Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by
During a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate TERF (TURP) procedure, a big part of the terf prostate gland is taken out. This helps solve problems with urinating.
The prostate is a small gland between the penis and bladder, around the urethra. When it gets too big, it’s called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can make it hard to pee, so TURP is often used to fix it.

We’ll look into how much of the prostate is removed during TURP. Usually, it’s about 30“35% of the total prostate volume. And more than 60% of the transition zone, which is the main cause of the pee problems.
Key Takeaways
- TURP involves removing a significant portion of the prostate gland.
- The procedure alleviates obstructive urinary symptoms caused by BPH.
- About 30“35% of the total prostate volume is typically removed.
- More than 60% of the transition zone is removed during TURP.
- TURP is a common and effective treatment for BPH.
Understanding the TURP Procedure
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a key treatment for urinary blockages due to an enlarged prostate. It’s often suggested when medication doesn’t help and symptoms are severe.
What is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate?
The TURP procedure uses a thin, metal tube with a light, camera, and wire loop to cut out the prostate tissue causing problems. The aim is to remove enough tissue to clear the blockage without harming too much of the prostate. This careful approach is key to the procedure’s success.
During the surgery, the surgeon carefully removes tissue blocking urine flow. The amount of tissue removed depends on the prostate size and blockage level. For larger prostates, more tissue may be removed to get the best results.

Target Areas Within the Prostate
The main goal of a TURP procedure is to remove tissue blocking urine flow. These areas are usually in the transition zone, where BPH often occurs. TERF, also known as TURP variation, is a surgical method where prostate tissue is removed to improve urinary symptoms effectively.
- The median lobe, if enlarged, is often resected to improve urine flow.
- Lateral lobes that are obstructing the urethra are also targeted.
- The anterior portion of the prostate may be addressed if it is contributing to the obstruction.
By focusing on these areas, the TURP procedure aims to greatly improve urine flow and reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
In conclusion, understanding the TURP procedure is vital for TERF patients considering it. Knowing what to expect and the surgery’s goals helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
Typical Amount of Prostate Tissue Removed During TURP
During TURP, doctors aim to remove enough prostate tissue to improve urine flow. They try to keep as much normal tissue as they can. This balance is key to relieving symptoms without harming semen retention or sexual function.
Research shows that removing about 30“35% of the total prostate volume works well. This amount helps improve urine flow and quality of life, as studies have found.
Standard Percentage of Total Prostate Volume
The amount of prostate tissue removed in TURP can vary. It depends on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s expertise. But, a common range is 30% to 35% of the total prostate volume.

