Treatment Options: Non-Laser Surgery

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: TURP is often the surgical procedure doctors choose to use when removing the prostate.  While the patient is under general anesthesia a TURP uses an electrical loop which is inserted and used to cut the tissue into small pieces, one at a time. The tissue pieces collect in the bladder and are then flushed out with irrigating fluid. Some bleeding during and after the procedure is common. After the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the bladder and continuously irrigated with fluid to monitor bleeding and prevent catheter obstruction.

While TURP has been proven effective, some complications exist. The hospital stay is 1-3 days and you may have to return home with a catheter in place.  The catheter may be attached to a leg bag and removed several days later.

TURP complications include blood loss and transfusion, impotence, incontinence, infection and retrograde ejaculation (dry climax). Typical recovery time is 4 - 6 weeks.

Open prostatectomy: Open surgery is sometimes performed when a transurethral procedure cannot be done. It may also be considered when a prostate is too large to be removed through the urethra. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and the prostate is removed through the incision. Open surgery can involve moderate pain and a hospital stay of several days. Patients usually go home with a catheter. Typical recovery time is longer than TURP.

Learn More

Wait-and-see
Drug Therapies
Holmium Laser Procedure - HoLAP
Holmium Laser Procedure - HoLEP