TURP
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is generally a safe procedure. However, as with all types of surgery,it is associated with potential risks.
The main risks are described below.
Retrograde ejaculation is the most common long-term complication of TURP and can occur in as many as 90% of cases.
This is where semendoesn't come out of your penis during sex or masturbation, but flows into your bladder instead. It's caused by damage to the nerves or muscles surrounding the neck of the bladder, which is the point where the urethra connects to the bladder.
Retrograde ejaculation isn't harmful and you'll still experience the pleasure associated with ejaculation (orgasm). However, your fertility may be affected, so you should speak to your surgeon if this is a concern.
It may be possible to have an alternative procedure calledtransurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) instead, which carries a lower risk of causing retrograde ejaculation.It's also sometimes possible toreduce the risk when performing aTURP by leaving prostate tissue near the urethra intact.
Some degree of Urinary incontinence is quite common after TURP. It usually gets better in the weeks following surgery, but can very occasionally be a long-term problem.
It usually takes the form of urge incontinence where you have a sudden urge to pass urine and lose control of your bladder if you do not find a toilet quickly enough.
A number of treatments are available for incontinence, including lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. This can be either temporary or permanent.
Medication can be prescribed to help reduce the problem if necessary, but you should speak to your surgeon if this is a concern. Your surgeon may be able to provide more information on your individual risk.
Narrowing of the urethra (urethral strictures) is estimated to develop in up to 4% of cases. It canoccur if the urethra is damaged during surgery and becomesscarred.
Symptoms of a urethra stricture include:
If the narrowing of the urethra is mild, it can usually be treated by inserting a rod to widen the urethra. More extensive narrowing may require surgery.
Some of the otherrisks of atransurethral resection of the prostate are described below.
A rarebut potentially serious risk associated witha TURP is known as TURP syndrome. This occurs when too much of the fluid used to wash the area around the prostateduring the procedureis absorbed into the bloodstream.
Initial symptoms of TURP syndrome include:
Left untreated, life-threatening problems can develop, such asseizures (fits), shortness of breath , blue skin (cyanosis) and coma .
If you experience the symptoms of TURP syndrome during your procedure, the surgeon will stop the surgery and inject you with a diuretic, which is a type of medication used to remove fluid from the body. Tell hospital staff immediately if you develop any symptoms after returning to the ward.
Nowadays, the risk of TURP syndrome is estimated to be less than 1% and is likely to reduce even further as new techniques that avoid pumping water into the bladder are increasingly used.
TURP carries a very small risk of causing death. The risk of dying as a result of the procedure is now estimated to be less than1 in 1,000. The risk usually arises from complications involving the heart or a serious postoperative infection.
Read all about transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a surgical procedure used to cut away a section of the prostate gland if it's causing problems with urination.
Read about what happens before and during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), including what you might need to do to prepare for the procedure.
Read about what to expect while recovering from a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), including the problems you may experience and when you can return to normal activities.
Read about the main risks associated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), including possible effects on ejaculation and bladder control.
Read about the alternatives to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), including no treatment and newer techniques that can be used.