TURP

Turp services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

Each year, up to 150,000 American men undergo transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This surgical procedure treats moderate to severe urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. At Comprehensive Urology in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the board-certified urologists have years of experience performing TURP procedures. Call the office today and make an appointment online to learn more.

TURP vs Prostate Artery Embolization for BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, but today’s patients have a choice between traditional and minimally invasive treatments. Two leading options are TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and prostate artery embolization (PAE). At Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, world-class interventional radiologists and urologists offer both procedures, helping each patient find the right fit for their needs and health profile.

Benefits

TURP is a surgical procedure that removes excess prostate tissue through the urethra using a specialized instrument. It’s considered the “gold standard” for BPH treatment, providing rapid and substantial improvement in urinary symptoms and flow. TURP is especially effective for men with moderate to severe symptoms and those with significant prostate enlargement.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that shrinks the prostate by blocking its blood supply with tiny particles. PAE is ideal for men seeking to avoid surgery, those with higher surgical risks, or those who want to minimize the risk of sexual side effects. PAE offers a quick recovery, minimal discomfort, and does not require general anesthesia or a hospital stay.

Side Effects

TURP can be associated with more significant side effects, including bleeding, infection, and the potential for sexual side effects such as retrograde ejaculation or, less commonly, erectile dysfunction. Recovery can also involve temporary urinary symptoms and requires a short hospital stay.

PAE has a lower risk of complications and sexual side effects compared to TURP. Most patients experience only mild, short-term pelvic discomfort or urinary symptoms, which resolve within days. Serious complications are rare, and the majority of men can return to normal activities quickly.

Duration of Recuperation

TURP typically requires a hospital stay of 1-2 days and a urinary catheter for a short period post-procedure. Most men resume regular activities within 1-2 weeks, with full recovery in about 2-4 weeks.

PAE is performed as an outpatient procedure, with most patients returning to daily routines within 1-2 days and experiencing significant symptom relief within a week.

TURP vs PAE Comparison Chart

Both TURP and PAE are proven BPH treatments, and the expert team at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles can help you determine which approach best matches your health needs and lifestyle preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About TURP: Your Q&A Guide

What is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

TURP for BPH is a minimally invasive procedure that treats an enlarged prostate.

During treatment, your Comprehensive Urology provider inserts a tube called a resectoscope into your urethra (the opening at the end of your penis). The scope has a camera and a light on its end, helping your provider see your prostate.

The scope also has a tool for removing excess tissue. Reducing the size of your prostate relieves pressure on your urethra, minimizing uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

Who can benefit from a TURP procedure?

Consider a TURP procedure at Comprehensive Urology if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Frequent, urgent need to urinate
Difficulty starting urination
Increased need to urinate at night
Urinary tract infections
Stopping and starting while urinating

If you have an enlarged prostate, you might also feel like you can’t empty your bladder.

What are the preparations?

During your TURP consultation, let your Comprehensive Urology provider know if you take any prescription medication, like blood thinners. You should also tell them about any underlying health problems or allergies. Your provider might prescribe an antibiotic before surgery to reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection.

What does a TURP procedure involve?

A TURP procedure for BPH takes 60-90 minutes to complete.

You lie on an exam table, and your provider administers a general anesthetic, putting you to sleep. Once you’re comfortable, they insert the tip of the resectoscope through your urethra and into your prostate area.

Your provider views a TV monitor in the operating suite, carefully removing excess pieces of prostate tissue. Irrigating fluid carries the tissue into your bladder, which is flushed at the operation’s end.

After cutting away the excess tissue, your provider removes the resectoscope and moves you to a recovery room for observation.

What is recovery like?

After a TURP procedure, you stay in the hospital for several days. During that time, it’s normal to experience blood in your urine and other irritating urinary symptoms.

To speed your recovery, drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and avoid strenuous activity. You should also refrain from sex for 4-6 weeks until you fully recover.

To see if you can benefit from a TURP procedure, make an appointment at Comprehensive Urology by calling the office or booking online today.

Learn more about TURP procedure near me today.