Post-turp Discharge Instructions

WHAT IS TRASURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE (TURP)?

The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder in men. Sometimes, the prostate may become too large; therefore, less urine flows out of the bladder opening. Your doctor can remove all or part of the prostate gland to make passing urine easier; this procedure is called a transurethral resection of the prostate.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SURGERY AFTER YOU GO HOME?

• You may experience some temporary loss of control of urination or a dribbling of the urine. These symptoms are temporary and will resolve
• Limit your activity and rest after the procedure, your doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal activity level, and when you can go back to work
• Wash your penis with soap and water at least two times each day. Keep your penis clean to prevent infection
• Try to go for regular short walks at least 6 times a day
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises. Heavy lifting increases abdominal pressure, which could result in bleeding from your urinary tract
• Limit your sexual activity after the procedure for about 4 to 6 weeks or as advised by your doctor 2
• Eat foods high in fiber like fruit, bran, cereal, and beans...etc. (fiber will help prevent hard stools and straining)
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to flush your bladder, if you have kidney problems follow your doctor recommendations on how much fluids you can drink per day
• Avoid coffee, soft drinks, and beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol)
• Do not resume any blood-thinning medications until your doctor says it is OK
• Do not take Motrin, Advil, or non-steroidal analgesics for at least 6 weeks after your surgery as they may cause bleeding

After the procedure you will have a urinary catheter in place. The catheter is generally left in place for at least 24 to 48 hours until you are able to urinate on your own. If you are going home with a Foley catheter:

• Wash your hands before and after handling your catheter
• Wash the skin around the catheter with soap and water each day. Pat the skin dry
• Take showers, avoid soaking in a bath until the tube is removed
• Drain the bag often to help keep you from getting an infection (your nurse will teach you how to drain your urine bag)
• Always keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder
• Do not put anything on the tube
• Do not let the tube kink or loop
• Keep the tube secure. Do not let the tube pull or catch when you are moving around
• Avoid driving until your catheter is removed

WHAT ARE SOME COMPLICATIONS THAT YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE AFTER SURGERY?

• Infection (urinary tract infection is the most common)
• Passing the semen into the bladder instead of out through the urethra
• Loss of sperm fertility
• Problem with urine control which is rarely long-lasting
• Need for another TURP procedure, either because the signs never improved or simply return over time as the prostate continues to get bigger
• Problem with erection (which is rare)
• Bleeding or small blood clots
• A hole in the bladder
• Reduced sexual activity

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE?

• Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills
• Problems with your urine (such as: thick, yellow, green, or milky drainage; burning feeling when you pass urine; little urine or no urine at all; urine smells bad)
• Very bad pain in the belly that cannot be treated by pain relievers
• Not able to drink or eat 4
• Not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or feeling worse

If you are going home with a Foley catheter, call your doctor/nurse for these signs:

• Pain near the catheter
• Leaking urineMore blood in your urine
• Tube seems blocked or you see grit or stones in your urine
• Catheter falls out

WHO DO YOU NEED TO FOLLOW-UP WITH AFTER YOUR SURGERY?

• Follow-up with your surgeon as requested to check on your surgery
• The Foley catheter (if applicable) will be removed during the follow-up. Do not try to take your catheter out by yourself

HOW DO YOU CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 800 8 CCAD (2223).