Transurethral incision of the prostate TUIP – treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Transurethral incision of the prostate TUIP
This procedure, which involves a transurethral incision of the prostate gland, is a method of endoscopic treatment of small prostate glands, which are usually less than 30 g in size and there is no clear third lobe. It is mostly recommended for patients in whom the main element interfering with urine outflow is a narrowing of the bladder neck in addition to the prostate tissue itself. The procedure itself is performed with an electric Collings knife or with laser energy (e.g. holmium laser).
Who is eligible for transurethral incision of the prostate gland?
This type of endoscopic procedure is mostly opted for by men who are concerned to reduce the risk of complications such as bladder neck stenosis or retrograde ejaculation resulting in a lack of semen ejaculation at the time of orgasm. It is normal after this procedure to have transient blood-coloured urine and a feeling of irritation in the bladder and urethra that lasts several days. The urinary catheter, which is routinely left in the bladder after the procedure, is usually removed on the first day after surgery.
Why Medicus Clinic?
Transurethral incision of the prostate – possible complications of the procedure
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is recognised as an effective and relatively minimally invasive method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, but – like any surgical procedure – it carries a risk of complications. Among the most commonly observed sequelae is retrograde ejaculation, which occurs in approximately 22.5% of patients. It involves the movement of semen into the bladder instead of outside the urethra during orgasm. Another possible complication is erectile dysfunction, reported in approximately 7.5 per cent of men after the procedure, which can affect the quality of sexual life.
Other complications include urinary tract infections, resulting from interference with the urethra and bladder. Some patients may also experience narrowing of the bladder neck, which leads to difficult urination and may require further treatment. Less common is stress urinary incontinence, which manifests as involuntary leakage of urine during exercise, coughing or sneezing. In addition, prolonged blood coloured urine may occur during the recovery period, which usually resolves spontaneously, but in some cases requires medical follow-up.
All these possible complications should be discussed in detail with the patient prior to surgery to adequately prepare them for the treatment and recovery process.