the recovery period following Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

You will spend the next couple of hours in the recovery room under observation following Transurethral Resection of Prostate. Your vital signs, circulation and respiration will be closely monitored. You will also be closely monitored for any immediate post-operative complications like excessive bleeding. A foley's catheter will be retained in your urinary bladder to drain urine which may be blood tinged or may contain clots. you will experience some pain and discomfort which can be alleviated by the use of pain medication. Keep the operation area clean, avoid heavy lifting and sexual activity for 3 - 4 weeks. You will be able to get back to your normal activities in 4 - 6 weeks time following Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

What is the outcome of Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

The outcome of Transurethral Resection of Prostate are quite good as it alleviates the urinary symptoms due to compression of the urethra as a result of enlarged prostate gland. Since the Transurethral Resection of Prostate does not remove the prostate gland completely, a Radical Prostatectomy is a better choice in case of prostate cancer.

B . R . A . N . D . of Transurethral Resection of Prostate

Benefits of Transurethral Resection of Prostate

• Transurethral Resection of Prostate is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure and can be a treatment of choice for patients who are at high medical risk for anesthesia or a major operation such as Radical Prostatectomy. This method of treatment has reduced risk of damage to the nerve bundles during the surgery resulting in incontinence or impotence neither should it effect in your sex drive.

Risks of Transurethral Resection of Prostate

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Blood clots in urine
• Perforation of urethra
• Incontinence (rare)
• Impotence (rare)
• Infertility (rare)

Alternatives to Transurethral Resection of Prostate

• Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) - A small incision is made in the prostatic tissue to enlarge the lumen of the urethra and bladder outlet.
• Transurethral laser incision of the prostate (TULIP) - In this treatment laser is used to damage and destroy the prostate tissue
• Visual Laser Ablation (VLAP) - Laser energy is used to destroy the prostate tissue.
• Microwave therapy of the prostate, balloon dilation of the prostatic urethra, and placement of prostate stents - The goal of these methods is to stretch open the narrowed urethral passage through the prostate gland.
• Electrovaporization of the prostate (Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate or TUVP) - In this method the electrode conducts a high voltage electrical current that vaporizes the prostate tissue upon contact.
• Radical Prostatectomy - This is a surgical procedure in which the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles are removed. The lymph nodes from the surrounding area may either be removed or only biopsy material may be obtained.

Now or Never

• With the advent of modern surgical techniques and instruments, and a skilled and experienced surgical team, it is now possible to remove the entire prostate gland by Transurethral Resection of Prostate. Prudent assessment by your surgeon is critcal to decide whether the technique of Transurethral Resection of Prostate should be used or not. Some surgeons consider this option of treatment following radiation or brachytherapy to shrink the cancer so that it can be removed successfully by Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

Decision to have Transurethral Resection of Prostate

• Transurethral Resection of Prostate remains the 'Gold Standard' treatment for urinary obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy. The outcome of this surgery is excellent with negligible failure rates. This method of treatment is a Minimally Invasive Procedure, with reduced hospital stay and quicker recovery.