TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate gland is carried out primarily to relieve obstruction. It is not the type of operation that is usually carried out in the treatment of prostate cancer. In a great majority of cases, you will be given a spinal anaesthetic (this involves the placement of a needle into your lower back and after the injection of anaesthetic drugs you will be completely numb from the waist down) or a general anaesthetic. The operation takes on average around 45-60 minutes to perform and the usual length of stay in hospital is 2-3 days.  At the end of the procedure, a catheter (a plastic tube that drains urine from the bladder) is placed and usually kept in place from anything between one to three days after the surgery.  Whilst the catheter is in place, irrigating fluid can be instilled at the same time as the urine drains into a bag.

A relatively common side effect of the surgery is what is known as retrograde ejaculation - this refers to the absence of any fluid when you have a sexual orgasm.

Following surgery, it is usual to have storage urinary symptoms, such as frequency of urination, urgency, and initially you might even find it difficult to reach the toilet in time.  Taking URAL often helps.

It is not uncommon to see some blood in the urine for up to a couple of weeks after the operation and if you do see blood, you should increase your oral fluid intake to at least two to three litres of fluid per day (unless you have any medical reason not to do so) and you can back off on your fluid intake if your urine is clear.

If you develop excessively bright blood in your urine or experience an inability to pass urine, you should contact Dr Meyer.

It is critically important to avoid any activity that involves straining or exertion for at least four weeks. Such activities include heavy lifting (for example, grocery shopping, picking up children, etc). During this time you should not mow the lawn or play any sports that may involve some exertion such as golf or tennis.

You may resume driving a motor vehicle after two weeks. You should initially commence this with small trips and you should avoid any long car trips for at least four weeks.

You should try to have plenty of fibre in your diet and should you experience any problems with constipation, it is critically important that you do not strain and if you require help, you should see your pharmacist or family doctor. You should avoid any sexual activity for the next four weeks.

There is no restriction on walking.

Dr Meyer will write to both you and your GP confirming your follow up arrangements after your TURP.  If you have any questions concerning your care after your surgery please contact Dr Meyer's rooms on 07 38834431 or 0488 378016.