Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour (TURBT)

About TURBT

What is a TURBT?

Transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) is an operation to remove a tumour from the bladder.

It is performed by passing a telescope through the urethra (the waterpipe) into the bladder.

Why is a TURBT required?

Most bladder tumours are due to bladder cancer.

A TURBT is performed to:

Confirm the tumour is a cancer.

Get more information about the cancer, such as how aggressive and how far into the bladder wall it has grown.

Remove the cancer to prevent it from getting worse.

Often bladder cancer can be cured with a TURBT.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder. It occurs when cells from the lining of the bladder (known as the urothelium), grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a TURBT involve?

TURBT involves passing a telescope into the bladder through the urethra (waterpipe). A cauterising loop is used to remove the tumour from the bladder and to stop bleeding.

TURBT is performed under general anaesthetic (completely asleep) or spinal anaesthetic (numb from the waist down).

The tissue which is removed is sent for further testing.

What is the recovery after a TURBT?

TURBT usually requires a one to two night stay in hospital. Occasionally, TURBT can be performed as a day procedure.

A catheter is usually placed in the bladder after the procedure. It is removed prior to discharge from hospital.

You can usually return to most normal activities around a week after a TURBT.

You may notice blood in the urine and burning when passing urine for around a week after the procedure.

Is any more treatment required for bladder cancer?

After a TURBT, an appointment will be made with your Urologist to discuss the biopsy results.

If a bladder cancer has been found, your Urologist will discuss the need for further tests and the treatment options available.

In many cases no further treatment is required, but regular inspection of the bladder with a cystoscopy is recommened to ensure the cancer hasn’t recurred.

In cases of aggressive bladder cancer, further treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required.