TURP (Prostate Surgery) in Korea

TURP (Prostate Surgery) in Korea


Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure performed to alleviate moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In Korea, TURP remains a gold standard treatment, offering significant and long-lasting relief by removing excess prostate tissue that obstructs urine flow. Korean urology centers are equipped with advanced technology and experienced surgeons to perform TURP, aiming for improved urinary function and enhanced quality of life for patients.


Understanding BPH & Indications for TURP in Korea

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects many older men.

  • Cause: Age-related prostate growth, leading to compression of the urethra.
  • Symptoms: Frequent urination (especially at night), weak or slow urine stream, difficulty starting urination, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Indications for TURP: Recommended when BPH symptoms are moderate to severe and do not respond to medication, or when complications such as urinary retention, bladder stones, recurrent UTIs, or kidney damage occur.
  • Diagnosis: In Korea, diagnosis involves a physical exam (including digital rectal exam), urine tests, PSA blood test, uroflowmetry (urine flow rate measurement), and sometimes ultrasound or cystoscopy.


Common TURP Procedure in Korea

TURP is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed through the urethra, without external incisions.

  • Procedure:
  1. Performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
  2. A thin, lighted instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the penis to reach the prostate.
  3. Using a wire loop with an electrical current (or a laser in some variations), the surgeon carefully trims away excess prostate tissue piece by piece.
  4. The removed tissue fragments are flushed into the bladder and then removed from the body.
  5. A catheter is typically inserted into the bladder at the end of the procedure to drain urine and help control bleeding.
  • Variations: While traditional monopolar TURP is common, Korean centers also offer bipolar TURP (reduces risk of TURP syndrome) and laser prostate surgery (e.g., HoLEP, PVP) as alternatives, often for specific prostate sizes or patient profiles.
  • Duration: The procedure usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the prostate size.


Recovery & Outcomes in Korea

Recovery from TURP involves a hospital stay and a period of restricted activity.

  • Hospital Stay: Typically 1-3 days, with a urinary catheter usually remaining for 1-2 days post-surgery until swelling subsides.
  • Post-Procedure: Patients may experience blood in urine (pink or light red) for several weeks, burning during urination, and increased urgency or frequency. Pain medication is prescribed.
  • Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual activity are usually restricted for 4-6 weeks to allow for healing and prevent bleeding.
  • Outcomes: TURP has a high success rate (85-90%) in significantly improving urinary flow and relieving BPH symptoms. Most patients experience long-term relief.
  • Complications: Risks include temporary bleeding, infection, temporary urinary incontinence or urgency, retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder), and rarely, erectile dysfunction. Post-TURP syndrome (due to fluid absorption) is a rare but serious complication. Retreatment may be needed in about 10% of men within 5 years.


Korean Guidelines & Practice

TURP is a standard and highly regarded procedure for BPH treatment in Korea.

  • Expert Urologists: Performed by highly experienced urologists in major university hospitals (e.g., Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital) and specialized urology clinics.
  • Comprehensive Care: Clinics offer thorough pre-surgical evaluation and post-operative follow-up, often providing multilingual support for international patients.
  • Alternative Treatments: While TURP is a gold standard, Korean urologists also offer other advanced BPH treatments like HoLEP, Rezum, or UroLift, tailored to individual patient needs.
  • National Health Insurance: TURP for medically indicated BPH is generally covered by Korea's National Health Insurance. The average cost for self-pay patients ranges from approximately $4,350 to $5,500 USD, though this varies by clinic and specific circumstances.


Key Takeaways for TURP (Prostate Surgery) in Korea

To summarize the essential points about TURP in Korea:

  • Treats Enlarged Prostate: Surgical removal of excess prostate tissue causing urinary obstruction due to BPH.
  • Minimally Invasive: Performed endoscopically through the urethra, without external incisions.
  • High Success Rate: Offers significant and lasting relief from urinary symptoms with an 85-90% success rate.
  • Recovery Period: Requires a short hospital stay (1-3 days) and 4-6 weeks of restricted activity.
  • Standard & Covered: A routinely performed procedure by expert urologists, generally covered by national health insurance for medical indications.

We hope this guide clarifies TURP (Prostate Surgery) in Korea. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalized advice, diagnosis, and treatment options for prostate health.