Bladder Tumour Surgery | Springwood, Brisbane
TURBT Surgery – Bladder Tumour Removal
Have you been diagnosed with a bladder tumour or an abnormal growth inside your bladder?
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is an operation used to remove visible bladder tumour tissue and establish a diagnosis.
The operation is performed using instruments passed through the urethra, without an external incision.
Southside Urology provides specialist assessment, treatment planning and ongoing management advice for bladder tumours and bladder cancer.
Specialist bladder cancer assessment and surgical treatment planning | Southside Urology
General or spinal
The operation is performed under an appropriate anaesthetic.
No external incision
Instruments pass through the urethra into the bladder.
Day stay or admission
Length of stay depends on surgery and recovery.
Pathology review
Tissue analysis guides diagnosis and further care.
Understanding the Procedure
What Is TURBT Surgery?
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of bladder tumour.
It is an operation used to remove abnormal tissue from the bladder lining.
A specialised telescope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. The surgeon can then remove visible tumour tissue using instruments passed through the telescope.
The tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
TURBT can establish the diagnosis and may also provide definitive local treatment for selected non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours.
Reasons for Surgery
Why Might TURBT Be Recommended?
TURBT is commonly recommended when a suspicious bladder growth is found during imaging or cystoscopy.
Bladder Tumour Found on Cystoscopy
A flexible cystoscopy may identify an abnormal growth that requires removal or tissue diagnosis.
TURBT allows a more complete assessment of the suspicious tissue.
Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine may lead to further investigation with imaging and cystoscopy.
If a suspicious bladder lesion is discovered, TURBT may be recommended.
Recurrent Bladder Tumour
Patients previously treated for bladder cancer may develop another bladder tumour.
TURBT may be used to remove recurrent lesions and reassess the disease.
Does a Bladder Tumour Always Mean Cancer?
Not every bladder growth is malignant. However, many suspicious bladder tumours are cancerous, which is why tissue examination is important. The final diagnosis is based on pathology, not the appearance of the growth alone.
Before Your Operation
How Should I Prepare for TURBT?
Your urologist, anaesthetist and hospital will provide instructions based on the planned procedure and your medical history.
Medication Review
Tell your surgical team about all medications, especially blood thinners, antiplatelet medicines, diabetes medication and supplements.
Do not stop prescribed medication without specific medical instructions.
Urine & Blood Tests
Urine testing may be required to check for infection.
Blood tests may assess kidney function, blood count and other factors relevant to surgery.
Anaesthesia & Fasting
TURBT is generally performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.
Follow your hospital's fasting and medication instructions.
Arrange Your Recovery
Plan transport home, time away from work and support at home if required.
You may need a temporary urinary catheter after surgery.
Contact Your Treating Team Before Surgery If You Become Unwell
Inform your team if you develop fever, symptoms suggesting urinary infection or another significant change in your health. Your surgical and anaesthetic instructions should always take priority over general online information.
The Surgical Procedure
What Happens During TURBT Surgery?
TURBT uses a specialised telescope inserted through the urethra. There is usually no need for an external incision.
Anaesthesia
General or spinal anaesthesia is provided before the operation.
The bladder is prepared for endoscopic surgery.
Bladder Examination
A cystoscope or resectoscope is passed into the bladder.
The surgeon examines the bladder lining and identifies tumour locations.
Tumour Removal
Visible tumour tissue is removed using specialised surgical instruments.
Tissue is collected for pathology and bleeding is controlled.
Catheter & Recovery
A urinary catheter may be placed after surgery.
You are monitored during recovery before discharge or transfer to a hospital ward.
Why Is the Depth of Tissue Removal Important?
Bladder cancer treatment depends partly on how deeply the tumour has grown into the bladder wall. TURBT aims to obtain tissue that allows accurate staging where this is safely possible.
Tumour Location & Size
The surgeon records the location, number and appearance of any bladder tumours.
Bladder Wall Involvement
Pathology assesses whether cancer is confined to superficial layers or has invaded more deeply.
Planning Further Care
Pathology helps determine whether surveillance, intravesical treatment, another TURBT or further cancer treatment is required.
Immediately After Surgery
Will I Need a Urinary Catheter After TURBT?
A temporary urinary catheter is often used after TURBT, particularly when a larger area has been resected.
The catheter drains urine while the bladder lining heals.
Some patients also require bladder irrigation, where sterile fluid is used to clear blood and reduce clot formation.
Not everyone needs a catheter. Small procedures may be followed by same-day discharge without ongoing catheter drainage.
If a catheter is required, removal depends on bleeding, the extent of surgery and individual recovery.
What If I Go Home With a Catheter?
