Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): Procedure, Risks, and Recovery
Updated: 6 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is TURP?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery that removes excess prostate tissue through the urethra, without skin incisions, to relieve urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPE/BPH). A thin resectoscope trims tissue with an electric current or laser under anesthesia. It takes about 90 minutes, and most people recover fully in four to six weeks. [1]
What the research says
TURP gives lasting symptom relief with predictable risks. A review of 103 randomized trials with 8,521 patients found TURP clearly improved symptom scores, urine flow, and leftover urine, with no negative effect on erectile function. Pooled rates were 8% for bleeding, 6% for blood transfusion, 4% for urinary retention, and 2% for TURP syndrome. (Porto et al., World Journal of Urology, 2024) [3]
Bipolar TURP may be gentler than the older monopolar method. Across 7 studies with 496 patients with moderate-to-large prostates, both methods relieved symptoms equally well, but bipolar TURP meant a shorter hospital stay and a lower risk of TURP syndrome. (Bruce et al., Journal of Endourology, 2021) [4]
Newer enucleation surgery compares well with TURP. In 28 randomized trials with 3,085 patients, endoscopic enucleation shortened catheter time by about 1.1 days and hospital stay by about 0.9 days, cut transfusion risk by 78% (RR 0.22), and lowered repeat surgery for regrowth (RR 0.32). (Vo et al., Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 2025) [5]
Key takeaways
TURP removes part of the prostate from the inside, using a thin tool passed through the urethra. [1]
It treats bothersome urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate that other treatments have not controlled. [1]
Many people notice relief within a few days; full recovery usually takes four to six weeks. [1]
Retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm) is the most common long-term side effect, affecting most men. [1][2]
Fever, bright-red urine, or blood clots after surgery are reasons to contact your provider. [1]
What is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common surgery that removes part of the prostate gland. [1]
It does not use cuts (incisions) like many other surgeries. Instead, a healthcare provider passes a thin tool called a resectoscope into the urethra. [1]
The resectoscope uses an electric current or a laser to remove prostate tissue. [1]
"Transurethral" simply means "through the urethra," the tube that carries urine out of the body. It is pronounced "TRANZ-yoo-REE-thrul." [1]
TURP at a glance
Feature | What to expect |
Purpose | Remove excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow [1] |
Approach | Through the urethra; no skin incisions [1] |
Tool | Resectoscope using an electric current or laser [1] |
Anesthesia | Yes, so you do not feel pain during surgery [1] |
Typical length | About 90 minutes [1] |
Hospital stay | Same day, or one to two days [1] |
Full recovery | Four to six weeks for most people [1] |
Why is TURP done?
TURP is done to relieve urinary symptoms when benign prostatic enlargement/hyperplasia (BPE/BPH) makes the prostate too big. [1]
The prostate wraps around the urethra. When it grows, it can squeeze the urethra and cause symptoms such as: [1]
Needing to pee every one to two hours
Waking up often at night to pee (nocturia)
A weak stream, trickling, or a stream that starts and stops
In some cases, providers also recommend TURP to treat kidney stones or kidney damage linked to BPE/BPH. [1]
TURP is not the only procedure for an enlarged prostate. Less invasive options, such as a prostatic urethral lift (PUL), may suit some people.
Is TURP a major surgery?
TURP is a major surgery, even though it uses no incisions. [1]
You receive anesthesia so you do not feel pain during the procedure. Some people stay in the hospital for a day or two so the care team can monitor recovery. [1]
What happens before TURP?
Before TURP, you meet your healthcare provider to prepare safely for surgery. At this visit, your provider will: [1]
Check your overall health and vital signs
Review medicines that could raise your bleeding risk
Ask about allergies
Discuss which type of anesthesia suits you best
Give you instructions on eating and drinking before surgery
Your care team usually includes a urologist, an anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical technicians. [1]
What happens during TURP?
During TURP, a urologist removes excess prostate tissue in an operating room, step by step: [1]
Inserts a resectoscope into the urethra.
Examines the prostate.
Removes excess prostate tissue with a laser or electric current.
Uses fluid to flush the tissue pieces into the bladder.
Drains the tissue out of the bladder through the urethra.
Removes the resectoscope.
Places a urinary catheter so urine can drain freely afterward.
The whole procedure usually takes about 90 minutes. [1]
What happens after TURP?
After TURP, nurses move you to a recovery area to be monitored. [1]
Some people stay in the hospital for a day or two. Others can go home the same day. A provider usually removes the catheter before you leave. [1]
What are the benefits and risks of TURP?
