What is transurethral electrodesiccation of the prostate? 1. The purpose of the procedure is to remove the enlarged prostate gland that is causing urinary obstruction and to restore urinary flow. 2. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts an electrosurgical scope through the urethra and removes the enlarged part of the prostate under direct vision. Spinal anesthesia is required and the procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours. 3. Compared to traditional open prostate removal surgery, this method does not require skin incision, and patients experience less pain, less blood loss, and faster recovery, with urinary symptoms improving soon after surgery, and most patients can be discharged within a week. The fact that almost all prostate surgeries can be performed by transurethral resection is internationally recognized as the “gold standard” of prostate surgical treatment. The possibility of recurrence after surgery may require reoperation, but this rarely happens within 10 years after surgery. After surgery, a urinary catheter will be left in place. On the first day, the catheter will be connected to a plastic bag containing sterile saline for continuous bladder irrigation. The flushing will stop on the second day. The urinary catheter is usually left in place for about 1 week. 2. The urine that comes out of the flush is usually light red, which is normal and should not be a cause for stress. 3. Drink plenty of water to “flush” your bladder after the procedure. 4. A day or two after removal of the urinary catheter, you may experience slight leakage or frequent urination, which is normal. 5. The hematuria after surgery usually stops after two weeks, and may sometimes last up to a month. This is usually a relatively mild case of hematuria during the wound healing process. 6. It is important to prevent constipation after surgery. If your stool is dry, it is recommended to take laxative medication; eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and juices. 7. Removal of the prostate gland does not usually affect the erectile function of the penis, and you can resume your sexual life about one month after surgery. When you ejaculate, most of your semen will back up into your bladder; this is permanent but will not affect your health. 8. After discharge from the hospital, you are advised to rest at home for at least two weeks, during which time you should refrain from straining to defecate and lifting heavy objects.