An ultimate guide on ‘What Is TURP Surgery and How Does It Help Prostate Enlargement?’ – from the desk of Dr. Debmalya Gangopadhyay, Senior Consultant Urologist, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, India

Introduction

Frequent urination, a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying the bladder, or waking up several times at night to pass urine are common signs of an enlarged prostate. These symptoms are often caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects many men as they grow older. While medicines can help in the early stages, some patients may need TURP Surgery to get long-lasting relief and improve their quality of life.

TURP Surgery (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is one of the most trusted and effective surgical treatments for men with moderate to severe prostate enlargement. It is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the excess prostate tissue blocking the flow of urine, helping patients urinate more comfortably and reducing troublesome urinary symptoms.

If you are experiencing persistent urinary problems, consulting an experienced prostate doctor in Kolkata or a qualified urologist in Kolkata is the first step towards proper diagnosis and treatment. The Best Urologist in Kolkata will carefully assess your condition and recommend the most suitable option, whether it is medication, lifestyle changes, or advanced Prostatic Enlargement (BPH) Treatment in Kolkata, including TURP Surgery.

In this blog, you will learn what TURP surgery is, how it works, who may need it, its benefits, recovery process, and why it remains one of the most effective treatments for prostate enlargement.

What Is Prostate Enlargement (BPH)?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As men grow older, the prostate naturally becomes larger.

This condition is known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostate enlargement. It is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but it can significantly affect urination.

When the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra and blocks the normal flow of urine. This causes several uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

Some of the most common signs include:

• Frequent urination
• Waking up several times at night to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Interrupted urine flow
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Dribbling after urination
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Pain or discomfort while passing urine in some cases

These symptoms usually become worse over time if left untreated.

When Is TURP Surgery Needed?

Doctors usually recommend medicines as the first line of treatment. However, surgery may become necessary when:

• Medicines no longer provide relief
• Urination becomes extremely difficult
• The bladder cannot empty completely
• Repeated urinary tract infections occur
• Blood appears in urine because of BPH
• Bladder stones develop
• Kidney function starts getting affected
• Acute urinary retention occurs and requires repeated catheterization

TURP is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for moderate to severe prostate enlargement.

What Is TURP Surgery?

TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed without making any cuts on the abdomen. Instead, the surgeon inserts a thin instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra.

The biggest advantage of TURP is that it requires no external cuts or incisions on your body.

Instead of cutting through the abdomen, an expert surgeon accesses the prostate internally through the natural urinary channel. Using a specialized medical instrument called a resectoscope (a thin, lighted tube equipped with a wire loop and camera), the surgeon precisely trims away excess prostate tissue layer by layer to open up the urinary pathway.

Why Is TURP Done? (Indications & Symptoms)

A doctor usually recommends TURP when BPH symptoms become moderate to severe, or when medications stop working effectively.

If you consult an experienced Urologist in Kolkata, they will evaluate your urinary health to see if TURP is right for you. Common indications include:

• Frequent Urination: Needing to pass urine every 1–2 hours during the day.
• Nocturia: Waking up multiple times throughout the night to urinate, causing sleep deprivation.
• Weak or Interrupted Stream: A urine stream that hesitates, dribbles, or starts and stops.
• Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Sensation that the bladder is still half-full after urinating.
• Acute Urinary Retention: Suddenly being completely unable to pass urine, requiring an emergency catheter.
• Recurrent UTIs or Bladder Stones: Urine sitting stagnant in the bladder can trigger repeated urinary tract infections or form painful bladder stones.
• Kidney Damage: Severe blockage can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, risking long-term renal failure.

How Does TURP Help Prostate Enlargement?

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is widely considered the gold-standard surgical treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement.

As a man ages, the prostate gland often grows larger, squeezing the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body) like a tight clamp. This restriction causes troublesome urinary issues such as weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, and the inability to fully empty the bladder.

TURP solves this problem by directly removing the blockage without any external skin cuts.

Key Ways TURP Provides Relief

• Clears the Blocked Pathway: During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted instrument called a resectoscope through the natural urinary channel. Using a tiny heated wire loop, the surgeon trims away the excess, overgrown prostate tissue layer by layer.
• Restores Normal Urine Flow: By carving out a wide, clear path through the prostate, urine can once again flow smoothly and effortlessly out of the bladder.
• Protects the Bladder & Kidneys: When urine sits stagnant in the bladder for too long, it increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and kidney damage. Clearing the obstruction allows the bladder to empty completely, protecting long-term organ health.
• Eliminates Constant Urgency & Sleepless Nights: Once pressure on the urethra is relieved, the frequent urge to visit the bathroom—especially during the night—drops significantly, restoring restful sleep and everyday confidence.

By physically opening the restricted channel, TURP delivers immediate, long-lasting relief from severe BPH symptoms when medications are no longer enough. Many patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks after surgery.

How Is TURP Surgery Performed? – Step-by-step guide

Tests Done Before TURP Surgery

Before recommending surgery, your doctor may advise several investigations.

These may include:

Physical Examination

Including a digital rectal examination (DRE).

