Prostate Surgery in Istanbul: Questions to Ask About BPH Treatment

The short version

A useful consultation starts with three questions: what is causing the symptoms, which options fit your circumstances, and who will manage follow-up after you return home? This guide concerns benign prostate enlargement, not a prostate-cancer treatment plan.

Does an enlarged prostate always need surgery?

No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement. Assessment combines symptoms, examination and selected tests. Monitoring, lifestyle measures and medicines may be appropriate. Some people can consider minimally invasive procedures. Ask which alternatives suit your findings, rather than choosing by a treatment name alone. NIDDK

Sources: [1]

When does an operation become a serious consideration?

Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment can justify discussion. Repeated or unresolved urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder stones or obstruction affecting the upper urinary tract can make surgery necessary. The choice depends on prostate size, other illnesses, anaesthetic fitness, preferences and surgical expertise. HoLEP is a guideline-supported alternative to TURP for appropriate patients with benign obstruction. EAU guideline

Ask your surgeon to write down the exact operation and why it fits your assessment. This article does not confirm that any particular technique or device is available through Unimed.

Sources: [2]

What does TURP involve?

TURP removes pieces of obstructing prostate tissue using an instrument passed through the urethra. A catheter supports drainage afterwards. Recovery and catheter removal need an individual plan. NHS TURP guide

Do not assume that “prostate surgery” means the same operation in every quotation. If cancer is suspected, ask for a separate explanation of the diagnosis and proposed treatment.

Sources: [3]

What about sexual function and other risks?

Discuss bleeding, infection, urinary leakage, scar-related narrowing and sexual effects before consent. Ejaculation, fertility and erections are separate concerns; ask how the proposed method could affect each. Symptoms can return and further treatment may be needed. NIDDK

Bring your priorities into the conversation early. A partner can join if you wish, but private discussion should also be available.

Sources: [1]

What should be arranged before travelling to Istanbul?

Request a written plan covering:

• The named surgeon, treating hospital and exact proposed procedure.

• Which records are needed and how to send them securely.

• Your personalised medication, anaesthetic and preparation instructions.

• Catheter care, removal arrangements and an emergency contact.

• Follow-up appointments, any tissue-test results and communication with your local clinician.

• Written travel clearance and what happens if recovery changes your return date.

Do not book around a guaranteed recovery window. Ask who is responsible for each step and obtain an itemised quotation without assuming all follow-up is included.

When should I seek urgent help?

After TURP, fever or chills, suddenly being unable to urinate, or significant bleeding/clots need urgent medical assessment. Use local urgent care rather than waiting for a travel coordinator to reply. NHS TURP guide

Sources: [3]