What surgical procedure is commonly performed to relieve obstruction from BPH?

• A. Radical prostatectomy
• B. Laser enucleation of the prostate
• C. Urethral dilation
• D. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Answer: (D)

Relieving the blockage from benign prostatic hyperplasia is achieved by removing or reducing the tissue pressing on the urethra. The classic approach is transurethral resection of the prostate, done endoscopically through the urethra. A resectoscope is inserted into the bladder and prostate, and portions of the enlarged tissue are removed from the inner zone around the urethra. This direct debulking widens the channel, allowing urine to flow more freely. Because there are no external incisions, recovery is typically straightforward, and the procedure often provides rapid and durable relief of obstructive symptoms.

Radical prostatectomy is a cancer operation that removes the entire prostate, which is far more invasive than needed for BPH. Urethral dilation offers only temporary relief and may not address the underlying tissue growth, so symptoms frequently recur. Laser enucleation of the prostate is another effective option and is used in many centers, especially for larger glands or patients with bleeding risks, but TURP has long been the standard and remains the most commonly performed surgical treatment for obstructive BPH.