About TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor)
TURBT stands for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and remove tumors from the inside of the bladder.
It is often the first and most important step in treating bladder cancer, as it helps both to remove visible tumors and to determine the stage and grade of the disease.
The surgery is performed through the urethra, without any external incision.
⸻
Purpose of TURBT
• To remove bladder tumors for diagnosis and treatment
• To collect tissue samples (biopsy) for microscopic evaluation
• To control bleeding or prevent tumor regrowth
• Sometimes, to apply chemotherapy directly into the bladder after resection
⸻
How the Procedure Is Done
• The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia.
• A thin instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
• Using a small electrical loop, the surgeon removes or burns away the tumor tissue.
• The samples are sent to a pathology lab for detailed analysis.
• In many cases, a temporary bladder catheter is placed for urine drainage and to prevent clots.
⸻
Pre-Operative Instructions
🔹 1. Medical Evaluation
• A urine test, blood test, ECG, and sometimes chest X-ray or imaging (CT scan) will be done before surgery.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, allergies, and chronic illnesses.
• If you take blood thinners (Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, etc.), your doctor will advise when to stop them safely.
🔹 2. Before Surgery
• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6–8 hours before the operation.
• Empty your bladder before going to the operating room.
• Arrange for a family member or friend to take you home after discharge.
⸻
Post-Operative Care
🔹 1. Immediately After Surgery
• You will wake up with a urinary catheter (a small tube draining urine from the bladder).
• Your urine may appear pink or slightly bloody for a few days — this is normal.
• Bladder irrigation (continuous fluid flow) may be used to prevent clot formation.
• Pain or burning during urination is common for a few days; pain medication will be prescribed.
🔹 2. At Home (First Days)
• Drink plenty of water (at least 2–3 liters daily) to flush the bladder.
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or straining for about 2 weeks.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods — they may irritate the bladder.
• Take all prescribed antibiotics or pain medications as directed.
🔹 3. Catheter Care (if applicable)
• The catheter is usually removed within 1–3 days depending on recovery.
• Keep the catheter site clean and monitor for signs of infection (redness, fever, foul smell).
🔹 4. Follow-Up
• A follow-up cystoscopy (bladder camera exam) is usually scheduled after 4–6 weeks to check for recurrence or healing.
• Based on pathology results, your doctor may recommend intravesical therapy (chemotherapy or BCG instillation) to prevent tumor recurrence.
⸻
When to Contact Your Doctor
Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience:
• Persistent or heavy bleeding in urine
• Inability to urinate
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or chills
• Severe pain in the lower abdomen or back
• Blood clots blocking urine flow
⸻
Final Notes
• Recovery after TURBT is usually quick, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
• Long-term follow-up is essential, as bladder tumors can sometimes recur.
• Maintain good hydration, avoid smoking, and follow all check-up schedules advised by your urologist.
• TURBT is both diagnostic and therapeutic, playing a key role in preserving bladder function while treating early-stage bladder cancer.