Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).
Published on: March 6, 2018
Prevention and management of TURP-related hemorrhage
Liam E Kavanagh1, Gregory S Jack, Nathan Lawrentschuk
1University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Hospital, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Vic 3084, Australia.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) worldwide, but despite its minimally invasive nature, perioperative bleeding remains a common morbidity. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications are increasingly common in this patient population and further contribute to the risk of bleeding and extended hospital stay. Preoperative cessation of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs is recommended but requires risk assessment of thrombotic complications. Pharmacologic maneuvers to reduce hemorrhage include perioperative administration of 5α-reductase inhibitors. Technical considerations include the use of hemostatic energy sources such as laser and bipolar technologies. Ultimately, no surgical technique is devoid of bleeding risks, and urologists should be aware of how best to prevent and treat TURP-related hemorrhage.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) worldwide, but despite its minimally invasive nature, perioperative bleeding remains a common morbidity. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications are increasingly common in this patient population and further contribute to the risk of bleeding and extended hospital stay. Preoperative cessation of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs is recommended but requires risk assessment of thrombotic complications. Pharmacologic maneuvers to reduce hemorrhage include perioperative administration of 5α-reductase inhibitors. Technical considerations include the use of hemostatic energy sources such as laser and bipolar technologies. Ultimately, no surgical technique is devoid of bleeding risks, and urologists should be aware of how best to prevent and treat TURP-related hemorrhage.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

