If you suffer from the symptoms of an enlarge prostate gland, otherwise known as BPH, you have several treatment options available. Most BPH cases can be handled on an outpatient basis and do not require surgery. One option you have is a trans urethral resection of the prostate, otherwise known as TURP. We usually recommend this procedure to patients who find that their BPH symptoms are interfering with their day-to-day activities.
What is a TURP
TURP is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the prostate gland. This surgery requires the doctor to insert a scope into the urethra. The scope allows the doctor to see the prostate gland and place a cutting tool inside in order to remove a small portion of the tissue. After the tools are in place, the doctor will then use an electrical current sent through the cutting tool to break off small pieces of the glandular tissue. These small pieces are flushed through the urethra. By removing this small amount of tissue, the symptoms of BPH can be lessened.
GreenLight Laser Treatment
The TURP procedure can also be done using lasers, rather than electrical current. During the GreenLight Laser treatment the doctor will insert a small fiber into the scope. This fiber transmits laser energy into the gland to remove the tissue. Like the traditional TURP procedure, the tissue is flushed out of the urethra, and the patients symptoms lessen.
Because TURP procedures, whether with the GreenLIght laser or without, remove some of the prostate gland, improvement in the symptoms of BPH happens quickly. In fact, many patients notice improvement within 24 hours of having the procedure. There is a very low risk of side effects from this procedure, and your doctor will be able to advise you as to your level of risk. You may need to wear a catheter for a few days after treatment, but some patients are able to go without one.
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