TUIP for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a surgical treatment for symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. TUIP stands for transurethral incision of the prostate.
In TUIP, a physician inserts an instrument through the tip of the penis. It is pushed through the urethra to the point where the prostate and bladder meet. The instrument produces an electrical current or laser beam. The current is used to make one or two cuts or slits inside the prostate and in the neck of the bladder.
No prostate tissue is removed with TUIP. The slits allow the opening of the neck of the bladder to relax so that urine flows more easily into the urethra. With the obstruction reduced, the channel is opened and BPH symptoms improve.
Patients who undergo TUIP for BPH can expect to be hospitalized for at least one day. They will receive general or spinal anesthesia. For most men, a catheter is inserted and left in place for up to three days.
TURP vs. TUIP for BPH
TUIP for BPH is less involved than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the “gold standard” against which all BPH treatments are compared.
When compared with TURP, TUIP for BPH can be an effective option for men whose prostate size is 30 grams or less, according to a report in Seminars in Urology. Patients who undergo TUIP can expect less operative time and shorter hospital stays than those who have TURP. TUIP procedures also result in less blood loss and fewer complications such as retrograde ejaculation and impotence.
While TUIP for BPH isn’t used as extensively as TURP, studies show that TUIP gives similar symptom relief. In a meta-analysis of short- and long-term data, a report in the World Journal of Urology found that TUIP and TURP offered comparable relief for men with mild to moderate BPH.
Though TUIP offers similar relief with an easier procedure, there is a tradeoff. Patients who had TUIP were more likely to need a reoperation than those who had TURP.
Considering TUIP for BPH
A man considering TUIP for BPH should consult with his physician to determine if he is a good candidate. Medication typically is the first treatment option for BPH. TUIP may be a choice for patients who have tried medication therapy but want to move on to a more permanent solution.
When weighing the pros and cons of TUIP, a man should ask his physician how frequently he or she has performed the procedure. Considering information about a physician’s experience with TUIP, number of complications, and rate of reoperations can help men make informed decisions about their treatment options.
References
Kletscher BA, Oesterling JE. Transurethral incision of the prostate: a viable alternative to transurethral resection. Seminars in Urology 1992 Nov; 10(4): 265-72.
Lourenco T et al. The clinical effectiveness of transurethral incision of the prostate: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. World Journal of Urology 2010 Feb; 28(1): 23-32.
