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Transurethral resection of the prostate is a surgery where doctors remove part of the prostate gland through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). During the surgery, a thin tube called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra. It also has a camera so the surgeon can see the prostate clearly on a screen.
The resectoscope has a small wire loop that uses an electrical current to remove parts of the prostate. This helps clear the blockage and make it easier to urinate. It is usually done with a general or spinal anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
A general anaesthetic puts you to sleep during the procedure, so you won’t be aware of anything happening.
A spinal anaesthetic is a shot given in your lower back to numb you from the waist down. You’ll still be awake and aware of what's going on around you, but you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. It usually lasts for 2-3 hours.
At the end of the surgery, a catheter is placed in your bladder to help drain urine. The catheter is inserted through the opening in the penis, down the urethra, and into the bladder. Since you’ll still be asleep or numb when the catheter is placed, you won’t feel discomfort.
You will not need to use the toilet to urinate while a catheter is in place as it drains urine out of the bladder, down the catheter tube and into a bag that your medical team will empty for you, as needed. The catheter also helps flush the bladder and urethra to prevent blood clots.
The catheter will be taken out soon after surgery, once you're able to urinate on your own. The nurse will remove it, and it’s a simple process with little discomfort.
You’ll likely be advised to avoid sexual activity for 2-3 weeks. When you do, you might experience something called "retrograde ejaculation", sometimes called a dry orgasm. This is a condition where semen goes into the bladder instead of through your urethra and out of your penis during an orgasm. It isn’t harmful and the semen will pass through the bladder when you urinate, but it can cause fertility issues.
If you notice little or no semen during orgasm, cloudy urine after sex, or if your partner is having trouble getting pregnant, you may want to talk to your doctor about a test for retrograde ejaculation. This is when semen enters the bladder instead of coming out through the penis. This is something you should discuss with your doctor to understand the risks.
This chapter provides general information about TURP for BPE. It is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: May 2025