A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that is carried out to relieve pressure symptoms caused by a tumor or a BEP (benign enlargement of the prostate) pressing on to the urethra, making voiding of urine difficult. The urine outflow from the bladder is blocked and eventually kidney and bladder malfunction could develop. The prostate gland is a ring shaped structure, having 3 lobes, and encircling the urethra (a tube that channels urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis). Having a transurethral resection of the prostate done abroad, is cost effective and reliable. International destinations to have a TURP done are India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jordan, and Turkey.

When is a transurethral resection of the prostate required?

• In cases of carcinoma (malignant cancer) of the prostate, a TURP is the treatment of choice to assuage the pressure symptoms. The tumor presses on to the urethra, making urination difficult. This surgical procedure alleviates the pressure symptoms of the tumor cells on to the urethra, but is not a curative therapy for cancer.
• This prostate surgery is also advocated in cases of BEP (benign enlargement of the prostate, or BHP (benign prostatic hyperplasia) since a growing prostate also exerts pressure on the urethra making micturation difficult.

Symptoms

Be alert for these symptoms: They could signal the presence of a carcinoma or a BHP.
1. An increased frequency of urination, day and night.
2. A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
3. Difficulty in initiation of urine.
4. Dribbling of urine after urination.

Before the TURP procedure:
1. Blood thinners like aspirin need to be stopped.
2. 1 day prior, a laxative is given to expel out the contents of the rectum.
3. Abstinence from eating or drinking 10 to 12 hours preceding, the surgical procedure, is essential.

How is a transurethral resection of the prostate conducted?

• A TURP is normally performed under a general anesthesia. Occasionally, a spinal anesthesia is also favored, when there are certain contra-indications for a GA (general anesthesia).
• The surgical procedure is carried out by inserting a thin tube-like telescope up the urethra, via, the penis. The telescope has a camera and an eyepiece attached to it. This enables the surgeon to visualize the urethra and the extent of the blockage.
• Surgical tools attached to the telescope cut and snip away abnormal tissue.

Hospital stay: a TURP requires a 2 to 3 day stay at the hospital.

What you need to know about post operative care:

• Mobility within 24 hours is advised.
• A catheter is inserted in to the bladder to collect the urine.
• Occasional blood clots after the surgery are common. To prevent these blood clots from blocking the catheter, bladder irrigation may be done. In this procedure, fluid is pushed in to the bladder and drained out. The catheter is left in place for a period of 2 to 3 days.
• You will be kept on an IV drip for a day.
• Analgesics (pain killers), anti-biotics, and laxatives will be prescribed.
• Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Abstain from having sexual intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Avoid weight lifting and doing any kind of strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
• You are likely to have some discomfort and pain after the procedure. Analgesics will be prescribed. In case of pains that don’t seem to abate, reporting to the surgeon is vital.
• Certain post-operative symptoms which occur frequently, and need not be a cause for concern are: fatigue, bladder spasms, a burning or tingling sensation during urination, urination at night, reduced flow, and diminished semen ejaculation.
• It is essential that you go for a follow up, after a period of 6 weeks.

Possible complications of a transurethral resection of the prostate:

• There is a likelihood of developing incontinence of urine (inability to control urination or dribbling of urine). It could take a few weeks to a few months for this to resolve.
• Erection problems could occur after the surgery, if the nerve near the prostate is damaged.
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood loss requiring blood transfusion
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Re-enlargement of the prostate may require another operation. This however, is a rare phenomenon.
• Retrograde semen ejaculation is another complication the procedure, where, semen gets emptied in to the bladder, instead of the urethra. This is also known as a dry orgasm.
• The TURP syndrome: This a rare complication, which occurs when excessive irrigation fluid gets absorbed in to the blood stream, reducing sodium content of the blood. However, advanced surgical techniques have minimized the chances of this complication.

Transurethral resection of the prostate in India

India is a world renowned medical tourism destination that provides state of the art care to all patients. It offers quality services at lower costs. The surgeons and health care personnel are qualified in the management of TURP procedures, use high tech surgical techniques that prevent complications, and provide adequate after care.

Transurethral resection of the prostate in Mexico

Mexico provides most appropriate and advanced levels of health care and treatment for prostate disorders. Importantly, low cost does not mean that the quality is compromised. Mexico offers top quality health care quickly and cheaply

Transurethral resection of the prostate in Turkey

Turkey is fast emerging as a medical tourism destination. It offers top notch medical care at costs that are considerably lesser.

Transurethral resection of the prostate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica makes available advanced surgical procedures and high end facilities at a fraction of the cost that is charged in the United States of America. The doctors and surgeons are highly skilled and well experienced, providing optimum care for the patient.