Main content Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia



    How Well It Works

    For men who have moderate to severe symptoms of prostate enlargement, TURP is more effective than watchful waiting in relieving urinary symptoms. Studies have found that:

    • Men who had TURP had a lower symptom score compared with those who used watchful waiting.Reference 1
    • Symptoms get better for 7 to 10 out of 10 men who have the surgery.Reference 2

    Men experience about an 85% improvement in their Reference American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index scores.Reference 2 For example, if you had a score of 25, after this surgery it might be at about 4. Men who are very bothered by their symptoms are most likely to notice great improvement in their symptoms after TURP. Men who are not very bothered by their symptoms are less likely to notice a big change.




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: March 5, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology


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