Urine Test

To check for infection or blood.

Blood Tests

Including kidney function and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) if needed.

Ultrasound

To assess prostate size and bladder condition.

Uroflowmetry

Measures the speed of urine flow.

Post-Void Residual Urine Test

Checks how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.

Cystoscopy

In selected patients, the doctor may examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.

How Is TURP Surgery Performed?

The procedure generally follows these steps:

Anaesthesia

The patient receives spinal or general anaesthesia.

Insertion of the Resectoscope

The surgeon passes the instrument through the urethra.

Removal of Extra Prostate Tissue

An electrical loop carefully removes the enlarged tissue blocking urine flow.

Tissue Removal

The removed tissue is flushed into the bladder and collected for examination.

Catheter Placement

A urinary catheter is usually placed to help drain urine and wash out any blood.

Hospital Stay After TURP

Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three days.

The catheter is usually removed after one or two days once the urine becomes clear.

Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible after surgery to aid recovery.

Recovery After TURP Surgery

Recovery differs from person to person.

Most patients can:

• Resume light activities within one week
• Return to office work in two to three weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks
• Drink plenty of water
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed

Your doctor will advise when you can resume exercise and sexual activity.

Benefits of TURP Surgery

TURP has been performed successfully for many decades and continues to be one of the most reliable treatments for BPH.

Some important benefits include:

Better Urine Flow

Patients usually notice stronger urine flow.

Relief from Frequent Urination

The need to visit the toilet repeatedly often decreases.

Better Sleep

Many patients experience fewer nighttime bathroom visits.

Improved Bladder Emptying

The bladder empties more completely.

Better Quality of Life

Patients can travel, work, and participate in daily activities with greater comfort.

Long-Term Results

Many men enjoy lasting symptom relief for several years.

Possible Risks of TURP Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, TURP has some risks, although serious complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced urologist.

Possible risks include:

• Temporary bleeding
• Urinary tract infection
• Difficulty urinating for a short period
• Temporary burning during urination
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Rare urinary incontinence
• Rare erectile dysfunction
• Need for future treatment in some patients

Your doctor will explain these risks before surgery.

TURP vs Laser Prostate Surgery

Today, laser procedures are also available for treating an enlarged prostate.

TURP

• Well-established procedure
• Excellent long-term results
• Suitable for many patients

Laser Surgery

• Less bleeding
• Faster catheter removal in selected patients
• Helpful for patients taking blood thinners in certain situations

Your urologist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your prostate size, age, medical history, and overall health.

Lifestyle Tips After TURP

To support recovery:

• Drink enough water
• Avoid constipation
• Eat a fibre-rich diet
• Avoid heavy lifting during recovery
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Limit caffeine
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Complete all prescribed medicines

These simple measures help ensure a smooth recovery.

Can Prostate Enlargement Be Prevented?

Although ageing cannot be prevented, healthy habits may support overall prostate health.

These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Eating more fruits and vegetables
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding smoking
• Managing diabetes and blood pressure
• Going for regular medical check-ups

Early diagnosis often allows treatment before complications develop.

When Should You Consult a Urologist?

Do not ignore urinary symptoms.

You should see a urologist if you experience:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty passing urine
• Weak urine stream
• Blood in urine
• Pain while urinating
• Repeated urinary infections
• Sudden inability to urinate

Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and improves treatment outcomes.

Choosing the Right Urologist

The success of TURP surgery depends not only on the procedure but also on proper diagnosis, careful patient selection, and experienced surgical care.

When choosing a specialist, look for:

• Extensive experience in treating prostate diseases
• Expertise in minimally invasive and endoscopic urology
• Modern diagnostic facilities
• Comprehensive pre-operative assessment
• Personalised treatment planning
• Good post-operative follow-up care

Consult a qualified and experienced specialist who offers advanced care for enlarged prostate and other urological conditions. The Best Urologist in Kolkata will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms, prostate size, and overall health rather than suggesting surgery for every patient.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Many men delay seeking treatment because they feel embarrassed or assume urinary problems are a normal part of ageing. However, untreated BPH can lead to complications such as bladder damage, recurrent infections, bladder stones, urinary retention, and even kidney problems.

Seeking timely Prostatic Enlargement (BPH) Treatment in Kolkata allows your doctor to manage the condition before these complications occur. Whether treatment involves medication, lifestyle changes, TURP, or another minimally invasive procedure, early intervention often leads to better outcomes and a faster return to normal life.

Conclusion

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition, but it should never be ignored. Persistent urinary symptoms can affect your sleep, work, travel, and overall quality of life. TURP surgery has helped millions of men worldwide by safely removing the enlarged prostate tissue that blocks urine flow, providing significant and long-lasting relief.

If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate enlargement, do not wait for the condition to worsen. Consult an experienced Prostate doctor in Kolkata for a complete evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Whether you need medication, lifestyle guidance, or advanced Prostatic Enlargement (BPH) Treatment in Kolkata, the Best Urologist in Kolkata can help you choose the safest and most effective option for lasting urinary health.