Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) in Italy: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2026

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) is a safe, minimally invasive procedure with a complication rate under 1% for men with prostate glands smaller than 30 grams. It effectively reduces urinary symptoms while maintaining a lower risk of bleeding and sexual side effects compared to traditional surgery.

• Sexual health: Retrograde ejaculation occurs in 10% to 20% of cases, preserved more than TURP.
• Surgical safety: Eliminates TUR syndrome risk as less irrigation fluid and no tissue removal occurs.
• Recovery speed: Most patients return home the same day and resume work within several days.
• Long-term monitoring: Approximately 10% to 18% of patients may require re-treatment if symptoms eventually recur.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While TUIP is highly safe, its success depends strictly on prostate size. Clinics like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy handle 14,000 patients annually and prioritize precise diagnostic screening. Choosing a facility with high-volume urology departments ensures your prostate size is measured accurately via ultrasound before confirming TUIP eligibility.

Patient Consensus: Patients value the quick discharge and often notice improved erections due to reduced pressure. Expect pink-tinted urine for several days and discuss ejaculation concerns with your surgeon before the procedure.

Ideal candidates for TUIP in Italy are men with mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and a prostate volume of 30 grams or less. This minimally invasive procedure suits patients seeking to preserve sexual function and those with higher surgical risks due to other health conditions.

• Prostate size: Most effective for glands measuring under 30 milliliters without median lobe enlargement.
• Fertility preservation: Preferred by younger men due to lower risk of retrograde ejaculation.
• Medical history: Suitable for patients on blood thinners or with failed alpha-blocker therapy.
• Symptom profile: Addresses urinary retention and weak streams caused by lateral lobe obstruction.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian urological centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy specialize in advanced prostate care. While TUIP is standard for small glands, Italian surgeons frequently utilize robotic systems for more complex cases. If your prostate exceeds 30 grams, specialized centers in Rome often transition to robotic-assisted techniques to ensure long-term results.

Patient Consensus: Patients find TUIP highly effective for restoring a normal stream without the side effects of more invasive surgery. Many suggest confirming prostate volume through a transrectal ultrasound before booking to ensure this specific approach is appropriate.

Surgeons perform Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) by inserting a cystoscope through the urethra to widen the airway. The operative procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. It involves making small incisions in the bladder neck without removing any prostate tissue.

• Surgical approach: No external cuts are made during the procedure.
• Incision technique: Surgeons make 1–2 small cuts at specific positions.
• Anesthesia options: Most Italian clinics use local or spinal anesthesia.
• Patient discharge: Patients often return home the same day.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy focus on minimally invasive efficiency. Patients with prostates under 30 grams benefit most from TUIP. This size threshold ensures lower recurrence rates compared to larger gland surgeries. Choosing TUIP in Italy can save up to 72% versus United States averages.

Patient Consensus: Expect to walk the same day and return to work within 48 hours. Most patients note a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional TURP.

Recovery after transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) in Italy is typically swift, with most patients returning to light activity within 3 days. This minimally invasive approach preserves much of the prostate tissue, reducing recovery time compared to traditional resection methods while requiring only 1 day of hospitalization.

• Catheter duration: Expect a urinary catheter for 24–72 hours to ensure proper urine flow.
• Physical activity: Avoid heavy lifting over 10 lbs or strenuous gym workouts for 4 weeks.
• Hydration protocol: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to flush the bladder during early healing.
• Activity restrictions: Skip cycling and sexual intercourse for 4 weeks to prevent internal pressure.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian urologists at centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy often prioritize TUIP for patients concerned about fertility. While the procedure avoids major resection, patients should still discuss retrograde ejaculation risks. Specialized clinics in Rome and Ravenna utilize advanced imaging to ensure incisions are precise, which typically limits post-operative spotting to under 2 weeks.

Patient Consensus: Many patients find the urge to urinate while the catheter is in common. They recommend drinking plenty of fluids and using gentle daily walks to speed up the transition back to normal life.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) maintains sexual function and fertility by preserving prostate tissue. Unlike more invasive surgeries, this endoscopic approach avoids resection, limiting retrograde ejaculation risks to approximately 13–25%. Most patients preserve erectile function and can achieve natural conception post-recovery.

• Erectile preservation: Procedures are erection-sparing with no permanent loss of function reported.
• Fertility protection: Lower retrograde ejaculation rates make it suitable for younger patients.
• Sperm quality: Semen production remains unaffected as the procedure avoids the testicles.
• Recovery timeline: Sexual function typically recovers within weeks after catheter removal.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian urology centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy often combine TUIP with specialized diagnostics to treat younger men. Data shows surgeons here prioritize this technique because it lacks tissue resection, which is the primary cause of infertility in standard procedures. While the risk of semen diversion into the bladder exists, it remains significantly lower than the 70% seen in traditional surgery.

Patient Consensus: Many patients report enhanced libido and better performance after the procedure. They often highlight that improved urine flow leads to fewer nighttime awakenings and better energy levels.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) results are highly durable for smaller prostates, often providing symptom relief for 15 years. About 13.4% of patients require a second procedure within 5 years. Retreatment is usually necessary due to natural prostate growth or initial gland size exceeding 35cc.

• Success rate: Approximately 83% of patients experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms after TUIP.
• Long-term durability: Many patients with small prostates maintain clinical benefits for over 15 years.
• Retreatment risk: About 10% of men may require a repeat operation after 15 years.
• Size constraints: Prostates larger than 35cc serve as a primary indicator for future reoperation.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy focus on precise patient selection to maximize durability. Data suggests choosing specialized urologists like Dr. Carlo Saltutti ensures the incision is calibrated to specific prostate volumes. This targeted approach prevents early recurrence common when TUIP is performed on larger glands.

Patient Consensus: Patients with glands under 30g often report 7–10 years of comfort. However, many notice a returning weak stream by year 6, requiring a switch to alternative therapies.

Milan, Rome, and Ravenna host high-volume TUIP programs at major research centers like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy and Maria Cecilia Hospital. Patients receive rapid endoscopic treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia within IRCCS-accredited facilities, which integrate clinical care with advanced surgical research and medical innovation.