Surgical Goals for Tissue Removal
The main goal of TERF TURP is to remove enough tissue to ease urine flow. Surgeons aim to do this without harming the patient’s quality of life. They balance symptom relief with preserving prostate function, including prostate orgasm and urine control.
“The key to a successful TURP lies in tailoring the extent of tissue removal to the individual patient’s needs, ensuring both effective symptom relief and the preservation of sexual and urinary function.”
What Remains After the Procedure
After TURP, the remaining prostate tissue works as it should, but with less blockage. Patients often see big improvements in urine flow and less symptoms from an enlarged TERF prostate. Keeping some prostate tissue helps keep sexual function and semen retention normal.
Choosing to have TURP is a big decision. Knowing how much tissue is removed can ease worries. By carefully deciding how much tissue to remove, doctors aim to make TURP as beneficial as possible while keeping quality of life high.
How Prostate Size Affects Tissue Removal
The size of the prostate gland is key in TURP surgery. Prostate sizes vary a lot among people. This difference affects how the surgery is done.
The aim of TURP is to remove enough tissue to ease symptoms. But, we also try to keep as much normal prostate tissue as we can. The amount of tissue removed depends on the prostate’s initial size.
Small to Medium-Sized Prostates
For those with small to medium-sized prostates, less tissue is removed. The main goal is to clear the blockage without causing too many problems. This makes the surgery simpler and recovery quicker.
Large Prostates (>100cc)
With large prostates, over 100cc, the surgery might be more intense. More tissue may be taken out to help symptoms. But, the surgeon must be careful not to cause too many issues.
Tailoring the Procedure to Individual Anatomy
Every patient’s body is different, and TURP must be adjusted for each. The prostate’s size and shape, along with the patient’s health, guide the surgery. This way, we can make the surgery work best for each person.
In summary, the size of the prostate is very important in TURP surgery. By knowing each patient’s prostate, we can plan a treatment that helps symptoms without harming the prostate too much.
The Science Behind Optimal Tissue Removal
The TURP procedure is a delicate balance. It aims to remove enough prostate tissue while keeping urinary and sexual functions intact. We work hard to grasp the details of this process to improve patient results.
Critical Threshold for Effectiveness
Studies show that removing at least 30% of the prostate tissue leads to better urinary flow and quality of life. This amount is key for effective symptom relief without too many complications.
A study looked at how much tissue to remove and the outcomes. It found that removing more tissue can lead to better long-term results. But, it’s important to not remove too much to keep important tissue intact.
Research on Resection Rates and Outcomes
Many studies have looked at how much prostate tissue to remove during TURP. They all agree that removing at least 30% is essential for the best results.
- Removing more tissue is linked to better urinary flow rates.
- Patients often report significant symptom relief when this threshold is met or exceeded.
- Quality of life also improves, with fewer urinary symptoms and better overall well-being.
Balancing Removal with Functional Preservation
Removing enough tissue is important, but so is keeping as much normal tissue as possible. This helps maintain urinary and sexual function. The goal is to find a balance that improves symptoms without harming function.
Considerations like semen retention and prostate orgasm are part of this balance. Keeping the ejaculatory ducts and some TERF prostate tissue can help with sexual function after TURP.
By understanding the science behind optimal tissue removal, we can make the TURP procedure more effective. This approach helps minimize impacts on urinary and sexual function.
Measuring TURP Success: Before and After Results
TURP success is measured in two ways: clinical assessments and patient feedback. We look at symptom scores and how much the procedure improves a patient’s life.
Reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
One key sign of TERF TURP success is a drop in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). IPSS measures how bad urinary symptoms are. Studies show TURP can greatly lower IPSS, showing better urine flow.
Lowering IPSS after TURP brings many benefits:
- Improved urine flow
- Less need to get up at night
- Less severe symptoms
- Better overall urine health
Quality of Life Enhancements Post- TERF TURP
TURP also makes life better overall. It helps with symptoms like a weak stream and needing to pee a lot. This makes daily life much easier.
The good effects of TURP go beyond just feeling better:
- Better sleep because you don’t get up as much
- More energy for daily activities
- Improved mental health and happiness
Understanding how TURP success is measured helps us see its value. It brings big improvements in IPSS and quality of life. TURP is a great option for those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Conclusion: What Patients Should Know About TURP Outcomes
It’s important for patients to know about the TURP procedure and its results. We talked about how it removes a big part of the prostate to help with urinary issues.
The TURP doesn’t aim to take out the whole prostate. It tries to keep enough tissue to protect important parts. This way, it helps keep as much prostate function as it can, including TERF semen retention.
Knowing about TURP’s goals and results helps patients make better choices. It’s key to talk about the good and bad sides with a doctor, like for those with turbo cancer. This helps figure out if TURP is the best option.
The success of TURP is seen in better urinary symptoms and a better life quality. We suggest patients ask lots of questions. They should understand what to expect from the surgery.
FAQ
What is TURP and how does it work?
TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It’s a surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A resectoscope removes prostate tissue blocking urine flow.
How much of the prostate is typically removed during TURP?
The goal is to remove enough tissue to ease urine flow. Usually, 30-35% of the prostate is taken out.
Does the amount of prostate tissue removed vary based on prostate size?
Yes, more tissue is removed for larger prostates. This helps relieve symptoms better.
What are the benefits of removing 30% or more of the prostate tissue during TURP?
Removing at least 30% of the prostate tissue is key for symptom relief. It improves urine flow and reduces symptoms like nocturia and weak stream.
How is the success of TURP measured?
Success is measured by lower International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and better quality of life. Patients see big improvements in urine flow and symptom reduction.
What is semen retention, and is it related to TURP?
Semen retention, or retrograde ejaculation, can happen after TURP. It’s when semen goes into the bladder instead of out through the penis during ejaculation.
Can TURP cause prostate cancer or turbo cancer?
TURP treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), not prostate cancer. There’s no evidence it causes prostate cancer or “turbo cancer.”
What is the difference between TURP and other prostate treatments?
TURP is a surgery that removes prostate tissue to fix urine flow issues. Other BPH treatments include meds, lifestyle changes, or other surgeries.
What is a prostate orgasm, and can it occur after TURP?
A prostate orgasm is a pleasurable feeling from prostate stimulation. After TURP, some men can have orgasms, but the experience might change.
What does “bore” or “bore definition” mean in the context of TURP?
“Bore” isn’t directly linked to TURP. But in medicine, it can mean the diameter of a tube or instrument, like a resectoscope.
What is the meaning of “OP” in medical terminology?
“OP” can mean “operative” or an operation. In TURP, it might refer to the surgery itself.
References
- Antoniou, V. (2023). Surgical outcomes for elderly patients undergoing TURP. Journal of Endourology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36960708/
- Ahmed Hussain, M., et al. (2025). Outcomes of Transurethral Resection of Prostate in patients with and without renal failure secondary to an enlarged prostate. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. https://jcpsp.pk/article-detail/outcomes-of-transurethral-resection-of-prostate-in-patients-with-and-without-renal-failure-secondary-to-an-enlarged-prostate