TURP offers fast symptom relief, but like any surgery it carries possible complications. [1]
Benefits | Possible risks and side effects |
Fast results; many notice relief within a few days [1] | Urinary retention (trouble fully emptying the bladder) [1] |
Faster recovery than procedures that use incisions [1] | |
Effective for severe BPE/BPH symptoms that do not respond to other treatments [1] | Retrograde ejaculation (semen flows back into the bladder) [1] |
Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) [1] | |
A repeat procedure if symptoms do not go away [1] |
Retrograde ejaculation is the most common long-term effect, happening in most men. Urinary retention occurs after nearly 6 out of every 100 TURP procedures. [1][2]
For a deeper clinical look at how the procedure is performed, see this detailed medical overview of TURP.
How long does it take to recover from TURP?
Most people take four to six weeks to fully recover from TURP. [1]
If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work after two to three weeks. Jobs with heavy physical activity may need more time off. [1]
Activities to avoid while recovering from TURP
While you heal, avoid these activities until your healthcare provider says they are safe: [1]
Activity | Guidance during recovery |
Lifting | Nothing heavier than a gallon of water (about 10 pounds) |
Exercise | No strenuous exercise, such as running, cycling, or martial arts |
Sex | No sexual activity, including masturbation |
Driving | No driving or operating machinery while taking prescription pain medicine |
How painful is TURP recovery?
TURP recovery is moderately painful for most people. [1]
You may feel discomfort while the catheter is in place and when it is removed. A burning feeling when you pee for several days after catheter removal is normal. [1]
Prescription pain medicine or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain. Everyone's body is different, so your recovery may not match someone else's. [1]
When should you call a doctor after TURP?
Call your healthcare provider after TURP if you notice any of these signs: [1]
Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
New urinary symptoms, such as a weak stream or peeing more than usual
Bright-red urine
Stringy red or brown blobs in your urine (blood clots)
Conclusion
TURP is a common and effective surgery for an enlarged prostate that causes frequent urination, nighttime waking, or a weak stream. It works from the inside, with no incisions, and many people feel better within days. [1]
Recovery takes planning: expect a catheter for a short time, some burning when you pee, and four to six weeks before you are fully back to normal. Knowing the warning signs helps you act early if something is wrong. [1]
Next step: If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily life, read our full guide to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bring your questions to a urologist. To understand the gland itself, see our guide to the prostate's location, function, and health checks.
FAQ
Is TURP a major surgery?
TURP is a major surgery, even though it uses no skin incisions. You receive anesthesia, and some people stay in the hospital for a day or two afterward. [1]
How long does TURP surgery take?
TURP surgery usually takes about 90 minutes. It is done in an operating room under anesthesia. [1]
How long is the hospital stay after TURP?
The hospital stay after TURP is usually one to two days, though some people go home the same day. The catheter is usually removed before you leave. [1]
How long does TURP recovery take?
TURP recovery takes four to six weeks for most people. People with desk jobs can often return to work after two to three weeks. [1]
Does TURP affect erections or ejaculation?
TURP can cause erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows back into the bladder. A large review of randomized trials found no overall negative effect on erectile function. [1][3]
Is burning when peeing normal after TURP?
Burning when peeing is normal for several days after the catheter is removed. Prescription pain medicine or NSAIDs can help with discomfort. [1]
What are the warning signs after TURP?
Warning signs after TURP include fever or chills, bright-red urine, blood clots in the urine, and new urinary symptoms such as a weak stream. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of them. [1]
Can TURP treat problems other than an enlarged prostate?
TURP is mainly used for an enlarged prostate (BPE/BPH). Providers may also recommend it to treat kidney stones or kidney damage caused by BPE/BPH. [1]
Will I have a catheter after TURP?
Yes. A urinary catheter is usually left in for a few days after TURP to drain urine and flush out blood clots. It is removed once bleeding settles and you can urinate on your own.
Is blood in the urine normal after TURP?
Some blood in the urine is common for several weeks after TURP, and it can briefly increase around two weeks after surgery as scabs fall off. Drink plenty of fluids, and call your doctor if you pass clots, cannot urinate or your urine turns dark red.
Related Reading
Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI): Purpose and Procedure explains how bladder irrigation clears clots after surgery.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 12, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23369-transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate
Al-Hajjaj M, Aljool AA. An extremely rare complication of transurethral resection of the prostate: A case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022;77:103591. PMID 35399367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103591
Porto JG, Bhatia AM, Bhat A, et al. Evaluating transurethral resection of the prostate over twenty years: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. World J Urol. 2024;42(1):639. PMID 39547977. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-024-05332-3
Bruce A, Krishan A, Sadiq S, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate vs Monopolar Transurethral Resection of Prostate in the Treatment of Moderate-Large Volume Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Endourol. 2021;35(5):663-673. PMID 33198500. https://doi.org/10.1089/end.2020.0840
Vo LT, Armany D, Chalasani V, et al. Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate versus transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2025;28(4):845-858. PMID 40348823. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41391-025-00970-z
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Talk with your doctor or urologist about your symptoms, treatment options, and recovery plan.
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