Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is surgery that removes some tissue from inside the prostate gland. It is done to treat prostate enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

A doctor inserts a special instrument through the urethra to remove part of the inside of the prostate. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.

TURP is not as common as it was in the past. Medicines are now available that are very effective for relieving symptoms of prostate enlargement. Most men who have an enlarged prostate do not need surgery.

Last Revised: March 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology

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