Prostate Surgery

TURP (Prostate Surgery) is a surgical procedure for men that removes part of their prostate gland with the aim of making it easier to urinate.

It is performed to treat the common problem of an enlarged prostate that is causing difficulty with passing urine. This often occurs due to natural ageing. An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

TURP surgery involves inserting a thin metal tube called a resectoscope into the tip of your penis and passing it along your urethra (the tube through which urine leaves your body) to your prostate. The resectoscope has a camera, light and loop of wire on the end. The wire is heated and used to shave off the overgrown areas of your prostate. The surgery takes about an hour and no cuts to your skin are required.

After your TURP operation, fluid is pumped into your bladder using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to flush away prostate pieces that have been removed.

We will arrange a preadmission appointment a few weeks before your surgery to check that it is suitable for you and that you are healthy enough for the anaesthetic. You may have blood tests and an ECG to test your heart at this appointment. Your surgeon will discuss the operation in more detail and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You will need to let your surgeon know if you are taking medication to prevent blood clots. They may advise you to stop taking them in preparation for your operation. You must follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding your mediation.

you smoke, you may be asked to stop or cut down smoking as it can increase your risk of developing a chest infection and blood clots.

We will invite you to come into the hospital on the day of your surgery or the day before.

You must stop eating and drinking six hours before surgery.

We may ask you to put on compression stockings to help prevent blood clots.

You will be given a general or spinal anaesthetic just before your surgery. A general anaesthetic puts you to sleep and with a spinal anaesthetic you are awake but you don’t feel anything below your waist.

You may have a drip connected to ensure you do not become dehydrated.

You can expect to stay in hospital for one to three days after your TURP procedure.

The catheter will be left in place until you leave the hospital. You can expect your urethra to be swollen and sore.

For a few weeks, you may experience difficulties passing urine.

You may also feel tired for a week or two after your TURP surgery.

Your surgeon will let you know what you can and cannot do. We advise you to take things easy for four to eight weeks. You will need some time off work and you should avoid lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous activity, driving and having sex for a few weeks until you feel able.

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your TURP operation will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. A TURP procedure is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care – a one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.