Transurethral prostatectomy for prostatitis

Surgery Overview

This procedure involves removal of part of the prostate gland through the urethra.

A long, thin tube with a viewing instrument (cytoscope) attached is inserted into the urethra. Prostate tissue is removed through the cytoscope.

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

Few men with chronic bacterial prostatitis have their symptoms improve after this surgery.¹

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.

Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated January 20, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.