Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition makes the prostate gland grow too big, leading to urinary problems.
The “Rule of 60” for TURP is an old guideline. It says about 60% of the prostate tissue is usually removed during the turp syndrome surgery.

Knowing about this rule is key for both patients and doctors. It helps them understand treatment options and outcomes in urology. By learning about TURP, we can see how it helps with urinary issues like needing to pee a lot and trouble starting to pee.
The Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common surgery for prostate issues. It helps men with urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. This surgery is a key part of urology, helping those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
TURP is a surgery where prostate tissue is removed through the urethra. It’s mainly for men with bad urinary symptoms that haven’t gotten better with medicine. Studies show that about 60% of prostate tissue is taken out during TURP, showing it’s not all of the prostate.
Doctors suggest TURP for issues like not being able to urinate, frequent infections, and bleeding in the urine. They decide on TURP after checking the prostate and symptoms.
The TURP procedure has several steps:
The resectoscope helps remove the prostate tissue that blocks urine flow. The surgery is done under anesthesia to make it less painful.
TURP techniques have changed a lot over time. Now, there’s bipolar TURP, which is safer and better.
New TURP methods aim to be more precise and reduce side effects. These updates make TURP a good choice for BPH treatment.

The ‘Rule of 60’ for TURP has a rich history that shapes today’s urology. It helps decide how much prostate tissue to remove during TURP.
We’ll look into the “Rule of 60s” history, from its start to now. We’ll talk about why removing 60% of the prostate is key. We’ll also cover the anatomy that makes this rule important.
The “Rule of 60” started from early TURP studies. Clinical observations and research led to the 60% guideline. It aims to help symptoms while avoiding problems.
The 60% guideline is based on prostate anatomy and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Studies show 60% removal helps with urinary issues.

Understanding prostate anatomy is key for the “Rule of 60.” It helps surgeons remove the right amount of tissue.
Important anatomy includes:
Considering these, surgeons can apply the “Rule of 60” well. This leads to better TURP results for patients.
It’s key to know how the Rule of 60 affects TURP’s success. This rule says at least 60% of the prostate must be removed. It greatly impacts how well a patient does after the surgery.
Studies prove that removing 60% or more of the prostate tissue makes TURP more effective. This big tissue removal lowers the chance of symptoms coming back. Many patients see a big boost in their quality of life.
TURP’s success isn’t just about quick symptom relief. It’s also about lasting results. Research shows TURP’s benefits can last 15 years or more. This makes it a good long-term option for many.
The success of TURP is also measured by how often patients need more treatment. A 7.0% five-year retreatment rate is seen with TURP that follows the Rule of 60. This means about 7 out of 100 patients might need more treatment in five years.
Even though this rate seems high, it’s important to remember. Some patients might need more treatment because their condition gets worse, not because the first TURP failed. Regular check-ups and monitoring can catch problems early.
TURP greatly improves urinary symptoms and quality of life for patients. Taking out a big part of the prostate helps solve blockage problems. This makes patients feel better overall.
But, like any surgery, TURP can have risks. Common problems include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and urinary tract infections. Knowing these risks helps doctors manage patient expectations and improve results.
“The key to successful TURP lies not just in the technical skill of the surgeon, but also in careful patient selection and post-operative care.”
Expert Opinion
In summary, the Rule of 60 is vital for TURP’s success. Understanding its importance helps doctors take better care of patients. This leads to better results and a better life for those who have the surgery.
TURP syndrome is a serious issue during prostate surgery. It’s important to know about its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it. Other complications can also happen during the procedure.
TURP syndrome happens when the body absorbs too much irrigation fluid during surgery. This can lead to mild or severe problems, like seizures or even death. The fluid imbalance can also affect the heart and cause low sodium levels.
The symptoms of TURP syndrome can be hard to spot early. They might include nausea, vomiting, headache, and confusion. In severe cases, patients can have seizures and coma. Quick action is key to avoiding serious problems.
Research shows that up to 17% of patients face complications within a year after TURP. This highlights the need for careful patient selection and precise surgery. Understanding these risks helps in reducing them.
Complications like bleeding, infection, and urinary incontinence are common after TURP. These issues can greatly affect a patient’s quality of life. We will look into these problems and how to prevent and manage them.
Knowing the risk factors for TURP complications is key to preventing them. Factors like large prostate size, prolonged resection time, and significant blood loss increase the risk. To lower these risks, we use careful preoperative planning, precise surgical technique, and close postoperative monitoring.
Understanding TURP syndrome and other complications helps us improve patient care. This knowledge allows us to take steps to manage risks and ensure better outcomes for patients undergoing TURP.
Incidental prostate cancer is found in about 4.7% of TURP cases. This shows how important it is to check TURP samples carefully.
The 4.7% cancer detection rate in TURP samples is key. Urologists need to watch for cancer found by chance. This rate can change, but it’s always a big deal for patients.
Thinking about this rate helps us plan follow-up care and how it affects patients’ minds.
The topic of overdiagnosis in Grade Group 1 cancers is debated. The “Rule of 60” is linked to finding cancers that might not be a big deal.
After finding cancer by chance, clinical management is key. This might include watching the cancer, surgery, or other treatments. It depends on the cancer and the patient’s health.
We suggest a team effort to handle incidental prostate cancer. This team should include urologists, oncologists, and primary care doctors.
Handling incidental prostate cancer found during TURP needs careful thought. We must weigh the good of finding cancer against the risks of too much treatment. This way, we can give our patients the best care.
Looking back at the Rule of 60 for TURP, we see big changes in urology. New TURP methods and care after surgery have made things better. This has lowered the chance of TURP syndrome and other problems.
At LIV Hospital, we focus on the latest care and teamwork. This has led to fewer complications and better cancer detection. How much tissue is removed during TURP is key. It affects how well symptoms improve and the risk of complications.
We mix old rules with new knowledge and research to improve care. It’s important to keep watching how TURP works. This helps make sure patients get the best treatment.
The Rule of 60 for TURP is a guideline. It suggests that about 60% of the prostate tissue is removed during the procedure. This has been key in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in urological surgery.
TURP, or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, is a surgery for BPH. It removes part of the prostate tissue. A resectoscope is used to do this, and the method has improved over time.
TURP syndrome is a serious complication of TURP. It happens when too much fluid is absorbed during the procedure. Symptoms include confusion, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and coma.
After TURP, common issues are bleeding, infection, and TURP syndrome. The risk of complications is about 17% in the first year. Knowing these risks helps improve patient care.
TURP greatly improves BPH symptoms, leading to a better quality of life. The chance of needing the procedure again within five years is about 7%. This shows the procedure’s long-lasting benefits.
The 60% guideline is important because it leads to better symptom relief and lower need for repeat procedures. It’s based on understanding the prostate’s anatomy and aims to relieve symptoms effectively.
Yes, TURP can find prostate cancer by accident. About 4.7% of TURP specimens show cancer. This can change how the cancer is managed and affect patient outcomes.
The Rule of 60 has shaped urological practice, guiding how TURP is done and what outcomes are expected. Even as practices evolve, the Rule remains a key guideline, balancing tradition with new evidence.
The Rule of 60 could affect how cancer is found and managed, like during TURP. It’s important to understand these effects to improve patient care and make better decisions about treatment.
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