TURBT, or Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to both diagnose and treat bladder cancer. A surgeon uses a cystoscope inserted through the urethra to remove tumors from the bladder wall. The removed tissue is then sent to a lab to be tested to determine if it's cancerous and to understand how deeply it has grown.  

How it works

• Procedure: A surgeon inserts a thin tube called a resectoscope (or cystoscope) through the urethra into the bladder. 

• Removal: The surgeon uses a wire loop on the end of the scope to cut out the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue. 

• Cauterization: The loop can also use heat to seal blood vessels and stop bleeding (electrocauterization). 

• Diagnosis: The removed tissue is sent to a pathologist for analysis to check for cancer cells and their grade and stage. 

• Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local, spinal, or general anesthesia. 

Reasons for a TURBT

• Diagnosis: To diagnose bladder cancer and determine if it has grown into the muscle layer of the bladder wall. 

• Treatment: It is the most common treatment for superficial bladder cancer (non-muscle invasive). 

• Debulking: It can remove as much of a deeper tumor as possible before other treatments are started. 

After the procedure

• Recovery: Patients may feel discomfort, pain, or have blood in their urine for one to two weeks. 

• Aftercare: It is important to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity as advised by the doctor. 

• Follow-up: A second, more extensive TURBT may sometimes be needed to ensure all cancer is removed.