what is a turp

A turp is a surgical procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, which is a small gland found only in men that sits below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. During the procedure, a device called a resectoscope is passed along the urethra until it reaches the prostate, and a loop of wire is heated with an electric current to cut away the section of the prostate causing the symptoms. The pieces of tissue are carried by the irrigating fluid into the bladder and then flushed out at the end of the procedure. TURP is generally considered an option for men who have moderate to severe urinary problems that havent responded to medication. While TURP has been considered the most effective treatment for an enlarged prostate, a number of other minimally invasive procedures are becoming more effective.