What is a TUR or TURP and what purpose does it serve?
A. Transurethral resection of the prostate is an operation performed to relieve symptoms of urinary obstruction caused by either benign enlargement of the prostate or prostate cancer. It is performed through a scope and involves removing prostatic that is obstructing the flow of urine. During this operation, the “resectoscope” is passed through the urethra into the prostate gland. Then using an electrified wire loop, dozens to hundreds of raisin-sized pieces of the prostate gland are removed from the inside of the prostate gland and washed out through the scope. This operation is often called a “Roto-Rooter” procedure or a “scraping” of the prostate. It enlarges the urinary channel and allows the patient to urinate more freely.
