What symptom may indicate a complication following a transurethral prostatectomy?

The presence of blood in urine, often referred to as hematuria, is a significant symptom that may indicate a complication following a transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). This procedure, which is frequently performed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, can lead to various complications, one of which is bleeding. After TURP, it's not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of bleeding due to the thermal and mechanical trauma inflicted on the prostatic tissue. If the bleeding is excessive or poses a risk for clot formation, it can lead to additional complications, such as urinary obstruction or the need for further surgical intervention.

While increased urge to urinate, painful bladder spasms, and a decrease in urine output may be relevant postoperative symptoms, they do not necessarily signal complications in the same manner as the presence of blood in urine. Increased urgency and bladder spasms are often linked to the irritation of the bladder and urinary tract following surgery and may resolve as healing progresses. A decrease in urine output might indicate other issues, such as dehydration or obstructive phenomena, but the immediate concern of blood in urine highlights a complication that warrants further investigation and possibly intervention.