Transurethral prostatectomy for prostatitis
Content provided by Healthwise
Surgery Overview
This procedure involves removal of part of the prostate gland through the urethra.
A long, thin tube with a viewing instrument (cystoscope) attached is inserted into the urethra. Prostate tissue is removed through the cystoscope.
What To Expect After Surgery
You are usually hospitalized for 2 to 3 days. Complete recovery generally requires 3 to 4 weeks.
Why It Is Done
This surgery may be done for:
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis that resists antibiotic treatment, with or without infected prostate stones (prostatic calculi).
- Repeated urinary tract infections because of another prostate problem for which surgery may be appropriate, such as prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).
How Well It Works
Very few studies have been done to see how well this surgery works. It is not usually recommended as a treatment for prostatitis.1
But this surgery may be worth trying if nothing else has worked, your symptoms are severe, and you feel depressed or upset.
Risks
- Urinary incontinence
- Inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
What To Think About
To eliminate category II (chronic bacterial) prostatitis successfully, the surgery must completely remove the portion of the prostate that contains the infection.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
Nickel JC (2007). Inflammatory conditions of the male genitourinary tract: Prostatitis and related conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 1, pp. 304–329. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
| Last Updated | December 27, 2007 |
| Last updated: | December 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
