TURP - Homerton University Hospital

TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF PROSTATE
(TURP)
Patient Information Sheet
Department of Urology
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR
Reviewed: June 2012
Next date: June 2014
Incorporating hospital and community health
services, teaching and research

This leaflet has been prepared to provide you with
information about the TURP procedure at Homerton
University Hospital. We hope this information will
help answer some of your questions and concerns
in addition to the on-going discussions that you
have been having with the consultants and nurses
involved in your care. We want you to understand
the procedure so that you can make informed
decisions about your care. If you have any worries
please do not hesitate to ask.
What is a TURP
A TURP is a telescopic operation to remove the part
of your prostate gland that is blocking your water
pipe (urethra). This is done using heat diathermy
which cuts prostate tissue and seals blood vessels
at the same time. This operation creates a channel
through which you will be able to pass urine more
freely.
What will happen immediately after surgery
After your operation you will have an
intravenous drip in your arm to give you fluid
to make sure you don’t get dehydrated
You will have a catheter (tube) in your penis
to drain urine out of your bladder into a bag.
An irrigation drip (saline) will be attached to
the catheter to wash any blood or tissue out
of the bladder. Your urine will look red at first
but will gradually become lighter in colour.
It is important for you to drink plenty to help
keep the urine clear and prevent the catheter

ecoming blocked. The nurses looking after
you will keep the irrigation flowing and will
unblock the catheter if the need arises. They
will also ensure that the catheter is kept
clean
What will happen during the first few days
Once you are up and about which is usually
the day after the operation the nurse will
teach you how to care for the catheter
When the urine is clear or very light pink and
you have opened your bowels the catheter
will be removed and you should be able to
pass urine normally. The catheter is usually
removed 2-4 days after the operation. When
the catheter is first removed you may find it
stings a little when you pass urine but this
settles down after you have passed urine a
few times
It is usual to want to pass urine frequently
when the catheter is first removed and you
may find it difficult to control at first. It is
important therefore to practice pelvic floor
exercises which will help you to hold onto
your urine for longer. A leaflet explaining
these exercises can be obtained from the
ward staff or the urology nurse specialist
The ward nurses will scan your bladder with
a portable scanner to make sure that your

ladder is emptying properly before the
doctor discharges you to go home
Sometimes you will not be able to pass urine
after the catheter is removed in which case
another catheter will be inserted before you
go home. You will be given information on
how to care of your catheter and asked to
return to the hospital in about 2 weeks to
have it removed.
An out-patient appointment will be made for
you to see the urology doctor in about 6
weeks to ensure that all is well
What will happen after I go home
It is advisable to take rest as much as
possible and not carry out any heavy lifting
during the first 2 weeks at home. If you are
employed, you can resume work about 4
weeks after the operation.
Sometimes, between 10-14 days after your
operation you may notice some blood in your urine.
This is due to the scab coming away from the
healing tissue. If this happens, drinking more fluids
will wash away the blood and avoid clotting.
If the bleeding is heavy or you can’t pass
urine contact your GP immediately or attend
the Accident and Emergency department.
If you experience any burning sensation
when passing urine or have a fever this could

mean you have a urinary infection which will
need to be treated with antibiotics by your
GP.
You will be able to resume sexual intercourse 2
weeks after the operation; however, when you
ejaculate there is a strong possibility that the semen
will go up into the bladder instead of out through the
penis. This is called retrograde ejaculation and
should have been discussed with you before the
operation. If this happens this may affect your
ability to father children through sexual intercourse
but otherwise you will not be harmed by it. There is
a chance that your ability to obtain an erection may
be affected, if this happens help is available from
the nurse specialist
Hand Hygiene
In the interests of our patients the trust is committed to
maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Hand hygiene is a very important factor in controlling
infection. Alcohol hand gel is widely available throughout
the hospital.
Other formats
If you require this leaflet in any other format such as larger
print, audio tape, Braille or another language please speak
to your urology nurse specialist.
We hope this information has been useful. If
you need any further advice do not hesitate to
ask one of the Urology team or the ward staff
who will be happy to help.
Urology Nurse Specialist
020 8510 7862

Health and Cancer Information Centre is based at
the main entrance of the Homerton Hospital. It
provides information, support and advice to all
patients, family members and carers.
Email: healthshop@homerton.nhs.uk
Homerton Hospital PALS (Patients Advice & Liaison
Service)
PALS is based in the main reception of the hospital.
Email: pals@homerton.nhs.uk
Tel: 020 8510 7315 (9am – 5pm)
PALS provides confidential information and support,
helping you to sort out any difficulties or concerns
you have whilst in hospital, guiding you through the
different services from the NHS.
Related websites:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Resectionofthepro
state/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.patient.co.uk/
Homerton
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR
T 020 8510 5555
W www.homerton.nhs.uk
E enquiries@homerton.nhs