Final answer:
During a transurethral resection of the prostate, bleeding is primarily controlled by cauterization, utilizing electrical current to stop the bleeding, with irrigation used adjunctively for clearing the surgical area.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), bleeding is controlled by several methods, including irrigation, Gelfoam, and cauterization. However, suture ligature is not typically used in TURP procedures to control bleeding. The preferred method during TURP to control bleeding is cauterization, where electrical current is utilized to cauterize or burn the blood vessels to stop the bleeding. This method offers direct and immediate control of bleeding. Irrigation is also used to flush out blood clots and provide a clear view of the surgical field, but is less about controlling active bleeding.