Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Surgical treatment of the prostate enlargement is a common operation known as a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). 

A TURP involves the insertion of a resectoscope (a combined visual and surgical instrument) through the tip of your penis and into the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra). Using the resectoscope, your surgeon trims away excess prostate tissue that's blocking urine flow.

As with any surgery there are risks involved, although in the modern era these risks are uncommon. They include bleeding, infection, pain, and the risks of an anaesthetic. 

The small chips of prostate tissue, which are removed, are evacuated from the bladder and sent to the pathology laboratory for analysis.  This is to ensure all the tissue is simply normal tissue and there is no cancer present.  In fewer than 5% of men sometimes a small volume of cancer can be found incidentally and your surgeon will discuss this with you.

A  catheter is left in the bladder for 2 days to wash sterile fluid through the prostate and bladder to prevent bleeding and blood clots.