TURP Surgery in India & UAE

TURP surgery for enlarged prostate (BPH) in India from $2,500. Monopolar and bipolar TURP, laser TURP at Apollo, Medanta, Fortis. 90% symptom improvement. Book a free consultation.

Estimated cost: $2,500 – $4,000 · Average stay: 3–5 days

Transurethral resection of the prostate — universally abbreviated as TURP — is the most established and widely performed surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes increasingly severe urinary obstruction in men as they age. An estimated 50% of men over 60 and up to 80% of men over 80 years develop symptomatic BPH. When medication fails to provide adequate relief — or when complications such as acute urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney damage from back-pressure develop — TURP is the surgical benchmark against which all other BPH procedures are measured.

TURP involves passing a resectoscope through the urethra (no external incision) and removing the obstructing prostate tissue from the inside, creating a wide-open channel for urine to flow freely. The procedure resolves urinary obstruction in over 90% of patients, improving urinary flow rate, reducing post-void residual volume, and dramatically improving quality of life. It is one of the most common urological operations worldwide, and India's experience with TURP is exceptionally deep.

India's leading urology programs — Apollo Hospitals, Medanta – The Medicity, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Fortis Escorts, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, and Jaslok Hospital Mumbai — perform thousands of TURP procedures annually using both conventional monopolar TURP and the safer bipolar TURP (using normal saline irrigation, eliminating the risk of TUR syndrome). Laser-assisted prostate procedures — holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and thulium laser vapoenucleation — are also available at elite Indian centers, offering lower bleeding risk and shorter catheter time, particularly for very large prostates.

The cost of TURP in India is $2,500–$4,000 — against $8,000–$15,000 in the United States and $5,000–$10,000 in the UK private sector. For men suffering from BPH who face long NHS waiting lists or high out-of-pocket costs, India provides immediate access to expert urological care with transparent pricing and outstanding clinical outcomes.

The UAE — at American Hospital Dubai, NMC Royal, Mediclinic, and Aster DM Healthcare — offers TURP at $4,000–$8,000, serving the large population of South Asian and Arab expatriates in the Gulf who need prostate surgery without the wait.

What is TURP and How Does It Treat Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia — a natural consequence of aging and hormonal changes — causes the central (transition) zone of the prostate to enlarge inward, compressing the urethra and progressively narrowing the channel through which urine flows. Men experience weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), urgency, and ultimately retention requiring catheterization.

TURP addresses BPH by resecting (cutting and removing) the obstructing central prostate tissue from within, using an electrical current delivered through a resectoscope loop. The resectoscope is passed through the urethra — no incisions are made anywhere — and the surgeon chips away at the obstructing tissue under direct vision using a high-definition camera. The prostatic chips are flushed into the bladder and removed at the end of the procedure. The result is a wide, open channel ("TURP cavity") with virtually no remaining obstruction.

Bipolar TURP — now standard at India's leading centers — uses isotonic saline as the irrigating fluid rather than hypotonic glycine, eliminating the risk of "TUR syndrome" (dilutional hyponatremia caused by absorption of irrigant), which was the most feared complication of conventional monopolar TURP. Bipolar TURP also provides superior hemostasis (bleeding control) and is preferred for larger prostates and patients at higher cardiovascular risk.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an advanced alternative to TURP that uses a laser to enucleate (shell out) the entire transition zone of the prostate like peeling an orange, rather than chipping away at it incrementally. HoLEP provides equivalent or superior results for very large prostates (>80 grams), with less bleeding and shorter catheter time, and is the preferred option at centers with HoLEP expertise.

Who Needs TURP Surgery?

TURP is indicated for men with symptomatic BPH who have: failed medical management (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) or are intolerant of medication side effects; developed acute urinary retention requiring catheterization; recurrent urinary tract infections secondary to elevated post-void residual volume; bladder stones attributable to BPH-related stasis; upper tract deterioration (hydronephrosis, elevated creatinine) from chronic bladder outflow obstruction; or gross hematuria from prostatic bleeding.

