What is the TURP Procedure?
TURP is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess prostate tissue obstructing the flow of urine. The surgeon uses a resectoscope, a thin instrument inserted through the urethra, to carefully trim away the tissue without the need for external incisions.
This treatment is typically recommended for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or incomplete bladder emptying.
Located in St John’s Wood (NW8), our hospital provides TURP in modern facilities, ensuring a safe and effective procedure with a focus on patient care.
The TURP Procedure at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we deliver TURP procedures with precision and compassion. Our experienced urologists ensure that every patient receives tailored care, from diagnosis through to recovery.
Why choose us for your TURP procedure?
- Experienced Urologists: Our specialists are highly skilled in performing TURP, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: The TURP procedure is designed to relieve symptoms without the need for external incisions, promoting faster recovery.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with advanced technology to provide high-quality care.
- Convenient Location: Based in NW8, we are easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you find relief from symptoms and improving your quality of life through expert care.
Surgeons who perform TURP in London
How Much Does a Private TURP Procedure Cost?
from £5,475*
The cost of a private Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) starts from £5,475* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about TURP
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
A private TURP at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £5,475*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs and the length of your stay.
Your urologist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine you and may arrange tests such as a urine flow test, blood tests or an ultrasound scan. They will explain your options, including medication and other treatments, and whether TURP is right for you.
You will have a pre-operative assessment to check you are fit for surgery. Tell your team about all medicines you take, particularly blood thinners, and follow the fasting instructions you are given for the day of surgery.
Bring comfortable clothing, a dressing gown and slippers, your toiletries, a list of your current medication and any paperwork we have asked for. Please leave valuables at home.
TURP is carried out under spinal or general anaesthetic. Your surgeon passes a thin instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra and removes the excess prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. A catheter is usually placed afterwards to drain the bladder while you heal.
TURP usually takes around an hour, depending on the size of your prostate. Your surgeon will give you a more accurate idea at your consultation.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights, until the catheter has been removed and you are passing urine comfortably. Your team will advise you on when you are ready to go home.
It is common to notice some blood in your urine, a burning feeling when passing urine, and needing to go more often or urgently for a few weeks as the area heals. These usually settle over time, and your team will tell you when to seek advice.
Recovery is gradual, and many men feel back to normal after around four to six weeks, although this varies. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding straining can help, and your consultant will arrange a follow-up to check your progress.
You can usually return to light activities within a couple of weeks, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks. Your consultant will advise you on when it is safe to drive, return to work and resume sexual activity.
A common effect of TURP is retrograde ejaculation, where semen passes back into the bladder rather than out of the penis, which is harmless but can affect fertility. Other risks include temporary urinary symptoms, infection, bleeding and, less commonly, urinary incontinence or erectile problems. Your consultant will talk you through the risks and benefits before you decide.
Yes. Lifestyle changes and medication are usually tried first, and there are other procedures for an enlarged prostate, such as laser surgery and Aquablation. Your consultant will explain which is most suitable for you.
Medically reviewed by Mr Leye Ajayi - MBBS MD FRCS FRCS (Urol) on 29/10/2026