Transurethral Prostate Incision (TUIP) Surgery

TUIP Surgery, which is one of the most effective methods in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, helps men to solve their urinary problems, especially in the aging period.

TUIP is usually applied in cases where prostate enlargement is not very serious and is relatively small.

TUIP, also called transurethral prostate incision, is used in the treatment of patients who have difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate tissue. In this method, a tube of 30 cm length passes through the penis through the urinary canal and reaches the urethra. Valves that control the flow of fluid pass through this tube, a light source, an optical system that transmits images, and an instrument called a resectoscope, which is used to cut the prostate tissue and burn blood vessels with an electric current. With the help of these tools, prostate tissue that causes problems in urination is removed.

TUIP Surgery, which is a surgical method used in the treatment of benign prostate enlargement, is also sometimes called TIP. This procedure, which is performed by making only a few small incisions on the prostate gland, can treat not only problems with urine flow, but also other problems that develop due to enlargement of the prostate. TUIP, a procedure with fewer complications, is much easier when compared to similar surgical methods. TUIP can only be performed in cases where the prostate is not very large, and different methods should be used in cases where the enlargement of the prostate is relatively high.

Some of the semen that helps nourish and transport sperm is produced in the prostate gland. The prostate, which is a walnut-sized structure, surrounds the urethra, which carries semen and urine, and is located just below the bladder. This gland grows depending on the progression of age and this situation is evaluated as a natural process. Enlargement of the prostate gland to compress the bladder brings with it various problems, including blocking the flow of urine. Benign prostatic enlargement occurs in more than 50 percent of men older than 60 years, and about 90 percent of men 80 and 90 years old.

The problems that can be treated with the TUIP method are as follows:

• Difficulty urinating
• frequent urination,
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections
• Loss of the bladder’s ability to empty completely.

In cases where all these problems occur, it may be decided to carry out the treatment with the TUIP method after the doctor’s control.

Treatment of alternative benign prostate enlargements usually does not require hospitalization. However, a short hospitalization may be requested after TUIP. This hospitalization is usually for 24 hours for an observation. Before the operation, it is necessary to stop eating and drinking for 6-8 hours. In addition, you will be informed by the surgeon about the drugs that you should not use before the operation. The steps followed during the operation are as follows:

• Before the operation, general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia that will numb the lower part of the waist can be applied according to the surgeon’s preference,
• The resectoscope, the instrument on which the operation will be performed, is inserted into the urethra,
• The resectoscope also includes a camera to transmit images, a light to illuminate, a thin blade, electrical cord and valves to release the washing liquid,
• Makes several incisions on the neck of the bladder and almost half of the prostate, thus creating grooves on the prostate gland to reduce the pressure in the urethra,
• Thanks to the electric cable, the cut is slightly cauterized and burned, thus stopping the bleeding.
• In order to lubricate the urethra and wash the blood in the area, the washing solution is left through the valves,
• After the procedure is completed, the resectoscope and other instruments are removed through the urinary tract.

After the operation, an average of 24 hours of hospital stay is required. A catheter may be inserted through the urethra to collect blood and fluid from the bladder into a collection bag. This catheter stays there for about a few days.

As with many benign prostatic enlargement procedures after the operation, it is normal for complications such as:

• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Not being able to control the urine flow as desired,
• Seeing some blood in the urine
• Feeling pain or discomfort during urination.

Experiencing all of this is considered normal for a few weeks. However, when an unusual situation occurs or these complications last longer than necessary, a doctor’s control is absolutely necessary. In order to start sexual activity, full recovery must occur. The decision on this will be made after the doctor’s control.

TUIP is not the first method used in benign prostate enlargement. Before coming to the TUIP method, doctors may refer to the following methods for treatment:

• Reducing prostate enlargement with drugs or drug mixtures and relaxing the smooth muscles in the urethra,
• ThuLEP minimally invasive methods with heat sources to destroy prostate tissues or reduce pressure in the urethra.

If all these methods are not sufficient for treatment, TUIP is one of the methods that can be applied. All minimally invasive methods for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement should be performed under the control of a specialist physician.