TURP or Transurethral Resection of the Prostrate is basically a kind of prostrate surgery, which involves the removal of some section of the enlarged prostrate gland. It is the most common operation for the condition called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or in simple terms an enlarged prostate.

BPH is also known by other names such as benign prostatic obstruction and benign prostatic hypertrophy. In this condition, the cells of prostrate undergo enlargement and hinder the flow of urine. The person suffering from BPH experiences difficulty in passing urine.
 
TURP is often recommended to patients with extreme symptoms where even medications have stopped responding. Depending on the severity of the condition an individual can also go in for some other alternative procedures such as:

• Transurethral incision of the prostrate
• Microwave therapy
• Open prostatectomy
• Laser vaporization
• Electrovaporisation

Your surgeon can help you choose the most apt procedure depending upon your existing medical condition. He will also guide you in getting prepared for that particular operation. For instance, if you are an active smoker then you will be asked to quit smoking, as it increases the risk of complications, infections and slow recovery.

Most of the prostrate procedures are done under GA (general anesthesia), which means you will practically sleep through the entire duration of operation. Some of the patients may opt for getting operated under epidural or spinal anesthesia. This allows the patient to stay awake during the operation but without feeling any pain. You can discuss with your surgeon about the type of anesthesia that would be best for you before you go ahead.

Usually with the TURP operation it takes about an hour and a half to carry out the whole procedure. Transurethral resection of the prostrate is carried out with the help of an endoscope (flexible, narrow, tube-like telescopic camera). This device is inserted in the urethra (the passage that connects the urinary bladder with penis and through which the urine comes out). The surgeon then cuts and removes the enlarged prostrate with the help of specific surgical instruments. During the operation, the urinary bladder is flushed using some sterile solution to take out the prostrate tissue.

The patient is made to rest until the effects of anesthesia get over. Usually the patients are unable to move the lower portion of their body for several hours in the case of epidural or spinal anesthesia. Patients are then provided with pain killers to eliminate any discomfort and pain that usually crops up with the wearing off of anesthesia. A catheter is also attached for the convenient draining of the urine from the urinary bladder into the bag. The catheter even serves the purpose of washing out the sterile solution from the bladder. The catheter is removed as soon as the urine starts running clear, which usually happens within two to three days of being operated.

After removing the catheter, the patient is encouraged to move around in order to prevent chest infections and the formation of blood clots in legs. The patient is allowed to go home after four to five days. It can take up to 6-7 weeks to recover completely from Transurethral Resection of the Prostrate (TURP). Normal activities may be resumed after two or three weeks. But you must keep in mind to avoid any strenuous activity during the recovery period.

It is always better to go along with the surgeon's advice strictly during the post-operative period. Some particular side effects such as blood in semen or urine, burning sensation while passing urine, urine leakage and retrograde ejaculation might also be experienced in some cases. It is always better to approach your doctor whenever you observe any such unusual signs after the operation.