One of the most common and proven ways to remove the prostate is transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP.

TURP is performed using spinal or general anesthesia.  A tube-like instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the penis through the urethra and up to the prostate gland.  This tube is called a resectoscope and is about 12 inches long and 3/8 of an inch in diameter.  The tube has a light and an electrical loop to remove the tissue.

The surgeon uses this tubing to remove the obstructing tissue in pieces.  Then the irrigating fluids carry the tissue pieces to the bladder. This debris is removed by irrigation and any remaining debris is eliminated in the urine over time.

After the surgery, an electrical current is used to stop the bleeding during surgery. This is called cauterization.  You must remain in the hospital for approximately 3 days, while a catheter will be used to drain your urine. A liquid solution may be attached to the catheter to flush the area and keep the tube from becoming clogged with blood or tissue. The bleeding will gradually decrease, and the catheter will be removed within 1 – 3 days.

During the recovery period, patients are advised to

• avoid heavy lifting, driving, or operating machinery;
• drink plenty of water to flush the bladder;
• eat a balanced diet;
• use a laxative if necessary to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements.

As this surgery is somewhat evasive, some men will not return to work for about a month.  There are some possible complications that may occur.

Blood in the urine (hematuria) is common and usually resolves by the time the patient is discharged.  However, bleeding also may result from straining or activity.  Any postsurgical bleeding should be reported to the urologist immediately.

Additionally, some individuals have initial discomfort, a sense of urgency to urinate, or short-term difficulty controlling urination. These conditions slowly improve as recovery progresses.

Another common problem may be difficulties with sexual function, as many as 30% of men have problems.  The complete recovery of sexual function may take up to 1 year.  The most common long-term side effect of prostate surgery is retrograde ejaculation or dry climax.  In this situation, the semen enters the bladder instead of being expelled through the penis, causing sterility but not affecting the man’s ability to experience sexual pleasure. This complication is not an issue for most men requiring prostate surgery.

Suggested Reading

• BPH – Diagnosis and Treatment
• How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
• How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?

Prostatitis is a group of disorders with related symptoms.

To diagnose prostatitis, you must rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms and determining what kind of prostatitis you have. You will undergo an evaluation which may include a general physical exam and a series of diagnostic tests.  Some of the diagnostic tests are:

First, a symptom questionnaire which will give you a score of various factors such as pain, discomfort, urination, frequency and the impact of these symptoms on your body.  Your doctor will determine your total score in making a diagnosis and devising a treatment.

Second, you may have to undergo a digital rectal exam, in which your doctor manually examines your prostate gland.  To do this, your doctor will place a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum.  He will be able to feel the surface of your prostate to determine if it is enlarged, tender or inflamed.

Another test could be a urine and semen test.  Your doctor may want to evaluate samples of urine and semen for bacteria and to determine your white blood cell count.  Your white blood cells are important to your immune system and can help establish a diagnosis of prostatitis. You may have three samples taken, before, during and after massaging your prostate with a lubricated, gloved finger.

For a more extensive examination, the doctor may perform a cystoscopy, in which a cystoscope is used to examine your bladder and urethra.  This cystoscope is a small tube that in inserted through the urethra and into the bladder.  It contains a magnifying lens or camera and allows the doctor to view any problems and rule out conditions.

Finally, your doctor may order an urodynamic test, which is used to check your bladder and its ability to empty.  Again, this can help your doctor identify other disorders or understand how prostatitis is affecting your ability to urinate.

In performing these various exams, your doctor can rule out any conditions and narrow down your symptoms of prostatitis.  After a diagnosis is made, a treatment will be determined.

Suggested Reading

• Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain
• Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis
• What is the Relationship Between Frequent Urination and Enlarged Prostate
• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis
• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
• Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Is there a connection?
• General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis
• Watching Their Diet Important for Prostate Cancer Sufferers
• What Kind of Treatment will You undergo for Prostatitis?
• Prostatitis – A Correct Diagnosis