Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is a procedure to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TUIP is generally used in younger men with a small prostate who are concerned about fertility.

TUIP helps reduce urinary signs and symptoms caused by BPH , including: Frequent, urgent need to urinate Difficulty starting urination Slow (prolonged) urination Increased frequency of urination at night Stopping and starting again while urinating The feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder Urinary tract infections TUIP might also be done to treat or prevent complications due to blocked urine flow, such as: Recurring urinary tract infections Kidney or bladder damage Inability to control urination or an inability to urinate at all Bladder stones Blood in the urine TUIP can offer several advantages over other methods of treating BPH , such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy. The advantages can include: Lower risk of bleeding. TUIP can be a good option for men who take medication to thin their blood or who have a bleeding disorder that doesn't allow their blood to clot normally. Minimal hospital stay. TUIP can be done on an outpatient basis, although some men need to stay overnight for observation. TUIP might be a safer option than surgery if you have certain other health problems. Lower risk of dry orgasm. TUIP is less likely than some other BPH treatments to cause the release of semen during ejaculation into the bladder rather than out of the penis (retrograde ejaculation). Retrograde ejaculation isn't harmful, but it can interfere with the ability to father a child.

TUIP is generally safe with few if any major complications. Possible risks of TUIP can include: Temporary difficulty urinating. You might have trouble urinating for a few days after the procedure. Until you can urinate on your own, you may need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your penis to carry urine out of your bladder. Urinary tract infection. This type of infection is a possible complication after any prostate procedure. An infection is increasingly likely to occur the longer you have a catheter in place. Treatment typically includes antibiotics. Need for re-treatment. TUIP might be less effective on urinary symptoms than other minimally invasive treatments or surgery. You might need to be treated again with another BPH therapy.

You'll receive either a general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep, or an anesthetic that blocks feeling from the waist down (spinal block).