If you’ve been told you may need a TURP procedure for an enlarged prostate, it’s natural to want clear answers. What is TURP? How long does TURP surgery take? What is the recovery time? And most importantly, will it improve your urinary symptoms?
This guide explains everything in simple terms and outlines why choosing an experienced specialist matters.
I regularly perform TURP surgery for men across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds, and I also run European reference centres for Olympus, with visitors from Japan, the USA, Germany and the UK, observing advanced prostate surgery techniques. This international collaboration reflects the importance of experience, precision and good patient selection when performing prostate surgery.
What is TURP surgery for an enlarged prostate?
Why would you need a TURP?
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a procedure used to treat benign prostate enlargement (BPH), a very common condition that affects urinary flow as men get older.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra, the tube you pass urine through. This narrowing can gradually make it harder to empty the bladder and often leads to bothersome urinary symptoms. Many men initially try medication, but when symptoms continue to worsen or the bladder is not emptying properly, surgery may be recommended. Some men may wish to have surgery, instead of taking medication.
A TURP improves urinary symptoms by removing the obstructing prostate tissue from inside the prostate using a endoscope passed through the urethra. There are no external cuts, and the aim is to widen the channel so urine can flow more freely again.
You may be advised to consider TURP if:
- Medication is no longer helping
- Side effects from medication
- Symptoms are affecting your quality of life
- You are getting repeated urine infections
- You cannot empty your bladder properly
- You have urinary retention
- Your bladder function is being affected
For the correct patient, TURP remains one of the most reliable and effective treatments for prostate enlargement.
How the TURP procedure works
TURP is performed using a small endoscope passed through the penis. This allows the prostate to be treated internally without any external incision. Using specialised instruments, the obstructing prostate tissue is carefully removed to widen the bladder outlet.
At the end of the procedure, a temporary catheter is placed into the bladder to allow urine to drain while the prostate heals. The goal of surgery is to improve urine flow, reduce pressure on the bladder and allow more complete emptying.
How long does TURP surgery take?
Most TURP procedures take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the prostate and individual complexity. The operation is usually performed under either general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic.
TURP is a well-established procedure that has been performed for many years and continues to offer excellent outcomes when carried out by an experienced surgeon.
What happens in hospital?
Patients are usually admitted on the day of surgery. After the procedure, you will return to the ward with a catheter in place. This allows urine to drain and helps prevent clot retention while the prostate settles.
Most men go home the same day or stay in hospital for one night. The catheter is typically removed the following week at a follow-up appointment.
TURP surgery recovery time UK
Recovery after TURP is usually straightforward, although it is normal for the bladder to take a little time to settle. In the early days, you may notice some burning when passing urine and occasionally small amounts of blood. This gradually improves.
Over the first couple of weeks, urine flow becomes stronger and bladder emptying improves. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity during this time, but gentle walking is encouraged.
Most men return to normal daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks, with full recovery typically around 4 to 6 weeks. Urinary symptoms often continue to improve over several weeks to months as the bladder adjusts to improved flow.
TURP success rate for urinary and bladder function symptoms
TURP has excellent outcomes when performed for the right patient, with most men experiencing significant symptom improvement:
- Stronger urinary flow
- Reduced urgency and frequency
- Less straining to pass urine
- Improved bladder emptying
- Reduced night-time urination
- Lower risk of urinary retention
- Fewer infections
- Improved quality of life
These improvements are typically long-lasting. Earlier treatment, when appropriate, can help protect bladder function and improve long-term outcomes.
Mr Jeremy Nettleton, Expert TURP surgery in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol
Experience matters when it comes to prostate surgery. Alongside performing TURP regularly for patients across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds, I also lead European reference centres for Olympus, where visitors from across the world visit to observe modern prostate surgery techniques.
Over the last 12 months, visitors from Japan, the USA, Germany and the UK have attended training sessions and observed live surgery. This international collaboration helps ensure patients benefit from refined techniques, careful patient selection and evidence-based treatment approaches.
Considering TURP surgery?
If urinary symptoms are affecting your quality of life, TURP may be an effective option. Patients are welcome from Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas, and assessment can help determine whether TURP is the right treatment for you.
TURP remains one of the most effective operations for relieving urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement and for the correct patient, TURP offers reliable symptom relief, improved bladder function and a return to more normal day-to-day life.
Alternatives to TURP surgery?
Mr Nettleton will always make a thorough assessment of the options available to each individual patient. This may include other options offered by Mr Nettleton or sometimes, an onward referral to a colleague.
