0 TURP (Prostate Resection) packages match your search

Who TURP is for

TURP — transurethral resection of the prostate — treats benign prostatic hyperplasia, the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that squeezes the urethra and obstructs urine flow. It is one of the most established prostate operations and is usually considered when symptoms such as weak flow, straining, frequent or urgent urination and incomplete emptying no longer respond to medication.

It is sometimes recommended sooner if obstruction is causing complications: urinary retention needing a catheter, recurrent infections, bladder stones or pressure backing up to the kidneys. It is not a cancer operation, although tissue removed during TURP is routinely examined.

Because the symptoms of an enlarged prostate overlap with other conditions, the right work-up — flow tests, an ultrasound of the bladder and prostate, and a PSA blood test — should be done before surgery is offered.

TURP and its laser alternatives

In a standard TURP the surgeon passes an instrument up the urethra and removes the inner, obstructing part of the prostate with an electrical loop, with no external incision. It is highly effective at relieving obstruction and remains the benchmark against which newer methods are measured.

Several alternatives now exist for the same problem. Laser techniques such as HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation) and photoselective vaporisation can reduce bleeding and are often preferred for larger prostates or for men on blood thinners. Minimally invasive options such as prostatic implants or steam therapy may suit smaller prostates and aim to preserve ejaculation.

Which is best depends on prostate size, your medication, and how important preserving ejaculation is to you. A good clinic will explain why it recommends one technique over another rather than offering a single fixed option.

Cost and what is included

A TURP package typically covers the surgeon and anaesthetist, a short hospital stay (often one to three nights), theatre and equipment costs, the catheter and irrigation supplies used afterwards, pathology on the removed tissue, and pre- and post-operative checks before you fly.

TURP and its laser variants are generally in the low-to-mid thousands of euros at major medical-tourism centres, typically well below comparable private fees in higher-cost countries. Laser enucleation may cost more than standard TURP because of the equipment involved.

Confirm whether the price includes the pathology report, an extra night if bleeding is slow to settle, and treatment of any complication. Ask too whether a flow test or scan to confirm a good result is part of the follow-up before you travel home.

Choosing a clinic and surgeon

Look for a high-volume urologist with national board certification, and ask which technique they recommend for your prostate size and why. If you are on blood thinners or have a large prostate, ask specifically whether a laser approach such as HoLEP is available, as it can be safer in those situations.

Prefer hospitals with recognised accreditation such as JCI, TEMOS or ISO 9001, which signals audited anaesthesia and infection-control processes. Confirm there is proper post-operative monitoring, because the main early issue after TURP is bleeding that needs the catheter and irrigation managed correctly.

Discuss ejaculation up front. Standard TURP commonly causes retrograde ejaculation, where semen passes back into the bladder; this is harmless but affects fertility and is a reason some men prefer ejaculation-preserving techniques.

Recovery and timeline

After TURP you will have a catheter for a day or two while initial bleeding settles, and blood in the urine is normal during this period. Most men leave hospital within one to three days. It is sensible to stay in the destination country for several days so the catheter can be removed and a normal flow confirmed before you fly.

You can usually return to light activity within a week or two, but should avoid heavy lifting, straining and vigorous exercise for around four to six weeks while the raw surface inside the prostate heals. Mild burning and urinary frequency often improve over a few weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids helps clear the urine.

Full settling of urinary symptoms can take a couple of months. Because there is a small clot risk, confirm flight timing and any precautions with the surgical team before booking your return.

Risks and what to plan for

TURP is well-established but not risk-free. Early risks include bleeding, urinary infection and, rarely, a transient absorption of irrigation fluid (less of a concern with modern bipolar and laser systems). Retrograde ejaculation is common and usually permanent. A minority of men later develop a urethral narrowing or need a repeat procedure as the prostate continues to grow.

Urinary incontinence after TURP is uncommon but possible, and erectile function is usually unaffected, though this should be discussed for your case. Be wary of any clinic that presents the operation as having no downsides.

Before travelling, agree what the clinic will do if bleeding or infection appears after you return home, and confirm your home doctor will manage follow-up. Medical-travel insurance covering complications is worth arranging even for this relatively routine surgery.

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