What is the purpose of continuous bladder irrigation after TURP?

• A. To treat urinary tract infections
• B. To promote urine formation
• C. To monitor urinary output
• D. To prevent obstruction by removing clotted blood from the bladder

Answer: (D)

Continuous bladder irrigation after TURP is used to prevent obstruction from clotted blood in the bladder. After prostate surgery there’s a risk of bleeding and clot formation; if clots build up, they can block the catheter and urinary drainage, leading to retention and bladder distention. The irrigation flushes the bladder with sterile solution to keep urine flowing, clear clots, and maintain catheter patency. This helps ensure smooth drainage and allows ongoing assessment of urinary output. It isn’t intended to treat infections, nor to promote urine formation; monitoring output is a helpful side effect, but the primary goal is preventing obstruction from clots.