Name of the Procedure:

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)

Summary

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) is a surgical procedure designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the prostate gland to widen the urethra and ease urine flow. It is less invasive than other prostate surgeries and requires no external incisions.

Purpose

TUIP is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The goal of the procedure is to improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and weak urine stream.

Indications

• Difficulty in urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Recurrent urinary tract infections due to BPH

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Blood and urine tests, along with imaging studies, might be conducted to assess prostate size and function.
• Medications such as blood thinners may need to be adjusted or halted before the procedure, as directed by a healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
2. A cystoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) is inserted through the urethra to reach the prostate.
3. Using specialized surgical instruments, small incisions are made in the prostate gland to relieve pressure on the urethra.
4. The instruments are then removed, and the patient is monitored during recovery.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Setting

TUIP is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Urologist or surgeon specializing in prostate surgeries
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses and support staff

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis)
• Temporary difficulty urinating post-procedure
• Rarely, erectile dysfunction

Benefits

• Improved urine flow
• Decreased urinary frequency and urgency
• Enhanced quality of life
• Benefits may be noticed within a few days to weeks after the procedure.

Recovery

• Patients may be able to go home the same day or require an overnight stay.
• Catheterization may be needed for one to three days post-procedure.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor recovery and urinary function.

Alternatives

• Medications (e.g., alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors)
• Other surgical options like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) or laser therapy
• Watchful waiting in cases of mild symptoms Pros and cons vary based on individual patient conditions and the severity of symptoms.

Patient Experience

• Patients may experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation during urination for a few days post-procedure.
• Pain is generally manageable with prescribed medications.
• It is common to see a little blood in the urine initially, which usually resolves on its own.