Men who have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, surgery begin recovery by staying in the hospital for one or two days and using a catheter for between four and seven days until they can urinate on their own, notes Mayo Clinic. Patients should drink plenty of fluids and avoid straining during bowel movements, blood-thinning medications, and strenuous activity and sex during recovery.
Patients who have large prostates may have to wear catheters to assist in urination for longer than seven days following TURP surgery, Mayo Clinic states. They may experience painful or frequent urination and may see blood in their urine after the surgery. Patients should contact their doctors immediately if they have blood clots in their urine or enough blood that they can't see through their urine. People should drink plenty of water after TURP surgery to help flush out the bladder and avoid foods that might cause constipation.
Patients who have had TURP surgery should avoid strenuous activity and sex for four to six weeks or until their doctors approve resuming those activities, advises Mayo Clinic. Doctors must also approve when a patient can drive, which generally occurs after the catheter has been removed and the patient is no longer taking pain medications. TURP surgery offers relief for between seven and 15 years for most patients, though there is a risk that prostate problems will return. Patients should have a follow up exam once per year following TURP surgery to screen for prostate cancer and other problems.
