OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as catheter‐free day‐care surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study comprised 64 patients (mean age 62.4 years) with a mean (range) American Urological Association symptom score of 21.4 (9–31) and prostate volume (by ultrasonography) of 32.8 (17–50) mL, and with no significant comorbidity. The patients were admitted on the morning of the surgery and, under brief spinal anaesthesia, underwent standard TURP. After surgery the urethral catheter was removed as soon as the effluent was clear. The patients were discharged after they could pass urine freely and with a good stream. RESULTS The mean duration of catheterization after TURP was 7.15 h; 59 patients (92%) had their catheter removed within 10 h (mean duration 6.42 h). There were no major complications during or after TURP. After removing the catheter, no patients required its reinsertion for failure to void or for clot retention. The mean hospital stay after TURP was 10.7 h and 98% of patients were discharged within 23 h of surgery. CONCLUSION TURP can be conducted safely in a day surgery setting in patients with mild to moderate benign prostatic enlargement and no coexisting medical illness.