Prof. Dr. Emel Akoğlu
UrologyVerified
- 57+years exp.
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Prostate
Turp (transurethral resection of the prostate)
What TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is, how it relieves a blocked urinary flow, what the evidence says about symptom relief and side effects such as retrograde ejaculation, how it compares with laser and minimally invasive options, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, recovery and how to check a hospital.
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Prof. Dr. Zerrin Biçik Bahçebaşı
UrologyVerified
- 37+years exp.
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TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate): what it is and how it works
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is the long-standing operation for a prostate that has grown large enough to block the flow of urine. This benign enlargement is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The surgeon passes a thin metal telescope, the resectoscope, through the urethra to the prostate and uses an electrified wire loop to shave away the inner part of the gland that is squeezing the urethra. The pieces are washed into the bladder and removed. Nothing is cut through the skin and the outer shell of the prostate is left in place.
The aim is to open the channel so that you pass urine more easily, empty the bladder better and get up less at night. This guide explains how TURP is done in Turkey, what the evidence says, how it compares with laser and other options, what it costs next to the UK, US and Germany, and what side effects to expect. TURP treats a blockage; it is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
Does TURP work for an enlarged prostate?
For most men with a true blockage, yes. TURP has been used for decades and remains the reference against which newer treatments are measured. Studies and guidelines from the NHS, NICE and the European Association of Urology agree that it gives a large and lasting improvement in flow rate and symptom scores, and it is often the operation chosen for medium-sized prostates. A small proportion of men need further treatment years later, because prostate tissue can grow back or the urethra can narrow.
It does not work if the symptoms have another cause. A weak bladder muscle, a urethral stricture, nerve problems or an overactive bladder can look like prostate blockage, and TURP will not fix them. That is why tests before surgery matter, and why a hospital should check your flow and residual volume before it offers a date.
Who is a good candidate for TURP, and who is not?
TURP suits men with bothersome urinary symptoms from BPH who have not improved enough with tablets, or who have complications such as repeated infections, bladder stones, blood in the urine from the prostate or retention of urine. It is usually done for prostates of about 30 to 80 millilitres. Larger glands are often treated with enucleation or open surgery because TURP takes longer and carries more bleeding risk.
It may not be right if you take anticoagulants that cannot be stopped, have an untreated urine infection, or want to keep normal ejaculation. Most men lose some or all of the ejaculate after TURP, so that matter has to be discussed beforehand. Men with a very high PSA or an abnormal prostate examination should have this checked before any operation; see our guide to prostate biopsy.
How is TURP done, step by step?
- Preparation: urine test, blood tests, flow measurement, ultrasound of the prostate size and a review of your medicines.
- Anaesthesia: spinal or general anaesthesia, usually with an antibiotic given at the start.
- Resection: the surgeon removes the inner prostate tissue in strips, working from the bladder neck outwards. Monopolar TURP uses salt-free fluid; bipolar TURP uses saline and carries a lower risk of a rare fluid shift called TUR syndrome.
- Bleeding control: vessels are sealed with the same current.
- Catheter: a three-way catheter is left in, with saline running through the bladder for a day to keep clots from forming.
The operation usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. The removed tissue is examined under the microscope, because it occasionally reveals an unsuspected early cancer.
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
These are approximate ranges for the operation with a short hospital stay, not hospital quotes. The price changes with the size of the prostate, the monopolar or bipolar system, the type of anaesthesia, the length of stay and the pre-operative tests.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,000 – €5,500 |
| United Kingdom | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| United States | €8,000 – €22,000 |
| Germany | €4,000 – €9,000 |
A package normally covers the tests, the operation and anaesthetist, tissue examination, two to four nights in hospital, the catheter and medication. Follow-up visits at home are separate. Ask for the list in writing and check what happens if you need to stay longer than planned.
TURP or laser, microwave and steam treatments?
