PROSTATE GLAND REMOVAL, TRANSURETHRAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of part or all of an enlarged prostate gland with a cystoscope, an instrument that is passed up through the urethra.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Penis; prostate gland; urethra; bladder.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Restoration of normal passage of urine.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress; obesity; smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; kidney-function studies; x-rays of kidneys and chest; ECG (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Spinal anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A cystoscope is passed up through the urethra to the prostate gland.
• A miniature telescope and light inside the cystoscope make the prostate gland visible and it is examined for tumors and signs of infection.
• An electrosurgical loop is inserted through the cystoscope tip and cuts away the diseased parts of the prostate gland.
• The cystoscope is removed. A catheter may be placed in the bladder for a day or two.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Impotence (sometimes) and sterility.
• Epididymitis.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 to 3 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES--Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Resuming daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able can help the healing process.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Resume driving 1 month after returning home.
• Try to resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing. Avoid coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, alcoholic beverages and any food or spice that aggravates symptoms.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, pain or difficulty with urination.
• You remain impotent longer than 3 months after surgery.