How to Pronounce Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Say it like this: tranz-yoo-REE-thral reh-SEK-shun uv the PROS-tayt. The stress falls on REE in the second part and SEK in the third part. Think of it as four separate words said together: TRANS-yoo-RETHRAL, then reh-SECTION, then OF, then the PROSTATE.

This word breaks down into three parts: 'trans' means 'through,' 'ure' refers to urine, and 'thral' comes from urethra (the tube that carries urine). So 'transurethral' simply means 'going through the urethra.'

Resection means to remove or cut away tissue. It comes from the Latin word 'secare,' which means 'to cut.' So 'resection of the prostate' means removing prostate tissue.

The abbreviation is TURP, pronounced as separate letters: T-U-R-P. You'll often hear doctors and medical professionals use this short form in conversation and medical records.

In plain English, this is a surgical procedure where extra prostate tissue is removed by going through the urethra. You might simply call it 'prostate removal surgery' or use the abbreviation TURP.

It breaks down like this: trans-u-RE-thral (four syllables). The stress is on the third syllable, the 'RE' part. A common mistake is stressing the first syllable instead—remember that 'RE' is where the emphasis belongs.

Words like 'urethritis' (inflammation of the urethra) and 'urethral stricture' (a narrowing of the urethra) share the same root. All of these words have to do with the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Here's an example: 'The doctor explained that a transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, is performed by inserting a special instrument through the urethra.' This shows how the full term and abbreviation are used together.