Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder tumors, including early-stage bladder cancer.

During the procedure, a surgeon uses a thin instrument called a cystoscope, which has a small camera and surgical tools. The instrument is inserted through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, to reach the bladder. The tumor is then carefully removed and sent to a laboratory for examination.

The lab analysis helps determine:

• Stage – how deeply the tumor has grown into the bladder wall

• Grade – how abnormal the cancer cells appear compared to normal cells

One major advantage of TURBT is that it can diagnose and treat bladder tumors during the same procedure, without the need for external incisions.

Why is TURBT Performed?

Doctors recommend TURBT when a bladder tumor is detected or suspected.

The procedure allows the surgeon to:

• Remove the tumor from the bladder

• Collect tissue samples for biopsy

• Determine the stage and grade of bladder cancer

• Plan further treatment if necessary

Preparing for TURBT Surgery

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions before the procedure to ensure safety and reduce complications.

Preparation may include:

• Fasting for about 8 hours before surgery

• Stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners (only if advised by your doctor)

• Informing your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you take

• Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure

• Taking a shower or bath before coming to the hospital

• Avoiding lotions, perfumes, or deodorants on the day of surgery

• Wearing comfortable clothing to the hospital

What Happens During the TURBT Procedure?

Before the surgery begins, you will receive anesthesia. This may be:

• General anesthesia (you will be asleep), or

• Spinal anesthesia (you will be awake but numb from the waist down)

In some cases, a special dye may be placed in the bladder before surgery. Under a special light, this dye helps the surgeon clearly identify the tumor.

During the procedure, the surgeon will:

• Insert the cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder.

• Locate the bladder tumor using the camera.

• Remove the tumor using a small cutting instrument.

• Use heat to seal blood vessels and stop bleeding.

• Send the removed tissue to a laboratory for analysis.

After the tumor is removed, a catheter may be placed in the bladder to drain urine and prevent blood clots. In some cases, the bladder may be flushed with a sterile saline solution.

Is TURBT Painful?

The procedure itself is not painful because anesthesia is used.

After the surgery, you may experience:

• Mild pain or discomfort

• Burning sensation while urinating

• Slight blood in the urine

These symptoms usually improve within one to two weeks.

Do You Need Chemotherapy After TURBT?

In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended after TURBT.

If the cancer is limited to the bladder, doctors may use intravesical chemotherapy, where medicine is delivered directly into the bladder through a catheter. Sometimes the first dose is given immediately after the tumor is removed.

If cancer has spread beyond the bladder, chemotherapy may be given through an intravenous (IV) infusion to treat the entire body.

Hospital Stay After TURBT

Most patients remain in the hospital for a few hours for observation after the procedure.

If a catheter is used:

• It may be removed before you go home, or

• It may remain for a few days depending on the size of the tumor and the amount of bleeding.

After returning home, patients should:

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Resume normal eating and drinking as tolerated

• Attend follow-up appointments to discuss biopsy results

Benefits of TURBT

TURBT offers several advantages:

• Minimally invasive procedure

• No external incisions

• Helps diagnose and treat bladder tumors in one procedure

• Short hospital stay

• Faster recovery compared to open surgery

Risks and Possible Complications

Although TURBT is generally safe, some risks may occur, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Bleeding after surgery

• Bladder injury

• Anesthesia-related complications

• Blood clots in urine

Your doctor will monitor your recovery to minimize these risks.

Recovery After TURBT

Full recovery may take up to six weeks, although most people feel better sooner.

During the first one to two weeks:

• Rest and avoid strenuous activities

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Avoid heavy lifting or straining

• You may notice mild blood in urine

• You may feel burning while urinating

Most doctors recommend waiting at least two weeks before returning to normal activities.

Second-Look TURBT

Sometimes a second TURBT procedure is recommended about 4 to 6 weeks after the first surgery.

This follow-up procedure ensures:

• All tumor tissue has been removed

• There is no remaining cancer

• The risk of cancer recurrence is reduced

When to Contact Your Doctor

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Fever

• Severe or unexpected pain

• Large blood clots in urine

• Excessive bleeding

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

These symptoms may indicate infection or other complications.

Difference Between Cystoscopy and TURBT

Cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra using a camera.

TURBT is a surgical procedure specifically used to remove and biopsy bladder tumors.

In many cases, a cystoscopy is performed first to detect the tumor, followed by TURBT to treat it.