Trans Urethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)

Before surgery, your urologist will discuss the procedure with you, and ensure you have a chance to ask questions. TURBT is carried out as a day-case procedure and can be performed under general or local anaesthetic. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for you based on your tumour, your overall health and your preferences.  

During the procedure, your surgeon will pass a thin device with a camera (a cystoscope) through your urethra into the bladder. No cuts are made to the skin. Using laser techniques or fine surgical instruments, your surgeon will remove the tumour either in one piece or in small sections through the urethra. 

Any bleeding vessels are carefully sealed to reduce the risk of bleeding afterwards. If the tumour is too large to remove completely with the cystoscope, your surgeon may take biopsies instead and plan the next stage of treatment once pathology results are available.

At the end of the procedure, your surgeon may insert a temporary catheter. This may be used to give a single dose of chemotherapy directly into the bladder to reduce the risk of recurrence, or to irrigate the bladder if blood or debris is present. 

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be able to recover in private, comfortable surroundings supported by a dedicated nursing team. Most catheters are removed the same day, and you’ll be able to go home once you feel well enough and you’ve passed urine comfortably. You’ll need someone to collect you after the procedure, and you shouldn’t drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

TURBT is widely performed and is generally a very safe procedure. Your consultant will explain the risks to you beforehand. 

Possible risks of TURBT include:

• mild bleeding or blood clots in the urine

• urinary infection

• temporary frequency or urgency to urinate 

• need for a repeat procedure if the tumour is large, or staging is unclear

Rare risks include: 

• heavier bleeding that may require further treatment

injury to the bladder, urethra, or ureter

Your surgeon will give you personalised advice on how to prepare for the procedure.

This may include:

• blood tests or a urine test

• adjusting certain medications, especially blood thinners

• avoiding food and drink for a set time before anaesthetic

• arranging for someone to collect you afterwards

It’s normal to have mild stinging when passing urine, a need to go more frequently, or some blood in the urine for several days after TURBT. These symptoms usually settle as the bladder heals, and drinking plenty of water can help flush the bladder and ease discomfort.

You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and straining for around 3 to 4 weeks to allow the bladder lining to heal. Many people feel well enough to return to light work within a few days, but those with more physical jobs may need a longer period of rest. Long journeys are best avoided for the first week while your bladder is still settling, particularly if you’ve had a catheter. 

Your urologist will arrange a follow-up appointment once the tumour has been examined under the microscope. At this visit, your consultant will discuss the results, explain whether further treatment is recommended, and outline your individual monitoring plan. You should contact your clinical team if you develop increasing pain, difficulty passing urine, fever, or persistent heavy bleeding at any stage of your recovery.

Please contact our Urology centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our urological surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a TURBT, you must be referred by either your GP or a urologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.