Prostate Resection (TURP)

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a procedure that involves removal of prostate tissue through a special telescope like instrument.

Preparing for Surgery – Things you should know:

1. You will be admitted to the Hospital the day of your surgery and you will be in the hospital 1-2 nights.
2. If you are on Coumadin , Aspirin, Ibuprophen, or other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (or blood thinners) you will need to discontinue the medicine 7 days prior to your surgery unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
3. If you are on blood pressure or heart medication you may take it with a sip of water the morning of your surgery. Continue your routine medications as prescribed.
4. If you take antibiotics prior to dental work or have an orthopedic prosthesis, or if you were told by another physician to take antibiotics prior to surgery, please let your doctor know.
5. No eating or drinking after midnight the night before your surgery except for blood pressure or medications as mentioned above. No alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery. After midnight do not consume any solid foods.
6. You will be receiving anesthesia for this surgery. You will see an anesthesiologist who will discuss this with you prior to surgery. You will require a ride home.
7. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing.
8. The risks of this surgery include but are not limited to reactions to general anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and difficulty urinating.

Recovering from surgery – What to expect:

1. You will spend 1-2 nights in the hospital. Despite the fact that no skin incisions were used, the area around the prostate is quite raw and is covered with a large scab to promote healing and prevent bleeding. Certain precautions are needed to insure that this scab is not disturbed over the next six weeks while the healing proceeds.
2. You will awaken from surgery with a catheter which drains urine from your bladder. This allows you urinary tract to rest and recover. You may or may not go home with the catheter. If you go home with the catheter the nursing staff will instruct you on how to take care of it.
3. If you go home without the catheter, because of the raw surface around your prostate and the irritating effects of urine you may expect frequency of urination and /or urgency (a stronger desire to urinate) and perhaps even more getting up at night. This will usually resolve or improve slowly over the healing period. You may see some blood in your urine over the first 6 weeks. DonÕt be alarmed, even if the urine was clear for a while, if this occurs decrease your activity level and drink lots of fluids.
4. You may receive a prescription for antibiotics. Please be sure to take the entire prescription.
5. If you were taking blood thinners prior to surgery remember to ask your doctor when you may resume them.

Diet: 

There are no dietary restrictions, we encourage you to increase your fluid intake. Because of the raw surface, alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks with caffeine may cause some irritation or frequency and should be used in moderation.

Activity:

1. No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting (greater than 10 pounds) for six weeks.
2. It is OK to shower after discharge from the Hospital. No baths until you are seen in follow-up.
3. It is OK to climb stairs when discharged for the hospital. Keep stair climbing to a minimum.
4. Walking is good exercise and it improves circulation. DonÕt overdo it! Go easy at first and slowly increase the distance as you feel better.
5. No driving until released by your doctor.
6. No sexual intercourse until released by your doctor.

Foley Catheter:

Most patients have their catheter removed prior to being discharged. If you go home with the catheter it may remain in place for 1-2 weeks after the procedure. It is normal to feel some pressure and discomfort. It is also normal to experience some leaking around the catheter or to have some blood in the urine around the catheter when you move you bowels. Always make sure the tubes are not kinked so the urine flows freely If the tube becomes plugged please call our office. Once the catheter is removed you may notice some bleeding and small clots when you urinate. This is normal. If you have continuous bleeding with the passage of large clots or if you are unable to urinate please call the office.

Bowels:

One should avoid straining during a bowel movement. You may be given a stool softener to promote regular bowel movements. Over the counter Milk of Magnesia 30 cc is recommended if your stools are hard.

Problems you should report to us:

1. Fever over 100.5 Fahrenheit
2. Heavy bleeding or clots
3. Inability to urinate
4. Drug reactions (hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
5. Severe burning or pain with urination that is not improving.

Follow up:

Call our office to make an appointment 1-2 weeks after your surgery. South 747-3147; North 483-6449; Valley 924-1040.