Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour (TURBT)

ABOUT TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF A BLADDER TUMOUR

What is a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour?

Transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) is an operation to remove a mass from the bladder by passing a telescope via the urethra (waterpipe).

Why is a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (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 advanced it is.
    • Remove the cancer to prevent it from getting worse.
    • Prevent side effects such as bleeding.

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 transurethral resection of a bladder tumour involve?

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

 

A telescope (resectoscope) is passed into your bladder through your urethra (waterpipe).

 

A cauterising loop is used to remove the tumour from your bladder and to stop bleeding. The tissue which is removed is sent for further testing (histopathology).

 

In most cases, a catheter (a soft flexible tube which drains urine from your bladder via your urethra into a bag) is inserted at the end of the operation. The catheter is continuously flushed with fluid after the operation to remove blood and debris.

What does a TURBT involve?

The catheter is usually removed 1 to 2 days after the operation but occasionally needs to stay in longer. After the catheter is removed you will have a ‘trial of void’ to ensure you are emptying your bladder.

 

You will usually be in hospital for one to two nights after the operation. Occasionally, TURBT can be performed as a day procedure.

What is the recovery after a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour?

You will have burning/stinging when passing urine after the operation. This will usually resolve within a week.

 

You may need to pass urine more often than normal for several weeks after the operation.

 

You may have blood in the urine for several weeks after the operation. The blood will often go away and then return a week or two after the operation – this is normal.

What is the recovery after a TURBT?

You can usually return to work 3 to 5 days after the operation. If your job involves physical work, please discuss this with your doctor.

 

You can start doing gentle exercise such as walking 1 to 3 days after the operation.  You will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks after the operation.

 

You can usually return to driving 1 to 2 days after the operation.

 

You can resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable doing so.

OUR TEAM

The following doctors in our practice perform a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour:

Dr Tim Smith

Dr Tim Smith

Urologist
Dr Andrew Keller

Dr Andrew Keller

Urologist
Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Urologist
Dr Glen Wood

Dr Glen Wood

Urologist
Dr Gregory Malone

Dr Gregory Malone

Urologist
Dr Jason Paterdis

Dr Jason Paterdis

Urologist
Dr Jonathan Chambers

Dr Jonathan Chambers

Urologist
Dr Katherine Gray

Dr Katherine Gray

Urologist
Dr Peter Burke

Dr Peter Burke

Urologist

Book an appointment

Book an appointment to discuss this procedure with one of our doctors.