Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common surgical intervention used to treat symptoms resulting from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The procedure removes excess tissue that constricts the urethra, restoring stronger urine flow and addressing difficulty with urination. Understanding the TURP timeline involves the surgical duration, the hospital stay, functional recovery, and final internal healing.
Duration of the Procedure
The actual time spent in the operating room for a TURP procedure is generally short, typically ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. This duration varies based on the size of the enlarged prostate and the volume of tissue the surgeon needs to remove. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a slender instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra to access the prostate gland. Using an electrical loop or current, the surgeon shaves away the obstructive prostate tissue piece by piece.
The Immediate Post-Operative Period and Hospital Stay
Once the surgery is complete, the patient is transferred to a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where they are monitored as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Immediately following the procedure, a catheter is left in the bladder to drain urine. Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) is often initiated, involving flushing sterile fluid through the bladder. This process washes out blood and prevents the formation of blood clots, which is a standard part of initial recovery.
The typical hospital stay following TURP is between one and three days. The catheter is usually kept in place for 24 to 48 hours, or until the initial swelling of the urethra has subsided and the urine has cleared significantly. The most significant milestone before discharge is the successful removal of the catheter. The patient must demonstrate they can urinate effectively on their own. Once the patient can comfortably pass urine, they are cleared to return home.
Milestones in the Recovery Timeline
The main phase of functional recovery begins upon discharge and typically lasts between four and six weeks. Patients can usually return to light, non-strenuous tasks, such as office work, within the first one to three weeks. Driving is usually restricted for at least the first week, especially if the patient is taking prescription pain medication.
Patients must avoid any activity that causes straining throughout this period. This includes heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing more than ten pounds. Strenuous exercise, such as jogging or intense yard work, must be avoided for the full four to six weeks to prevent bleeding in the healing prostatic bed. Sexual activity is typically restricted for the same duration.
A common temporary symptom during recovery is hematuria, or blood in the urine, which can persist for up to three weeks. Patients may notice a temporary increase in blood around 10 to 14 days post-surgery as the scab covering the surgical site begins to detach. Temporary urinary symptoms like frequency, urgency, and a mild burning sensation are also common. These irritative symptoms can take up to six to twelve weeks to completely resolve.
Achieving Full Internal Healing
While functional recovery milestones are typically met within four to six weeks, the final stage of internal healing takes considerably longer. The prostatic cavity, the internal wound left by tissue removal, requires approximately eight to twelve weeks to completely heal. The full resolution of internal swelling and the final settling of urinary function often take up to three months.
The bladder takes time to adjust to the newly widened channel, meaning symptoms like urgency or frequent nighttime urination may persist for two to four months. One important long-term change is retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm. This is a frequent and generally permanent consequence of the procedure, but it is not harmful to health or sexual pleasure.