For many patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the removal of the enlarged portion of the prostate offers a long-term solution to alleviate symptoms. This procedure specifically targets the tissue that presses against the urethra, leaving the rest of the prostate intact, which helps to relieve urinary obstruction and incomplete bladder emptying caused by BPH.Some patients may benefit more from conventional surgery, especially those with elevated PSA levels or those at risk for prostate cancer. In such cases, your urologist can perform a procedure known as Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). TURP remains the most common surgical approach, accounting for about 90% of all BPH surgeries. This minimally invasive procedure is less traumatic than open surgery and typically involves a shorter recovery period.
How Bipolar TURP Works
A bipolar TURP takes approximately an hour and involves inserting a resectoscope into the urethra through the penis. The resectoscope has a light, irrigation fluid controls, and an electrical wire loop that removes the obstructive tissue. This tissue is then removed piece by piece while the loop seals blood vessels to minimize bleeding. The excised tissue is flushed into the bladder and removed at the end of the procedure. Patients are given either general or spinal anesthesia and can usually return home the same day or after a brief overnight stay.The term “Bipolar” refers to the two-way electrical current used in this procedure, which contrasts with the older monopolar technique that posed a higher risk of complications due to potential fluid buildup in the body. The use of a conductive saline solution in Bipolar TURP makes the procedure safer and allows for extended surgical time when needed, especially in more complex cases. It also enhances the efficiency of removing prostate tissue.
Benefits of Bipolar TURP
The American Urological Association considers TURP the gold standard for treating BPH symptoms, such as:
Urinary retention
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Excessive nighttime urination
What to Expect
Patients undergoing Bipolar TURP can anticipate:
A very low risk of requiring a blood transfusion or experiencing sexual dysfunction
A short hospital stay
Improved urinary flow
Reduced urgency and nighttime urination
An additional advantage of Bipolar TURP over laser procedures is its ability to provide tissue samples for biopsy, which is crucial when prostate cancer is a concern. Moreover, it can be performed as a follow-up to GreenLight Laser Therapy or UroLift Treatment in rare cases where urinary symptoms persist.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
