What is it?
TURBT is the standard procedure to diagnose and treat bladder tumours. Using a special instrument passed through the urethra (the urine channel), the surgeon removes bladder tumours without any external incisions. The tissue is then sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis and stage of bladder cancer.
Why is it done?
- To remove visible bladder tumours
- To confirm whether a tumour is cancerous, and if so, how deeply it has grown into the bladder wall
- Often the first step in bladder cancer treatment, and sometimes repeated if further tissue needs to be assessed
The Procedure:
- Performed in hospital under spinal or general anaesthesia
- A resectoscope (thin tube with camera and surgical loop) is inserted through the urethra
- Tumours are shaved away or resected from the bladder lining
- A catheter is usually placed for 1–2 days to drain urine and help the bladder heal
- Sometimes a dose of chemotherapy is placed directly into the bladder immediately after surgery to reduce recurrence risk
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive (no cuts on the skin)
- Provides tissue diagnosis to guide further treatment
- Can control or completely remove small tumours
Risks & Considerations:
- Bleeding (sometimes requiring a return to theatre)
- Infection
- Temporary difficulty passing urine after catheter removal
- Risk of tumour recurrence (bladder cancer often requires ongoing surveillance and repeated procedures)
- Rarely, bladder perforation (a small hole in the bladder wall)
Recovery:
- Hospital stay is usually 1–3 days
- Blood in urine and urinary frequency/urgency are common for 1–2 weeks
- Most patients can return to normal activity in about 2 weeks
- Ongoing follow-up with cystoscopy (bladder camera checks) is required, as bladder tumours often come back
Why seek advice?
TURBT is a safe and effective first-line treatment for bladder tumours. Because bladder cancer can recur, long-term follow-up is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment give the best chance for cure and bladder preservation.