What questions to ask your urologist before booking laser TURP for advanced prostate issues

Medicine Made Simple Summary

When prostate enlargement becomes severe or medication no longer helps, surgery such as laser TURP can relieve symptoms and restore comfort. But before you decide, the most important step is to have an open, informed conversation with your urologist. Asking the right questions helps you understand your diagnosis, your treatment choices, the risks, the recovery, and whether laser TURP is truly right for you. This guide walks you through the key questions to ask, explained in simple language so you feel confident and in control.

Understanding your prostate problem

Before talking about surgery, make sure you clearly understand your diagnosis. “Advanced prostate issues” usually means your prostate has enlarged enough to cause significant blockage or bladder changes. Sometimes, urinary retention, infections or kidney strain can develop. You should ask your urologist to explain exactly what your tests show — not only the size of your prostate, but also how well your bladder empties and whether there is any damage.

You can begin by asking:

• How enlarged is my prostate and how much is it blocking the urine flow
• Are my kidneys or bladder affected by this condition?
• What is my prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and what does it mean in my case?
• Are there any signs that suggest something other than benign enlargement?

A clear understanding of your condition builds the foundation for every other decision.

Questions about treatment options

Your urologist may mention both laser TURP and traditional TURP, or sometimes minimally invasive alternatives. Each method aims to relieve obstruction, but the recovery and risks differ.

You should ask:

• What are all the treatment options available for me at this stage?
• Why do you recommend laser TURP rather than other procedures?
• What laser system will be used — Holmium, GreenLight, or another — and why that one?
• Are there size limits or other factors that make laser TURP better or worse for me?
• Could I continue with medication for some time, or is surgery strongly advised now?

These questions ensure that the recommendation is truly personalised to your medical condition, not just based on equipment availability.

Questions about surgeon experience and outcomes

Surgical skill and familiarity with technology directly influence outcomes.
Ask directly and without hesitation:

• How many laser TURP procedures have you performed?
• What are your complication rates — bleeding, infection, or retreatment?
• How long is the typical hospital stay for your patients?
• How often do patients need to return to hospital for additional care after surgery?

A confident, experienced surgeon will answer clearly and use numbers or examples to help you understand.

Questions about the procedure itself

Knowing what will happen before, during and after surgery reduces anxiety.
You may ask:

• How is laser TURP performed — what will I feel and how long will it take?
• What type of anaesthesia will be used?
• Will I need a catheter, and for how long?
• What kind of pain or discomfort should I expect immediately after the surgery?
• How soon can I walk, eat normally, or go home?

Your doctor’s explanations will prepare you mentally and physically for the procedure.

Questions about recovery and lifestyle afterwards

Healing takes time, and you should know what changes to expect.

Ask your urologist:

• What is the usual recovery period before I can resume work, driving and exercise?
• How soon can I resume sexual activity?
• Will I have retrograde ejaculation or any change in sexual function?
• What diet and fluid habits should I follow in the weeks after surgery?
• Are there activities I should avoid temporarily, like heavy lifting or long travel?

Understanding these details will help you set realistic expectations and plan your routine properly.

Questions about risks and complications

Every surgery carries some degree of risk, even minimally invasive ones.
The important thing is not to fear them but to know them.

Ask:

• What are the most common short-term side effects after laser TURP?
• How common is infection or bleeding, and how is it treated if it occurs?
• What rare complications should I be aware of?
• What should I do if I experience fever, pain or blood in urine after going home?

A good hospital team will give you a contact number for emergencies and clear instructions for the early post-operative days.

Questions about follow-up and long-term results

Laser TURP usually offers lasting symptom relief, but your urologist should explain how your condition will be monitored.
Ask:

• How many follow-up visits will I need after surgery?
• What tests will you use to measure recovery and urine flow?
• What are the chances that I will need another procedure later in life?
• How can I maintain good prostate and bladder health after the operation?

Long-term success often depends on regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle habits.

Questions about cost and logistics

Surgery decisions also involve practical considerations.
Ask:

• What is the total estimated cost of the procedure, including hospital stay and tests?
• Does the cost differ between traditional and laser TURP?
• What is included in the package, and what might be extra?
• If I am travelling from another city or country, how long should I plan to stay nearby?
• Do you offer remote follow-up appointments after discharge?

Transparent answers reduce stress and help you plan finances and travel better.

Special questions for international patients

If you live abroad, you may want to clarify:

• How soon can I fly back home safely after surgery?
• What happens if I develop problems once I return?
• Will you communicate with my local doctor if needed?
• Can I contact the hospital team after I leave India (or the country of treatment)?

Hospitals familiar with international patients usually have dedicated staff who assist with these logistics.

How to prepare for your consultation

Before your appointment, list your symptoms and note how often you wake at night, how strong your urine stream feels and whether you have pain or urgency. Bring a list of medications, including blood thinners. Write down all your questions from the sections above. During the meeting, take notes or ask if the doctor can share a printed summary of what was discussed. This preparation helps you remember everything later and make an informed choice.

Conclusion

A successful prostate surgery begins long before the operation — it begins with a clear conversation. The more you understand about your prostate health, the surgery, and recovery, the more confident and calm you’ll feel. Laser TURP can offer real relief, but the right questions ensure it’s truly the best fit for you.

If you are experiencing bothersome urinary symptoms or have been advised to consider surgery, schedule a consultation with a qualified urologist. Carry your question list, discuss your concerns openly and make sure you understand your options before deciding.