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Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• At the end of the operation, a catheter (plastic
drainage tube) is passed through the penis into the
bladder to help with emptying urine out of the
bladder.
• A watery solution is then used to wash any blood out
of the bladder.
• All of the tissue removed at surgery is carefully
analyzed to ensure it does not contain cancer.
• This procedure does not increase your risk of
developing prostate cancer nor does it cure cancer.
What happens right after surgery?
• You will spend about one to two hours in the
Recovery Room until it is safe for you to return to your
hospital room.
• You can then eat and drink.
• In some cases, you may go home the same day you
may need to stay in the hospital for one to three
days (See catheter below).
What do I need to know about the catheter?
• The catheter usually remains in place for one or two
days until the fluid that is leaking out is fairly clear.
• During that time, you may need to continue flushing
out the bladder with a watery solution.
• If the catheter feels uncomfortable, the symptoms
are usually mild.
• Sometimes there may be cramps in your bladder.
If this cramping bothers you, medication can often
provide relief.
• Once you are told that your bladder is emptying
satisfactorily, you will be discharged. This could be
one to three days after your operation, as mentioned
above.
• Even if some men are sent home with a catheter still
in place, it is usually removed within a few days.
What can I expect when the catheter is
taken out?
• At the time the catheter is taken out, you may
be asked to take a deep breath in and out to relax
the muscles in your pelvis. As you breathe out, the
doctor will gently pull the catheter out. You may feel
temporarily uncomfortable.
• After the catheter is taken out, you may find that you
have the following for a while.
– Sudden and very strong urges to urinate,
– Discomfort when urinating,
– Dribbling or leaking urine.
• These symptoms usually disappear in a few weeks
when the inflammation clears up and the muscles
that control this area become stronger.
What can I expect when the catheter is
taken out?
For the first 4 weeks, avoid:
Any heavy lifting (over 10 kg or 20 lb.)
Strenuous physical activity (jumping, running,
hiking uphill, fast cycling)
Sexual activity
Becoming constipated
Up to 6 weeks after surgery:
You may see blood in your urine
Although it happens less often, you may also pass
some small blood clots
To clean out your bladder, you will need to drink
large amounts of fluids (water if possible)
Regularly drink about 8 ounces/250 ml every
2 hours (only when awake)
In 6-8 weeks, you should see big
improvements in:
The flow or your urine
The way you can empty your bladder
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