Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)

Need to know

• What happens during surgery? icon plus

  A surgical instrument called a resectoscope will be passed up through the penis and into the urethra. One or two small incisions will then be made in the neck of the bladder (where the muscle has thickened) and in the prostate. This allows the bladder neck to spring apart and for urine to flow more freely.
  
  At the end of the procedure, your surgeon will insert a catheter to drain urine from your bladder into a bag. The procedure takes about 20 minutes in theatre and will be carried out under general anaesthetic.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. You won't be able to eat food in the six hours before it, but you will be able to drink clear, still water up to three hours before.
  
  Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• After surgery icon plus

  You will have something called bladder irrigation run through the catheter. This will help to prevent any blood clots forming in your bladder and flush out any bleeding after the surgery.
  
  The catheter will be removed after 24-48 hours. During this time, you'll be cared for in hospital and you should be able go home after urinating normally.