Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
What is a TURBT?
A Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder tumours.
The procedure involves removing abnormal tissue from the bladder using specialised instruments passed through the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body). No external incisions are required.
TURBT is the standard first treatment for most bladder tumours, particularly non–muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Why is TURBT Performed?
Your doctor may recommend TURBT if:
A bladder tumour has been identified on cystoscopy or imaging
You have blood in the urine (haematuria) and a bladder abnormality is suspected
Tissue samples are needed to confirm the diagnosis
A previously treated bladder tumour requires removal or further assessment
The procedure allows doctors to determine:
Whether cancer is present
The type of tumour
The grade (aggressiveness) of the tumour
The stage (depth of invasion) into the bladder wall
How is the Procedure Performed?
TURBT is performed in hospital, usually under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic.
During the procedure:
A thin instrument called a resectoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder.
A camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of the bladder.
Special instruments are used to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue.
The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination by a pathologist.
Sometimes a temporary urinary catheter is placed in the bladder after the procedure.
The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and number of tumours.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients remain in hospital for a short observation period, and many go home the same day or the following day.
Common temporary symptoms include:
Blood in the urine for several days
Burning or discomfort when passing urine
Increased urinary frequency or urgency
These symptoms usually improve as the bladder heals.
You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help clear blood from the urine.
Possible Risks and Complications
TURBT is a common and generally safe procedure, but possible risks include:
Bleeding from the bladder
Urinary tract infection
Difficulty passing urine (temporary urinary retention)
Bladder perforation (rare)
Need for repeat procedure if tumour removal is incomplete
Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Pathology Results
The tissue removed during TURBT is analysed in a laboratory to determine:
Whether cancer is present
The grade of the tumour (how aggressive it appears)
The stage of the tumour (how deeply it has grown)
Results are usually available within 1–2 weeks.
These results help guide further treatment and follow-up.
Additional Treatment After TURBT
Depending on the pathology results, further treatment may be recommended.
This may include:
Intravesical therapy (medication placed directly into the bladder, such as BCG or chemotherapy)
A repeat TURBT to ensure complete removal of the tumour
Regular cystoscopy surveillance to monitor for recurrence
Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate plan for your situation.
Follow-Up
Bladder tumours can sometimes recur, so regular follow-up is important.
Follow-up may include:
Cystoscopy examinations
Urine tests
Imaging studies
The frequency of follow-up depends on the type and risk category of the tumour.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or seek medical care if you experience:
Heavy bleeding or large blood clots in urine
Difficulty passing urine
Fever or chills
Severe pain
Persistent worsening symptoms
