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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. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

TURP is not as common as it once was. Medications are now available that are very effective for relieving symptoms of prostate enlargement. Most men who have an enlarged prostate do not need surgery.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS
- Urology/Oncology
Last Updated March 31, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 31, 2006
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