TURP or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, is a medical procedure that helps with enlarged prostate treatment. It is commonly used for men living with benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer, which helps improve the associated symptoms and quality of life. Are you undergoing such a procedure and are worried about the life expectancy after TURP surgery? Well, there are some side effects after such surgery which can be permanent while some can improve after some time. Let’s explore the article that will guide you thoroughly on TURP treatment and how your life will be after it. Read on!
TURP Surgery: An Overview
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP surgery is a surgical procedure to treat the abnormal development of the prostate gland and reduce the urinary issues caused by it. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, which makes urination difficult. Nearly 150,000 males undergo TURP surgery annually in the U.S. Usually, doctors recommend this surgery when patients do not respond well to non-surgical treatments. The TURP procedure is commonly recommended for these urinary problems:
- Frequent urge to pee, particularly at night
- Irregular urination
- Slow urine flow
- Delay starting urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
How Does TURP Surgery Procedure Work?
We will help explain the TURP prostate surgery procedure plan. If you want to get an idea of the successful procedure, you can check before and after TURP surgery images online. This is how the doctors perform the surgery:
>> Before surgery: Before the doctors start the surgery, you will be given anesthesia to make you feel numb and sleepy. You might also have spinal anesthesia that makes you numb but keeps you conscious. Moreover, you may be given antibiotics to stop infection.
>> During the procedure: Doctors insert the resectoscope through the penis tip that passes through the urethra towards the prostate gland. This device then helps identify and cut the excess tissue formed on the prostate gland that blocks the urine passage. It also releases a fluid at the same time that brings the tissue pieces into the bladder which are removed at the end of the surgery.
>> After the procedure: Wondering what to expect after the TURP surgery? Well, doctors will place the catheter for about 24-48 hours because of the swelling that blocks the flow of urine. Once your swelling reduces and urination becomes comfortable, the catheter is removed. You will possibly stay for about 1-2 days in the hospital.
What is The Life Expectancy After TURP Surgery?
For some people, life after TURP surgery can be challenging as the removal of the prostate gland can lead to some side effects that can be permanent while some can improve after a while. The prostate gland has a major contribution to sexual intercourse as it gives the fluid that helps sperm travel during ejaculation. An impacted prostate can make it difficult for the sperm to come out of the penis, which can cause infertility issues.
Moreover, some people might experience issues in their sexual function and health such as erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, trouble reaching orgasm, and even loss of sexual feeling. On the other hand, some might notice potential side effects that are not linked to sexual function like hernia, leg swelling, weakness, tiredness, and uncontrollable urine leakage.
What is the Recovery Time After TURP Surgery?
After the TURP surgery, the recovery time may include 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects, engaging in sexual activities, or practicing intense exercises until your doctor decides. Moreover, if you are taking the pain medication prescribed after the treatment, do not drive or use any heavy machinery, as the medication can cause dizziness. If your job does not require much physical work, you might be able to start working after 2-3 weeks. Ask your doctor how often you should take a rest from work.
Potential Side Effects of TURP Surgery
Though the TURP procedure is safe, it can sometimes lead to some health complications, such as:
- Urethra or bladder injury
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Electrolyte abnormality (too much or insufficient minerals in the body)
- Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping a firm erection during intercourse)
- Retrograde ejaculation (when the semen gets pushed toward the bladder instead of coming out of the penis)
- Hemorrhage (Inflamed and swollen veins in your rectum and anus)
- TURP syndrome (too much absorption of fluid that is used to wash the prostate area in the bloodstream)
Note: If you find any of the above-mentioned complications, it is recommended to immediately consult with your doctor.
Precautions After TURP Surgery
After the TURP prostate surgery, healthcare providers may suggest practicing the following:
- Eat healthy foods: Some studies have proven fiber-rich diet is most beneficial for constipation. Fibrous foods also relieve pressure while pooping. Your doctor may recommend some stool softener for easy stool passing.
- Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of water, as it helps flush out the urine from your bladder.
- Avoid intense exercises: Don’t practice heavy weight lifting for about 4-6 weeks or until the doctor advises. These activities can put a strain on the urethra.
- Don’t drive: It’s advised to avoid driving until the catheter is removed and pain medications aren’t stopped.
- Avoid sex: Do not perform sexual intercourse for 4 to 6 weeks as it may cause bleeding.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications: According to research, blood-thinning medications should not be taken after TURP surgery. These medicines can cause more bleeding complications.
Note: If after the TURP surgery, you notice some blood in your urine, it is normal. However, thickened blood or blood clots in your urine, difficulty passing the urine, or high fever need immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts
TURP surgery is the most recommended and successful treatment for an enlarged prostate gland and the symptoms associated with it. It can treat complications caused by blocked urine flow, such as bladder or kidney damage, recurring UTIs, bladder stones, etc. However, just like you, many people are worried about their life expectancy after TURP surgery. In general, some people might find challenges during sexual intercourse and some may experience issues in their sexual function like no sexual desire, trouble reaching orgasm, loss of sexual feeling, etc. If these complications continue for a long period, immediately consult with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long-term problems after TURP surgery?
Bladder injury, difficulty in urinating, frequent urination, bloody urine, etc. are some complications after TURP surgery.
What is the success rate of TURP surgery?
The success rate of TURP surgery ranges from 85% to 90%.
What is the age limit for TURP surgery?
The age limit for TURP surgery is over 75 years.
How is the quality of life after TURP surgery?
The quality of life after TURP surgery is normal but patients may need to make some lifestyle changes for better results and minimal complications.
What is the most common long-term complication of TURP?
Retrograde ejaculation is a common long-term TURP complication, affecting 65%-75% of males.
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