Resection of bladder tumour

This procedure is performed to remove a growth in the bladder, or a bladder tumour. It is known as a TURBT (TransUrethral Resection of Bladder Tumour). Access to the bladder is via the urethra, and involves an anaesthetic, then inspection of the bladder with a cystoscope and performing resection (cutting out/removal) of the tumour through the cystoscope. 

There are some risks, as with any procedure.  These include bleeding, infection, pain and a very small chance of creating a hole in the bladder (perforation). 

A catheter is left in the bladder overnight to wash out the bladder and prevent bleeding.  This catheter is removed the next day and the patient can usually be discharged home. In the first few weeks after the surgery because of the healing of the bladder, patients might find that urination is urgent or that they have to go frequently and the control is not as good as before.  This usually settles within 3-4 weeks as the bladder heals. 

The pieces of bladder tumour are sent to the laboratory to be analysed.

One of the problems with bladder cancer is that it can recur.  This is because the whole lining of the bladder is abnormal. Patients require regular bladder checks, done by cystoscopy.  Usually this is every 3-6 months in the first year after a TURBT and then gradually this is pushed out to yearly intervals.