It often happens that the procedure or technique prescribed by the attending physician causes anxiety and fear in the patient. In this article, we will explain all the key points of such an intervention as trensurethral resection of the prostate (TUR), which is successfully practiced by the surgeons of the Bogolyuby MC.
What is this TOUR?
Transurethral resection of the prostate is a minimally invasive technique that removes hyperplastic prostate tissue. It is carried out through the urethra, with the use of electrodes, high-frequency current and a resectoscope.
The indications for surgery are:
• benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• benign tumors of the bladder;
• keratinization of the epithelium of the bladder cavity.
Transurethral resection of the prostate can be prescribed as part of the prevention of complications with blocked urinary flow due to repeated urinary tract infections, kidney damage, bladder stones, and suspected prostatitis.
How is the procedure going?
As mentioned above, a resectosop is required to perform the intervention. It is a thin optical fiber tube, about 30 cm long, equipped with a video camera, an electric loop and a lighting fixture. The urologist inserts the resectoscope through the urethra. The video camera transmits the image to the monitor, the doctor makes a cut of the tissues with an electric loop, removing their remnants with a special pump. The intervention takes an hour and a half in total, and is performed under local or general anesthesia.
After TUR of the prostate gland, a catheter is inserted into the patient to drain urine and irrigate the bladder to prevent the formation of blood clots for 1-3 days. Due to the continuous outflow of urine, the bladder is in a dormant state, which has a positive effect on the operation area.
What are the contraindications?
Contraindications to intervention are: blood clotting disorders, diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, acute infectious diseases, inflammation of the genitourinary system, urethral stricture, bladder atony, coagulopathy, prostate cancer and the presence of floating blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities.
Recovery period
You should be prepared for the fact that after removing the catheter, discomfort during urination is possible, but after a while the condition will return to normal. The patient is discharged from the hospital 2-3 days after the intervention. A course of antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs must be prescribed.
In order to prevent complications, it is necessary to avoid physical activity, do not drink alcohol, give up salty, smoked and fatty foods, do not overcool, limit sexual activity for 1-1.5 months. Driving and lifting weights is also not recommended.
Are complications possible after TUR?
Transurethral resection of the prostate is considered one of the safest and most effective interventions, but some complications still occur. So after the operation, slight bleeding is possible. There is a risk of urinary tract infection with prolonged use of the catheter.
Problems with urination are common after TUR, which lasts for a month. A temporary delay in urination may occur in the first days after surgery.
A number of long-term complications include:
• retrograde ejaculation ("dry orgasm" when semen is released into the bladder rather than out through the urethra);
• erectile dysfunction;
• cicatricial changes in the bladder and narrowing of the urethra.
To protect yourself from urological problems and the need for surgical interventions, make yourself a good habit: once a year, undergo an examination by a urologist. This will be the best guarantee of your health.
