Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT)

TREATMENT

Small tumours can be removed from the bladder using a resectoscope – an instrument passed through the water pipe (urethra) into the bladder. This procedure is done with the patient asleep, under general anaesthetic. An electrical current is passed through a loop of wire, which enables the surgeon to cut through tissue. Once removed, the tissue is sent to the laboratory to be analysed and results are usually available within one to two weeks. The surgeon will use the same electrical properties to stop any bleeding from the bladder wall.

It is usual to put a catheter into the bladder after this procedure and to stay in hospital for 24-48 hours. The catheter is removed prior to going home.

If a bladder cancer is diagnosed by the pathologists a second-look into the bladder and further biopsies or resection may be recommended, usually within 4-6 weeks.