Urology Services at The Queen’s Medical Center offers Transurethral Resection (TUR), a procedure which is done by inserting an instrument through the urethra, which is a passage that drains the bladder. These types of procedures usually involve the prostate gland in men or a growth in the bladder of either men or women.

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

The Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a procedure in which a scope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing a view inside the bladder to remove unwanted growths. Tissue samples extracted from the bladder are sent to the lab for testing.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

A Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgery to remove part of the prostate gland. The prostate, a part of a man’s reproductive system, is usually a little larger than a walnut and is located between the base of the bladder and the base of the penis. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra. The prostate produces the fluid through which the sperm travels. When the prostate grows bigger as men age, it may put pressure on the urethra and cause problems with urination, such as increased frequency of urination, especially at night, or trouble starting the flow of urine, etc.

To perform the procedure:

1. A scope is inserted through the urethra, up to the prostate.
2. Tissue samples of the prostate are extracted using a wire loop heated with electric energy.
3. After the procedure, you will usually have a catheter tube in your bladder to help drain urine and flush out any blood. Your doctor will remove the catheter after the bleeding stops.

An alternate procedure to TURP may be chosen by your doctor, which uses laser energy to remove prostate tissue. 

Each of the Transurethral Resection procedures is done to improve the flow of urine, by widening the urethra passing through the prostate. Any extracted prostate tissue is sent to the lab for analysis. 

You may be admitted to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your condition, but you will most likely be able to return home on the same day as your surgery.