Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

At Welbeck, we offer TURP as a day-case procedure, carried out under general anaesthetic, or using a spinal anaesthetic. Your consultant will discuss which is the best approach for you, depending on the details of your procedure, overall health, and preferences. 

During the procedure: 

1. The surgeon passes a thin sheath and telescope through the urethra to the prostate, avoiding any need for external cuts.

2. A small wire loop with an electrical current is introduced through the sheath and gently moved through the prostate to remove excess tissue. 

3. The tissue comes away in tiny pieces, creating a wider channel in the prostate for urine to pass through. 

The operation usually takes about an hour, depending on the size of the prostate. Once bleeding is controlled, a urinary catheter is placed to drain the bladder. Some men will also have bladder irrigation, where fluid is passed through the bladder to prevent clots. 

After the procedure, you’ll be able to recover in private, comfortable surroundings supported by a dedicated nursing team. When you feel well enough, you’ll be able to go home the same day. You’ll keep the catheter in place and return a few days later so that it can be removed.

TURP is considered safe, but like all surgeries, it carries risks.

These may include:

• bleeding

• infection

• temporary pain or burning when passing urine

• difficulty passing urine after catheter removal

• narrowing of the urethra, which can require further treatment

• 45 to 70% likelihood of dry ejaculation

• around a 5% risk of long-term erectile changes

Your consultant will explain all risks carefully and answer any questions before the procedure, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

There’s usually very little you need to do beforehand, but your consultant will give you personalised instructions. These may include stopping certain medications or avoiding food and drink for a short time if you’re having a general anaesthetic.

On the day of the procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and if you’re having a general anaesthetic, make sure someone is available to take you home afterwards.

Typically, you’ll go home with a urinary catheter in place. Once the anaesthetic wears off, it’s normal to feel a strong urge to pass urine, even though the catheter is draining the bladder for you. This sensation usually settles within a day or so. You may also notice some blood in the urine — this is expected and often becomes lighter with good hydration.

Before you leave, the team will show you how to look after the catheter and what to do if it becomes uncomfortable or stops draining properly. You’ll be given a date to return to have the catheter removed, usually after a few days. When it’s taken out, your flow may feel weak at first, or you may need to pass urine more often or with urgency, but this gradually improves over the following weeks.

At home, it’s important to rest and avoid heavy lifting, long walks, or strenuous activity for at least the first couple of weeks, and sometimes up to a month. Gentle movement, such as short walks, is encouraged to support healing. You may continue to see blood in the urine for 2 to 4 weeks, and it may become redder again at around 2 weeks as internal scabs fall away. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the urine clear and reduces the risk of clots.

Most men feel able to return to desk-based work after about 2 weeks, although this varies from person to person. You should avoid driving until you feel fully comfortable, can move freely and are no longer taking strong pain relief. Sexual activity should wait until around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once your consultant confirms it’s safe.

Your urologist will arrange follow-up appointments to check your recovery, review your urinary flow and answer any questions you have.

Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our urological surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a TURP, you must be referred by either your GP or a urologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.