Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Transurethral Incision of Prostate (TUIP) Home Care
TURP – carving out pieces of the prostate tissue to relieve bladder neck outlet obstruction.
TUIP – making incisions inside the prostate to open up and relieve bladder-neck/outlet obstruction.
Changes in Your Urine
After surgery, you will have blood in your urine. Your urine will begin to clear in 2-4 days but you may notice some bleeding for up to 6 weeks. It takes the prostate this length of time to heal. You may have cloudy urine and irritation or burning when you pass urine. You may have some dribbling of urine at first. This often clears up in the first couple of days. Yu may also have urinary urgency or frequency for some time. Medications may be needed to calm down the bladder.
You will go home 1-2 days after surgery. You may or may not go home with a catheter in place. This depends on whether you can urinate on your own.
Things to Do to Reduce Bleeding
1. Drink when thirsty.
2. Avoid letting your bladder get too full. Such fullness causes pressure on your prostate. Urinate at least every 4 to 5 hours or sooner if you feel the need. You can expect to pass ½ cup to 2 cups (150-450 ml.) of urine at one time.
3. Avoid constipation. Straining can result in increased bleeding. It is important that you do not strain with bowel movements. Adding fruits and vegetables as well as fiber to your diet will help prevent constipation. Your provider may order a stool softener or a mild laxative.
Activity
- Do nothing strenuous for 3 weeks after surgery.
- You may shower, but you may not take a tub bath if you go home with a catheter in place.
- You can slowly resume your normal routines over the next 3 to 4 weeks.
Here are some guidelines for you.
1 First week, after you leave the hospital, you will be at home. Limit your activity.
- do not lift anything over 15 pounds.
- avoid heavy work.
- do not ride in or drive a car except for the ride home from the hospital.
2. Second week: You may slowly increase your activity; take short walks, and short car rides. It is OK to drive short distances. Avoid long car trips because they can increase the tendency to bleed. Get enough rest and drink lots of fluids. Do nothing strenuous. Do not lift more than 15 lbs. You may have sex when it feels right.
3. Third week: You may further increase your activity. Ask your doctor if you may return to work. This will depend on the kind of work you do. You may have sex after the third week. Do not be alarmed if no fluid appears on ejaculation. At ejaculation, the fluid may go into the bladder and be passed in the urine.
When to Call the Doctor
- You cannot pass urine
- Your urine remains bloody and you cannot see through it. (It is OK if urine is clear like cranberry juice.)
- You pass large blood clots
- Temperature is greater than 100.5°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
Follow-Up Care
Your first follow-up visit will be made for you before you go home.
Phone Numbers
Urology Clinic (608) 263-4757 - 24 hours
After hours and weekends (608) 262-0486. This is the paging operator. Ask for the Urology doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
Your urology doctor is Dr. ______________________________________
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6527.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/19/2012
Copyright © 06/19/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4257
Print Health Fact For You