Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure used to treat symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. The procedure involves removing excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow through the urethra. Understanding the recovery process is important for managing expectations and achieving the best long-term outcome. Recovery from a TURP is a gradual process involving distinct phases, starting with a short hospital stay and extending over several weeks to months as the body heals.
The Immediate Post-Operative Period
The recovery process begins immediately after the procedure in a controlled medical environment. Following surgery, a urinary catheter is placed into the bladder to ensure continuous drainage of urine, as the urethra is often swollen and sore.
A key component of this initial phase is continuous bladder irrigation (CBI), where sterile fluid is flushed through the bladder via the catheter. This irrigation prevents blood clots from forming and blocking the catheter. Patients typically remain in the hospital for one to three days while the medical team monitors the urine’s color, waiting for the bleeding to subside. Once the drainage is clear and the patient can successfully urinate after the catheter is removed, they are cleared to go home.
Recovery Milestones and Timeline
Full recovery from a TURP procedure spans a few months, marked by distinct milestones.
The first one to two weeks after discharge require significant rest during the initial home recovery phase. It is normal to feel tired and generally unwell as the body begins healing. Light activities are encouraged to aid circulation, but strain and heavy lifting must be strictly avoided.
Weeks three through six mark the next stage, where stamina increases and severe urinary symptoms diminish. The prostatic bed, the surgical site within the urethra, takes approximately six to seven weeks to fully heal and re-epithelialize. Patients must continue to avoid strenuous activity until this internal healing is complete.
The final phase, where the maximum benefit is realized, typically occurs within two to three months. While most people resume regular routines within four to six weeks, urinary frequency and urgency may persist for a few months as the bladder adjusts. Long-term improvement in urinary flow and comfort is often seen once the two to three-month mark is passed.
Managing Expected Physical Symptoms
Several physical symptoms are a normal part of the healing process and require specific management strategies. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is expected because the surgical removal leaves a raw surface. Bleeding may initially lessen but can increase again around one to two weeks post-surgery when the internal scab on the prostatic bed begins to fall off.
Patients should drink plenty of fluids, such as eight to ten glasses of water daily, to help flush the bladder and prevent clot formation. Bladder spasms, which feel like a sudden, intense urge to urinate, can occur due to irritation from the procedure and the temporary catheter. These spasms, along with temporary urinary urgency and frequency, are common, and medication may be prescribed. A mild burning sensation or discomfort during urination is also often felt for the first few weeks as the urethra heals.
Resuming Daily and Physical Activities
Guidance on resuming activities focuses on preventing increased pressure on the bladder, which could trigger bleeding at the surgical site. Driving is generally restricted for at least two weeks, or until the patient is no longer taking prescription pain medication and feels comfortable and alert. This restriction is also in place because a sudden, urgent need to void could cause undue strain.
Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or any activity causing abdominal straining is typically restricted for four to six weeks. This includes activities like gardening, golf, or lifting anything over five to ten pounds. Returning too soon increases pressure on the prostatic bed, risking renewed bleeding. Sexual activity can usually be resumed after three to four weeks, but patients should be prepared for retrograde ejaculation, where semen travels backward into the bladder. This is a common and harmless outcome of the procedure.