TURBT

A Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) is a common surgical procedure used to remove abnormal tissue or tumours from the bladder.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves the use of a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera and surgical tools, inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

After the procedure, you may experience some blood in the urine, urinary symptoms, and bladder spasms. These symptoms should improve over time.

TURBT has a good success rate for removing tumours and treating bladder cancer.

TURBT is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, depending on the patient's health and preference.

Insertion of the cystoscope: The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The cystoscope contains a light and camera, which allow the surgeon to see inside the bladder.

Visual examination: The surgeon will examine the bladder and identify any tumours present.

Resection of the tumour: Using a special tool called a "resectoscope" inserted through the cystoscope, the surgeon will remove the tumour or tumours from the bladder wall. The resectoscope uses a loop of wire that can be used to cut and remove the tumour.

Cauterisation: After the tumour is removed, the surgeon will cauterise the area to stop any bleeding using a special tool that applies heat or electric current to the area.

Removal of tissue: The tissue that was removed during the procedure will be sent to a lab for examination to determine if it is cancerous or non-cancerous.

Placement of a catheter: After the procedure, a temporary catheter is placed into the bladder and the bladder is irrigated with normal saline solution to keep the bladder clean and clot-free.

Intravesical therapy: This involves the insertion of medication into the bladder through a catheter to treat the tumour. This may be used in cases of non-invasive tumours.

Radical cystectomy: In some cases, if the tumour is large or invasive, or if there is a high risk of recurrence, the entire bladder may need to be removed. This is a major surgery that requires the creation of a new way for the body to expel urine.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This may be an option in cases where the tumour cannot be removed with surgery or if the patient is not a good candidate for surgery.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This may be used in conjunction with other treatments or if the tumour has spread beyond the bladder.

Bleeding: Most cases of bleeding are minor and can be controlled during the procedure, but in rare cases, more significant bleeding may require a blood transfusion or additional surgery.

Bladder perforation: Bladder perforation is a rare complication of TURBT (2%). Most perforations are small and can be managed with a bladder catheter for a few weeks while rarely a surgical procedure may be needed to repair the perforation.

Urinary tract infection (up to 5%)

Urinary incontinence (< 1%)

Postoperative pain: Some patients may experience discomfort or pain after the procedure, but this is usually temporary and can be managed with medication.

Blood in urine: It is common to see blood in the urine for a few days after the procedure. The urine may be reddish or pinkish in colour. It is encouraged to drink extra fluids to help flush out the bladder.

Urinary symptoms: You may experience some urinary symptoms such as burning, frequency, urgency, or difficulty urinating for a few days after the procedure. These symptoms should improve over time.

Bladder spasms: Some patients may experience bladder spasms after the procedure, which can cause discomfort or pain. These can be managed with medication if they occur.