Department of Urology
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR
Reviewed: June 2012 Next date: June 2014
Incorporating hospital and community health services, teaching and research
This leaflet has been prepared to provide you with TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF PROSTATE
(TURP)
Patient Information Sheet
information about the TURP procedure at Homerton University Hospital. We hope this information will help answer some of your questions and concerns in addition to the on-going discussions that you have been having with the consultants and nurses involved in your care. We want you to understand the procedure so that you can make informed decisions about your care. If you have any worries please do not hesitate to ask.
What is a TURP?
A TURP is a telescopic operation to remove the part of your prostate gland that is blocking your water pipe (urethra). This is done using heat diathermy which cuts prostate tissue and seals blood vessels at the same time. This operation creates a channel through which you will be able to pass urine more freely.
What will happen immediately after surgery?
After your operation you will have an intravenous drip in your arm to give you fluid to make sure you don’t get dehydrated
You will have a catheter (tube) in your penis to drain urine out of your bladder into a bag.
An irrigation drip (saline) will be attached to the catheter to wash any blood or tissue out of the bladder. Your urine will look red at first but will gradually become lighter in colour.
It is important for you to drink plenty to help keep the urine clear and prevent the catheter becoming blocked. The nurses looking after
you will keep the irrigation flowing and will unblock the catheter if the need arises. They will also ensure that the catheter is kept clean
What will happen during the first few days?
Once you are up and about which is usually the day after the operation the nurse will teach you how to care for the catheter
When the urine is clear or very light pink and you have opened your bowels the catheter will be removed and you should be able to pass urine normally. The catheter is usually removed 2-4 days after the operation. When the catheter is first removed you may find it stings a little when you pass urine but this settles down after you have passed urine a few times
It is usual to want to pass urine frequently when the catheter is first removed and you may find it difficult to control at first. It is important therefore to practice pelvic floor exercises which will help you to hold onto your urine for longer. A leaflet explaining these exercises can be obtained from the ward staff or the urology nurse specialist
The ward nurses will scan your bladder with a portable scanner to make sure that your bladder is emptying properly before the doctor discharges you to go home
Sometimes you will not be able to pass urine after the catheter is removed in which case another catheter will be inserted before you go home. You will be given information on how to care of your catheter and asked to return to the hospital in about 2 weeks to have it removed.
An out-patient appointment will be made for you to see the urology doctor in about 6 weeks to ensure that all is well
What will happen after I go home?
It is advisable to take rest as much as possible and not carry out any heavy lifting during the first 2 weeks at home. If you are employed, you can resume work about 4 weeks after the operation.
Sometimes, between 10-14 days after your operation you may notice some blood in your urine.
This is due to the scab coming away from the healing tissue. If this happens, drinking more fluids will wash away the blood and avoid clotting.
If the bleeding is heavy or you can’t pass urine contact your GP immediately or attend the Accident and Emergency department.
If you experience any burning sensation when passing urine or have a fever this could mean you have a urinary infection which will
need to be treated with antibiotics by your GP.
You will be able to resume sexual intercourse 2 weeks after the operation; however, when you ejaculate there is a strong possibility that the semen will go up into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This is called retrograde ejaculation and should have been discussed with you before the operation. If this happens this may affect your ability to father children through sexual intercourse but otherwise you will not be harmed by it. There is a chance that your ability to obtain an erection may be affected, if this happens help is available from the nurse specialist
Hand Hygiene
In the interests of our patients the trust is committed to maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Hand hygiene is a very important factor in controlling infection. Alcohol gel is widely available throughout our hospitals at the patient bedside for staff to use and also at the entrance of each clinical area for visitors to clean their hands before and after entering.
Other formats
If you require this leaflet in any other format such as larger print, audio tape, Braille or another language please speak to your urology nurse specialist.
We hope this information has been useful. If you need any further advice do not hesitate to
ask one of the Urology team or the ward staff who will be happy to help.
Urology Nurse Specialist 020 8510 7862
Health and Cancer Information Centre is based at the main entrance of the Homerton Hospital. It provides information, support and advice to all patients, family members and carers.
Email: [email protected]
Homerton Hospital PALS (Patients Advice & Liaison Service)
PALS is based in the main reception of the hospital.
Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8510 7315 (9am – 5pm)
PALS provides confidential information and support, helping you to sort out any difficulties or concerns you have whilst in hospital, guiding you through the different services from the NHS.
Related websites:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Resectionofthepro state/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.patient.co.uk/
Homerton
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Homerton Row, London, E9 6SR
T 020 8510 5555
W www.homerton.nhs.uk E [email protected]
