TURP remains an important BPH operation when prostate anatomy and symptoms call for tissue removal.
Transurethral resection of the prostate removes obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra. It has a long track record and remains a reference point for many BPH comparisons, but it must be weighed against newer options, prostate size, bleeding risk, sexual-function tradeoffs, and recovery expectations.
Who this may fit
- Men with obstructive urinary symptoms where tissue removal is appropriate.
- Patients with anatomy or symptom severity that makes office procedures less suitable.
- Men comparing TURP with HoLEP, Aquablation, Rezum, UroLift, and robotic simple prostatectomy.
Evaluation before treatment
Evaluation should confirm that symptoms are truly driven by obstruction rather than overactive bladder alone.
Prostate size, median lobe, bladder findings, medications, anticoagulants, and sexual-function priorities change the discussion.
Recovery and follow-up
Catheter use, bleeding, urinary burning, urgency, and activity restriction are part of the preoperative discussion.
Retrograde ejaculation is a common counseling point for tissue-removing BPH procedures.
Common questions
Is TURP still used?
Yes. It remains a standard BPH operation for selected patients, though newer options may fit some men better.
Can TURP affect ejaculation?
Yes. Retrograde ejaculation is a known risk and should be discussed before surgery.
Related patient guides
Prepare for the consultation
Bring the information that helps compare the right BPH procedure.
You do not need to choose TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or robotic surgery before the visit. The goal is to give the urologist enough context to explain which options fit and why.
Do not send medical history through a public website form. Clinical details belong in the practice’s approved patient workflow.
Information to locate
- Recent imaging or a report that includes prostate size, if one exists.
- A list of prior BPH medicines or procedures and what changed afterward.
- Any history of catheter use, urinary retention, bladder stones, bleeding, or prior prostate surgery.
- Your current insurance information and preferred hospital or facility questions.
Questions worth asking
- Which options fit the prostate size, anatomy, bladder function, and treatment goals?
- Why would a transurethral approach or robotic approach be favored in this case?
- What are the expected catheter, hospital, activity, and follow-up plans?
- Which surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and insurance charges should be confirmed?
Simple prostatectomy vs TURP
Compare the surgical route, prostate-size context, recovery questions, and why these operations are not interchangeable.
Review the comparison
HoLEP vs robotic simple prostatectomy
Review the questions that separate a transurethral enucleation approach from robotic large-gland surgery.
Review the comparison
BPH treatment options in New Jersey
Place medication, office procedures, TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, and robotic surgery in one decision path.
Review the comparison
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