Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

TURBT stands for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose, remove, and stage bladder tumors, typically when bladder cancer is suspected or confirmed.

How the Procedure Works

  • Anesthesia: Usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia.

  • Cystoscope Insertion: A scope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

  • Tumor Resection: A special loop instrument passes through the scope to cut away tumor tissue from the bladder lining.

  • Tissue Collection: The tissue is sent to a lab for pathology analysis.

  • Bladder Irrigation: The bladder is flushed to remove any bleeding or clots.

  • Optional Chemotherapy Rinse: In some cases, a chemotherapy agent like mitomycin C is instilled into the bladder immediately after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.

Recovery

  • Usually done as an outpatient or short hospital stay

  • A temporary catheter may be placed for a day or two

  • Expect blood in the urine (hematuria) for several days, burning or urgency with urination, and activity restrictions for 1–2 weeks

  • Pathology results guide further treatment (e.g., surveillance, intravesical therapy, or repeat TURBT)

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