Node view

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. A wire loop with an electrical current is used to cut away prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra. The prostate tissue is flushed into the bladder and out the body.