T
The Daily Insight

What is transurethral resection syndrome

Author

Zoe Patterson

Published Apr 19, 2026

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of a transurethral resection of the prostate procedure. It occurs as a consequence of the absorption of the fluids used to irrigate the bladder during the operation into the prostatic venous sinuses.

What is the cause of TURP syndrome?

Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) syndrome is a systemic complication of transurethral resection of the prostate or bladder tumours, caused by excessive absorption of electrolyte-free irrigation fluids.

Is transurethral resection painful?

You shouldn’t experience any severe pain, but there may be some discomfort and bladder spasms (contractions) from the catheter, which is left in place because your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) will be swollen and sore.

How is TURP syndrome treated?

Symptoms do not typically develop until the serum Na concentration falls below 120 mEq/L. Treatment usually involves fluid restriction and loop diuretics. If seizures or coma develop, hypertonic saline can also be used along with anticonvulsants (midazolam, diazepam) and endotracheal intubation to prevent aspiration.

What is the most common complication of TURP?

Retrograde ejaculation is the most common long-term complication of TURP and can occur in as many as 65 to 75% of men.

What are the side effects of TURP?

  • Bladder injury.
  • Bleeding.
  • Blood in the urine after surgery.
  • Electrolyte abnormalities.
  • Infection.
  • Loss of erections.
  • Painful or difficult urination.
  • Retrograde ejaculation (when ejaculate goes into the bladder and not out the penis)

Is TURP a major surgery?

TURP is a major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

How long does a TURP procedure take?

The TURP procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes to perform. Before surgery you’ll be given either general anesthesia — which means you’ll be unconscious during the procedure — or spinal anesthesia, which means you’ll remain conscious.

Does TURP cause impotence?

It is known that a proportion of patients who undergo transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) will develop erectile dysfunction (ED). This study examined the incidence of ED after TURP using objective and subjective parameters and risk factors for the development of ED.

How is TURP performed?

TURP is carried out using a device called a resectoscope, which is a thin metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire. This is passed along your urethra until it reaches your prostate, which means no cuts (incisions) need to be made in your skin.

Article first time published on

How long do you need a catheter after prostate surgery?

Your doctor and health care team will decide how long you need to have a catheter. For example, after prostate cancer surgery, most men will have a catheter for about two weeks.

How long does it take to pee after removing a catheter?

When the catheter slid out, it irritated the urethra and any area that may have operated on The urine should clear again in 24-48 hours. If it becomes darker red or you have difficulty urinating, call our office. Q: I recently removed my catheter and now I have a fever. What should I do?

Can prostate regrow after TURP?

It is known that the prostate starts to grow again after surgery and about one in ten men need a repeat procedure within ten years of having TURP.

What is the difference between TURP and prostatectomy?

Although open prostatectomy has better outcomes in larger prostates, TURP is limited to prostates of less than 80 to 100 g; it seems reasonable that there is lower resected prostate weight in TURP than in open prostatectomy, especially in B-TURP [37,79,80], but there are scant data comparing similar resected tissue …

How much prostate is removed during TURP?

While enlargement of the prostate happens to most men, fewer than 10% will require surgery. The TURP procedure cannot be used to cure prostate cancer because it removes only the parts of the prostate closest to the urethra, while leaving the majority of the gland intact.

What are the alternatives to TURP surgery?

Alternative procedures PLASMA system – different instruments and fluids are used to perform the procedure, which is thought to lead to a lower risk of TURP syndrome (see risks of TURP) holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) – a laser attached to a resectoscope is used to cut away excess prostate tissue.

What is the latest treatment for enlarged prostate?

Physicians at UC San Diego Health are now offering prostate artery embolization (PAE) as a new treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. The minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgery, with no hospital stay, little operative pain and lower cost.

Is TURP done with a laser?

A cystoscope, or camera, is passed into the bladder through the penis without skin incisions and the prostate tissue is removed either by scraping away with an electrified loop (TURP) or by vaporizing with laser heat (Laser Prostatectomy).

What is the best treatment for enlarged prostate?

Medication is the most common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement. The options include: Alpha blockers. These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier.

What foods help you get hard?

  • Watermelon. Watermelon contains citrulline, another precursor to nitric acid. …
  • Spinach and Other Leafy Greens. …
  • Coffee. …
  • Dark Chocolate. …
  • Salmon. …
  • Pistachios. …
  • Almonds, Walnuts, and Other Nuts. …
  • Oranges and Blueberries.

Can you climax after TURP?

After they recover from surgery, most people still can have erections (if they were able to have them before surgery). But they may not ejaculate when they have an orgasm. Semen may go into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This is called retrograde ejaculation.

How long does incontinence last after TURP?

How long will I have incontinence after prostate surgery? Most men who experience a loss of bladder control have symptoms for 6 months to 1 year post prostate surgery. However, a small percentage of men may continue to experience problems past the one year mark.

Is TURP still the gold standard?

TURP is still the gold standard even now for small to moderate sized prostate glands which comprise the vast majority of cases in any urology practice. HoLEP has not been able to replace TURP as the gold standard in this regard.

How successful is TURP?

How effective is TURP and what consequences can it have? Studies have shown that TURP can permanently reduce prostate-related problems. Nine months after having TURP, about 75 out of 100 men only have mild symptoms. For example, at night they only need to get up to go to the bathroom once, or not at all.

Is prostate surgery a major surgery?

Prostate removal is major surgery, so expect some soreness and pain. You’ll receive IV pain medications at first, and your doctor may prescribe you pain medication to use at home.

How common is a TURP?

TURP procedure TURP is used most often for non-cancerous blockage, but may also be used in some cases of prostate cancer. This is the most common form of surgery (around 95 per cent of surgical procedures) for BPH. The average hospital stay is three to four days.

Can you still have an erection if your prostate is removed?

When you have a radical prostatectomy, you have surgery to remove your prostate gland. These nerves, blood vessels, and muscles may be weakened when you have surgery for your prostate cancer. For a period of time after surgery, many men are not able to get an erection.

How do you poop with a catheter in?

This is done by inserting a catheter into the rectum and keeping it in place by inflating a small balloon (like a Foley catheter, only larger) and giving a saltwater enema. The liquid stretches the bowel, triggering a reflex bowel movement.

How do you shower with a catheter in?

  1. Immediately after use rinse the catheter under running water. …
  2. Wash the catheter well using cooled, boiled water and a mild liquid soap.

Why does it hurt to pee after having a catheter?

Bladder spasms, which feel like stomach cramps, are quite common when you have a catheter in your bladder. The pain is caused by the bladder trying to squeeze out the balloon. You may need medicine to reduce the frequency and intensity of the spasms.

Can you feel yourself pee with a catheter?

At first, you may feel like you have to urinate. You may have a burning feeling around your urethra. Sometimes you may feel a sudden pain and have the need to urinate. You may also feel urine come out around the catheter.