Newer options aim to cause fewer side effects or allow a shorter stay. Laser methods use a laser fibre to vaporise or remove prostate tissue; see our guides to GreenLight laser prostate vaporisation and laser prostate surgery. Steam therapy, described in our guide to Rezum water vapour therapy, treats smaller glands through a short procedure. Microwave and incision methods are covered under TUMT and TUIP.
| Option | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| TURP | Medium-sized prostates with a clear blockage | Retrograde ejaculation is common; catheter for one to three days |
| Laser vaporisation or enucleation | Men on blood thinners, or larger glands for enucleation | Needs surgeon experience with the device; ejaculation changes also occur |
| Rezum steam therapy | Smaller to medium glands, men who wish to preserve ejaculation | Slower improvement, catheter for several days, less effective on large glands |
| TUIP | Small prostates under about 30 millilitres | Not suited to larger glands |
The right choice depends on gland size, your wish to keep ejaculation, your medicines and the surgeon's experience. A trustworthy team will explain why it recommends one method and not simply the one it offers.
What side effects does TURP have?
The most common effect is retrograde ejaculation, where semen passes back into the bladder instead of out through the penis. It is harmless to health but permanent in most men who have it, and it affects fertility. Other effects include temporary burning and urgency, blood in the urine for a few weeks, a urine infection, and, in a minority, short-term leakage. Erection problems are less common after TURP than many men fear, but they can occur and are discussed in NHS information on the operation. Rarely there is a narrowing of the urethra or bladder neck that needs a further small procedure.
Recovery after TURP and how long to stay in Turkey
You usually stay two to four nights. The catheter comes out after one to three days when the urine runs clear. Expect burning, urgency and pink urine, which settle over two to six weeks; the stream keeps improving over three months. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid heavy lifting, cycling and straining for about four weeks, and avoid constipation. You may see blood again about a week or two after surgery as the scab separates, which is normal if it clears quickly. Most men can fly after the surgeon has checked that they pass urine well, often after day four to seven. Plan at least six to seven days so a problem can be handled in Turkey, not on a plane.
Risks and complications of TURP
Bleeding that needs a transfusion, clot retention, infection, incontinence that lasts and anaesthetic problems are all uncommon but real. Professional societies such as the European Association of Urology advise that men with BPH choose treatment after being told about all the options, including watchful waiting, tablets and newer procedures. If a clinic only talks about benefits, or avoids the subject of ejaculation, treat it as a warning sign.
How to choose a hospital for TURP, and questions to ask
Look for a urologist who performs prostate surgery regularly, a hospital with theatres, intensive care and overnight beds, bipolar equipment, and a flow study and ultrasound before you are accepted. Red flags are a quote without tests, pressure to book at once, no discussion of side effects and no plan for follow-up at home. Read how our process works and browse the full range of urology treatments in Turkey.
- Is my prostate size suitable for TURP, and which technique is recommended for me and why?
- What are my chances of retrograde ejaculation and what is the plan if I want children?
- Is the system monopolar or bipolar, and how many TURPs does the surgeon perform each year?
- How many nights does the quote include, and what if I need more?
- Who will check my flow and review the tissue report once I am home?
Send your PSA result, flow measurements and ultrasound through the free quote page and the hospital will reply with a written plan.
Hospitals with Urology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is an operation in which the inner part of an enlarged prostate is shaved away through the urethra to relieve a urinary blockage. There are no cuts in the skin.
In men with a true prostate blockage it gives a large and lasting improvement in flow and symptoms. It will not help if the symptoms come from a weak bladder, a urethral stricture or a nerve problem.
Approximate ranges are €2,000 to €5,500 in Turkey, against about €5,000 to €10,000 in the UK. The price depends on prostate size, anaesthesia, number of nights and tests. The hospital confirms its price in writing.
Semen passes back into the bladder instead of out through the penis. It is harmless to health, common after TURP and usually permanent, but it reduces natural fertility, so discuss it before surgery.
Most men leave hospital after two to four nights and avoid heavy exertion for about four weeks. Burning and pink urine settle over two to six weeks, and the stream keeps improving over about three months.
The operation is done under spinal or general anaesthetic. Afterwards there is a feeling of fullness, bladder spasms and burning, which are usually controlled with medication and ease within days.
Neither is right for everyone. TURP is well proven for medium glands; laser methods can suit men on blood thinners or very large glands. The choice depends on size, ejaculation wishes and the surgeon's experience.
Prostate tissue can regrow slowly and a small number of men need further treatment years later. The outer shell of the gland is left in place, so some growth is possible.
Short-term leakage or urgency is common during healing. Lasting incontinence is uncommon but possible, and pelvic floor exercises and a thorough pre-operative assessment help to lower the risk.
Plan about six to seven days, including two to four nights in hospital and catheter removal. Your surgeon decides when it is safe to fly based on how well you pass urine.
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