What type of procedure would a surgeon perform to treat an enlarged prostate?

The procedure that a surgeon performs to treat an enlarged prostate is a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This minimally invasive surgery involves removing part of the prostate gland to alleviate urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men.

During a TURP procedure, the surgeon inserts a resECToscope through the urethra to access the prostate. The removal of excess prostate tissue helps to relieve urinary obstruction and improve the flow of urine. It's specifically designed for this purpose, making it the appropriate choice for treating an enlarged prostate.

In contrast, other procedures listed do not address prostate enlargement. A salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a fallopian tube and an ovary, typically used for conditions affecting female reproductive organs. A thoracostomy is performed to drain fluid or air from the pleural space in the chest, while surgical ligation can refer to the tying off of blood vessels or ducts, which is unrelated to prostate treatment.