Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the prostate gland to alleviate the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.   The procedure is usually carried out using a device called a resectoscope. This is a small metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire. The surgeon will insert the resectoscope into your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) before directing it to the enlarged area of your prostate, with the help of the light and the camera. Then, an electric current is used to heat the loop of wire, and this is used to cut away a section of your prostate.  TURP has been traditionally been regarded as the most effective treatment for an enlarged prostate, but there have recently been a surge in new minimally invasive procedures being developed, which are just as effective and tend to have less side effects.