Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)

Most people with suspected bladder cancer have a type of surgery called transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). The TURBT is done under a general or spinal anaesthetic. It takes 15–40 minutes, and does not involve any external cuts to the body. A slender hollow tube with a light and a camera, known as a cystoscope, is passed through the urethra and into the bladder. The surgeon may use a wire loop on the cystoscope to “shave” and remove the tumour through the urethra. Other methods for destroying the cancer cells include burning the base of the tumour with the cystoscope (fulguration), or using a high-energy laser.  

Most people who have TURBT surgery need to stay in hospital for 1–2 days. Despite not having any skin incisions the area around the internal bladder incisions are raw and covered with scabs to promote healing and prevent bleeding. Certain precautions are required to ensure that these scabs are not disturbed over the next 2-4 weeks as the bladder heals.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

WHAT ABOUT DIET?

WHAT ABOUT EXERCISE/ACTIVITY?

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS?

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?

NOTIFY GM UROLOGY or your GP if you experience any of the following:

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT

Your doctor will generally speak to about the results of the procedure before you are discharged home and an appointment for your follow-up will be organised in around 2 weeks to discuss the pathology results. If an appointment time is not given to you on discharge from hospital, you will need to phone GM Urology to make an appointment.
If you have any queries please contact GM Urology on 03 5201 7000 during business hours OR leave a message on the After Hours Urology Paging Service 03 9387 1000