This procedure is known as a “rebore” but technically it is a TURP, or trans-urethral resection of the prostate. This means that an instrument is passed up the urethra (the tube down the penis) and under video control, the obstructing part of the prostate is trimmed out.
TURP is done for BPH, this is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Benign means non-cancerous and hyperplasia means swelling (of the prostate)
As men get older the prostate which surrounds the urethra swells, and often makes it harder to pass urine. Symptoms may be weakening urinary stream, going more frequently, having to rush to the toilet, difficulty getting the stream started and difficulty stopping. If left untreated a few men damage their kidneys, their bladder or have a complete blockage of urine, which can be extremely painful.
If a man has enough bother from difficulty passing urine he should get treatment. Most times it is better to try medication first. Surgery is usually only needed when drug treatment is not working. Sometimes complications such as infection, bladder or kidney damage or a complete blockage force our hand so that surgery is necessary.
Men often wonder how bad they need to be to have treatment. Discuss it with your GP. There is also a web site that allows you to work out how bad your symptoms are:
Yes, besides drug treatment there are other surgical approaches, lots of attempts have been made to find a way to shrink the prostate by heating it. Most of these have not stood the test of time.
TURP is a safe operation, even in the elderly. Have it when you need it, not because you might need it in the future. For the very frail or men taking blood thinning medicines a better alternative may be a laser removal.
Almost certainly not. Prostate Cancer is common, but is usually found by regular screening. It rarely shows up with voiding problems. Your doctor will check for prostate cancer but it is rare to find an unexpected prostate cancer when treating a patient for difficulty voiding.