Transurethral resection of a bladder tumour or TURBT is a treatment for bladder tumours.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
The surgeon uses an instrument called a cystoscope to locate the visible tumours and cut them away from the lining of the bladder and the pieces are removed to send to the laboratory for analysis. The wounds are sealed (cauterised) using a mild electric current, and you may be given a urinary catheter to drain any blood or debris from your bladder over the next few days.
After surgery, you should be given a single dose of chemotherapy, directly into your bladder, using a catheter. The chemotherapy solution is kept in your bladder for around an hour before being drained away.
Most people can leave the hospital less than 48 hours after having a TURBT and return to their routine within two weeks.
References:
- https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/Trans_Urethral_Resection_of_Bladder_Tumour_TURBT_GHPI0725_06_21.pdf
- https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/bladder-tumours-transurethral-resection-of-bladder-tumour-turbt#
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/treatment/#:~:text=Low%2Drisk%20non%2Dmuscle%2D,carried%20out%20under%20general%20anaesthetic.