The optimal prostate size for standard TURP is 30–80 grams. Prostates below 30 grams may respond to simpler procedures (TUIP — transurethral incision of prostate); prostates above 80–100 grams are better served by HoLEP, laser vaporization, or open/robotic prostatectomy. Bipolar TURP is now routinely used for prostates up to 80 grams.

Absolute contraindications include: active urinary tract infection (must be cleared before elective TURP); uncontrolled coagulopathy; and patients unable to tolerate anesthesia due to severe medical comorbidity. Men who wish to preserve antegrade ejaculation (relevant for younger men with BPH) should discuss this with their surgeon, as TURP causes retrograde ejaculation in 65–80% of cases — semen flows back into the bladder rather than forward, which does not affect sexual pleasure or orgasm but impairs natural fertility.

How is TURP Performed?

TURP is performed under spinal or general anesthesia — spinal anesthesia is strongly preferred because it allows the patient to remain awake and alert, enabling the anesthesiologist and surgeon to detect early neurological signs of TUR syndrome (now rare with bipolar TURP) and ensuring excellent hemodynamic stability. The procedure takes 45–90 minutes depending on prostate size.

The resectoscope — a telescope with a cutting loop and light source — is lubricated and passed through the urethra into the bladder. The prostate is systematically resected in a methodical sequence, ensuring the entire obstructing adenoma is removed while preserving the external urethral sphincter (which maintains continence) and the ejaculatory ducts. Continuous irrigation washes the prostatic chips into the bladder. At the end of resection, a Foley catheter is placed through the urethra into the bladder and left in situ for 24–48 hours to allow hemostasis and drainage.

The prostate chips removed during TURP are routinely sent for histopathology — an important cancer surveillance step, as approximately 5–15% of TURP specimens unexpectedly contain incidental prostate cancer.

Procedure Steps

1. Pre-operative evaluation: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), urine culture, renal function, uroflowmetry (urinary flow rate), post-void residual ultrasound, prostate size assessment by TRUS or MRI, cardiac clearance.
2. Anesthesia: spinal anesthesia preferred; patient in lithotomy position (legs raised and apart).
3. Insertion: resectoscope passed via urethra; bladder and prostate anatomy visualized; irrigant (bipolar TURP: normal saline) commenced.
4. Resection: prostate adenoma systematically resected with bipolar/monopolar loop from bladder neck to verumontanum; chips accumulate in bladder.
5. Hemostasis: bleeding points coagulated with diathermy current; thorough inspection of the TURP cavity.
6. Chip evacuation: prostatic chips washed into evacuator syringe and removed; specimen collected for histopathology.
7. Catheter insertion: 3-way Foley catheter placed; bladder irrigation commenced to prevent clot retention.
8. Post-operative: irrigation reduced as urine clears (12–24 hours); catheter removed day 2 (if good voiding); discharge day 2–3 with advice on activity restrictions.

Cost Comparison Worldwide

Country — Range — Savings

--- — --- — ---

United States — $8,000 – $15,000 — Baseline

United Kingdom — $5,000 – $10,000 — ~35% savings vs. USA

Australia — $5,000 – $9,000 — ~40% savings vs. USA

India — $2,500 – $4,000 — Up to 75% savings vs. USA

UAE — $4,000 – $8,000 — ~50% savings vs. USA

TURP packages in India include the surgeon fee, spinal anesthesia, operating theatre charges, 2–3 nights hospital stay, three-way irrigation catheter and supplies, histopathology of the prostate chips, and post-operative medication. Gaf Healthcare obtains itemized quotes from multiple hospitals so patients have transparency on costs before committing. The package does not typically include international travel, accommodation, or optional pre-travel consultations, which our coordinators can assist with separately.

Recovery & Follow-up

Most patients are discharged 2–3 days after TURP. The urinary catheter is removed on day 2 when bladder irrigation fluid runs clear. Initial voiding may be frequent and slightly burning — the prostate cavity takes 4–8 weeks to heal. Urinary flow improvement is immediate and dramatic in most patients. Transient urinary incontinence (stress leakage with coughing or exertion) is common in the first 2–6 weeks and resolves spontaneously with pelvic floor exercises in virtually all patients.

Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to allow prostate healing. Driving is permissible after catheter removal, provided pain-free. Return to desk work typically at 1–2 weeks. Retrograde ejaculation — orgasm without forward ejaculation — is permanent in 65–80% of patients and is fully expected after TURP.

A follow-up uroflowmetry and post-void residual ultrasound at 6–8 weeks confirms treatment success. PSA typically falls by 50% or more after adequate prostate tissue removal, serving as a baseline for future cancer surveillance.

Recovery Tips

• Drink at least 2–3 liters of fluid daily for the first 4 weeks to flush the healing prostate and reduce infection risk.
• Perform pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises from day one to speed return of continence and reduce stress leakage.
• Avoid straining, heavy lifting, and constipation — these increase pressure on the healing prostate cavity.
• Do not drive for 24 hours after spinal anesthesia; resume driving when fully pain-free.
• Expect blood-tinged urine intermittently for up to 6 weeks — this is normal and usually minor.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 4 weeks — both irritate the bladder and worsen urinary urgency.
• Attend follow-up uroflowmetry and PSA testing at 6–8 weeks to confirm successful outcomes.

Risks & Complications

TURP is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure. The main risks are: retrograde ejaculation (65–80% — expected and permanent; does not affect pleasure but impairs fertility); urinary tract infection (3–5%, treated with antibiotics); temporary urinary incontinence (transient, resolves in 2–6 weeks in most patients); bleeding requiring blood transfusion (1–2% with bipolar TURP); urethral stricture (long-term narrowing of the urethra, 1–3%); and bladder neck contracture (scar narrowing at bladder outlet, 1–2%).

TUR syndrome — once a feared complication of monopolar TURP — is now extremely rare with bipolar TURP using normal saline irrigation. Erectile dysfunction attributable to TURP is rare (3–5%) and often relates to pre-existing vascular disease rather than the procedure itself. Incontinence after TURP — beyond the transient post-operative period — is uncommon (under 1%) in experienced hands.

Why GAF Healthcare

Gaf Healthcare works with senior urologists at India's and UAE's top hospitals who perform hundreds of TURP and HoLEP procedures annually. We review your uroflowmetry, PSA, prostate size, and symptom scores before recommending the right surgeon and technique for your prostate. Our team arranges your pre-operative investigations, hospital admission, catheter care education, and post-discharge follow-up — ensuring your journey is smooth from consultation to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TURP the best treatment for an enlarged prostate?

TURP remains the gold standard for surgical BPH treatment for prostates 30–80 grams. For very large prostates over 80 grams, HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation) provides superior results. Your urologist will recommend the best procedure based on your prostate size, urinary symptoms, and overall health.

Will I lose control of my bladder after TURP?

Temporary stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing or sneezing) is common for the first 2–6 weeks and resolves with pelvic floor exercises in virtually all patients. Permanent incontinence after TURP is rare (under 1%) when performed by an experienced urologist.

Can I have sex after TURP?

Sexual intercourse is typically resumed 4–6 weeks after TURP. Erectile function is usually preserved. However, retrograde ejaculation (semen going into the bladder rather than out) occurs in 65–80% of patients — this is permanent but does not reduce sexual pleasure or the ability to have an orgasm.

What is the difference between bipolar and monopolar TURP?

Bipolar TURP uses normal saline as the irrigant, eliminating the risk of TUR syndrome (dangerous drop in blood sodium). It provides equivalent or better tissue removal with superior safety. Monopolar TURP uses hypotonic glycine irrigant and carries a small but real risk of TUR syndrome, particularly in prolonged procedures. Most leading Indian centers now use bipolar TURP exclusively.

How long do the results of TURP last?

TURP provides durable relief from BPH symptoms for 10–15 years in most patients. Approximately 10–15% require a repeat procedure within 10 years due to regrowth of prostate tissue. Annual PSA and urinary symptom monitoring allows early detection of re-growth or prostate cancer.

What is the cost of TURP surgery in India?

TURP surgery in India costs $2,500–$4,000 all-inclusive, compared to $8,000–$15,000 in the USA. Packages include surgeon fee, anesthesia, hospital stay, catheter and supplies, and histopathology. Gaf Healthcare obtains transparent quotes from multiple hospitals before you commit.