Prostate removal

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Male reproductive anatomy

Prostatectomy - series

Prostate gland

TURP - series

The prostate gland is an organ at the base of the bladder in men. The tissues in the gland may need to be surgically removed or destroyed if the prostate is swollen.

See also: Benign prostatic hypertrophy

Prostatectomy; Suprapubic prostatectomy; Transurethral resection of the prostate; TURP; Open prostatectomy; Laser prostatectomy; Transurethral needle ablation; TUNA

An enlarged prostate can cause problems urinating and urinary tract infections. These symptoms can often be relieved by removing all or part of the prostate gland. Prostate removal can be performed in a number of different ways, depending on the size of the prostate and the cause of the prostate enlargement.

The three most common procedures for removing the prostate when there is no cancer are:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• Laser prostatectomy
• Open prostatectomy

The decision regarding the type of prostatectomy to perform depends on the size of your prostate gland. For glands bigger than 30 grams and less than 80 grams (this number depends on the experience of the surgeon), TURP is performed. If the prostate is bigger than 90 grams, open prostatectomy is recommended.

TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate is the most common surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 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.

A special cutting instrument is inserted through the cystoscope to remove the prostate gland piece by piece. An electric current is used to stop the bleeding during surgery. This is called cauterization.

After surgery, a Foley catheter is placed into the body to help remove urine. The urine will first look bloody, but will clear with time.

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 to 3 days. You will remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days.