Alternatives to TURP

There are several alternatives to a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Your options willdepend on how severe your symptoms areand which treatments are available.

Active observation

If you have an enlarged prostate but don't find your symptoms particularly troublesome, you may decide to just wait and keep an eye on your symptoms.

This means you will not receive any immediate treatment, butwill have the option ofhaving a TURP in future if your symptoms get worse.

If you do not have aTURP, lifestyle changes such as limiting your consumption of alcohol and taking regular exercise may be recommended to improve your symptoms.

Alternative procedures

Newer techniques

There are a number of newer surgical techniques thatare generally as effective as TURP and may lead tofewer side effects, a shorter stay in hospital, and a quicker recovery.

However, as these treatments are still fairly new, theymay not be available and their long-term effectivenessis not always clear.

Some of the main modern techniques are:

• bipolartransurethral resection of the prostate different instruments and fluids are used to perform the procedure,which is thought to lead to a lower risk of TURP syndrome (see risks of TURP )
• holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) a laser attached to a resectoscope is used tocutawayexcess prostate tissue
• transurethral resection or vaporisation of the prostate (TUVP) a thin tube called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra, and a laser attached to the cystoscope fires pulses of energy to cut or burn away prostate tissue
• sling procedure where mini-slings are inserted to pull the excess prostate tissue away from the urethra

Open prostatectomy

Anopen prostatectomy is a bigger operation where a cut (incision) is made in your tummy to access and removethe outer part of your prostate.

This procedure may be more effective than a TURPif you have very severe prostate enlargement, although it's rarely used nowadays because of modern alternatives such as HoLEP and because it carries a higher risk of long-term complications, such as Impotence and urinary incontinence .