Which instrument is essential for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

The resectoscope is an essential instrument for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) procedure. This specialized endoscope is designed to allow surgeons to access the prostate through the urethra. It combines a visual component and a cutting mechanism, enabling the surgeon to view the prostate tissue and simultaneously remove it using electrical energy or a cutting loop. The design of the resectoscope facilitates a minimally invasive approach, which is a key feature of TURP, providing the benefits of reduced trauma and faster recovery times for patients compared to open surgical techniques.

In contrast, the lithotrite is primarily used to break up stones in the urinary tract, and the urethrotome is utilized to treat strictures in the urethra, neither of which are suited for prostate tissue resection. The Randall stone forceps are specialized for grasping and removing stones from the urinary tract but do not incorporate the necessary function of cutting and resecting prostate tissue, making them inappropriate for this specific surgical procedure.