Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is surgery that removes some tissue from inside the prostate gland. It is done to treat prostate enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

A doctor inserts a special instrument through the urethra to remove part of the inside of the prostate. A wire loop with an electrical current is used to cut away prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra. The prostate tissue is flushed into the bladder and out the body.