This article will help you understand prostatectomy and how to prepare for it.

What Is Prostatectomy Surgery?

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the prostate. The prostate gland is located in the pelvic area of men, beneath the urinary bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the penis.

When the prostate enlarges, it presses on the bladder and urethra. This can cause problems such as difficulty urinating and urinary retention.

When Is Prostatectomy Performed?

Prostatectomy via the urethra is usually performed when the enlarged prostate causes bothersome symptoms and when medication is ineffective. Symptoms necessitating the removal of the prostate gland may include:

Difficulty urinating.

Weak or intermittent urine flow.

Straining to urinate.

The frequent need to urinate.

Frequently waking up at night to urinate.

Sudden urge to urinate.

Inability to completely empty the bladder.

How to Prepare for Prostatectomy Surgery?

There are some recommendations you should follow before undergoing the surgery, which include:

The doctor will provide all necessary information, and you can ask any questions you have.

The doctor will ask you to sign a consent form for the surgery. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

The doctor will inquire about the last time you ate or drank anything. If the surgery is planned and requires general anesthesia, the doctor will ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure.

Inform the doctor if you have any allergies to medications or anesthetics.

Tell the doctor about all the medications you are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.

Inform the doctor if you have a medical history of health disorders such as bleeding, or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medications that may affect blood clotting. The doctor may ask you to stop them before the surgery.

Follow any other instructions the doctor provides to prepare for the surgery.