Your hospital should explain how to care for the catheter and drainage bag, what to do if drainage stops, and when the catheter is planned for removal. Increasing lower abdominal pain with a catheter that is not draining requires urgent assessment.
Postoperative Recovery
Recovery After TURBT Surgery
Recovery varies according to the size and number of tumours removed, the depth of resection and your medical condition.
Hospital Recovery
You will be monitored after anaesthesia.
A catheter or bladder irrigation may be required depending on bleeding and the extent of the operation.
Some patients are discharged the same day, while others require hospital admission.
Early Bladder Healing
It is common to experience some burning when passing urine, increased urinary frequency or blood-tinged urine.
These symptoms generally improve as the bladder begins to heal.
Gradual Improvement
Bladder irritation and intermittent bleeding may continue during the healing period.
Some patients notice a temporary increase in bleeding as healing tissue separates.
Heavy bleeding, clots or inability to urinate require urgent assessment.
Reviewing Pathology & Next Steps
Your urologist reviews the tissue results and explains whether further investigations, treatment or surveillance are needed.
Pathology results are not usually available immediately after surgery.
Work, Lifting & Exercise
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and activities that increase abdominal straining until your surgeon advises it is safe.
Restrictions may last several weeks, particularly after more extensive bladder tumour removal.
Return to work depends on the procedure and the physical demands of your occupation.
Fluids, Bowels & Medications
Maintain appropriate fluid intake unless you have been told to restrict fluids.
Avoid constipation and excessive straining.
Follow your discharge instructions about pain relief and restarting blood-thinning medications.
Understanding Your Results
What Will the TURBT Pathology Show?
Pathology provides important information about the tumour and helps guide the next stage of treatment.
Three Important Features
Your urologist will explain the findings in plain language and discuss what they mean for you.
What Kind of Tumour Is It?
Most bladder cancers arise from the lining of the urinary tract and are called urothelial carcinomas.
Other benign or malignant tumour types are less common.
How Abnormal Are the Cells?
Grade describes how abnormal the tumour cells appear under the microscope.
Low-grade and high-grade tumours have different risks and may require different management.
How Deep Has It Grown?
Stage describes how deeply the cancer has grown into the bladder wall.
This helps distinguish non-muscle-invasive from muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
What Is Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer?
Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer has not invaded the main bladder muscle.
It includes tumour stages Ta and T1, as well as carcinoma in situ (CIS), a flat high-grade abnormality of the bladder lining.
Management may involve surveillance, additional TURBT or treatment placed directly into the bladder.
Why Is Bladder Muscle in the Pathology Specimen Important?
When appropriate, the pathologist looks for detrusor muscle in the resected tissue. Its presence can help establish whether the tumour has invaded the bladder muscle. Depending on the tumour type and findings, an additional resection may be needed if staging is incomplete.
After Pathology Review
Will I Need Further Treatment After TURBT?
Some patients need only TURBT followed by surveillance. Others require additional treatment because of tumour grade, stage or risk of recurrence.
Surveillance Cystoscopy
Bladder tumours can recur after treatment.
Regular cystoscopy may be recommended to detect new tumours early.
The timing depends on the tumour risk category.
Intravesical Treatment
Some patients benefit from medication placed directly into the bladder through a catheter.
Options include selected intravesical chemotherapy or BCG immunotherapy.
Treatment selection depends on the pathology and clinical circumstances.
Additional Surgery or Cancer Treatment
Selected patients require repeat TURBT.
Higher-risk or muscle-invasive disease may require further surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment or multidisciplinary care.
What Is a Second-Look TURBT?
In certain circumstances, a second TURBT is recommended after the first operation. This is sometimes called repeat TURBT or second-look resection.
Remove Remaining Tumour
Further surgery may be needed if the original tumour could not be completely removed.
Confirm Accurate Staging
Additional tissue may be required to clarify how deeply the cancer has grown.
Higher-Risk Pathology
Certain findings, including T1 disease, are important reasons to consider repeat resection.
When indicated, repeat TURBT is commonly performed within approximately two to six weeks. Your urologist will explain whether this applies to your diagnosis.
Additional Bladder Treatments
Will I Receive Chemotherapy or BCG After TURBT?
Intravesical Chemotherapy
Some patients receive chemotherapy placed directly into the bladder after TURBT.
In suitable cases, a single dose may be given shortly after the operation, usually within the first 24 hours.
This treatment is not appropriate in every case, including when bladder perforation is suspected or bleeding requires ongoing irrigation.
Some patients need a further course of bladder treatment at a later date.
BCG Immunotherapy
BCG is a treatment placed directly into the bladder to stimulate an immune response against bladder cancer.
It may be recommended for certain high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers.
BCG is not normally administered immediately after TURBT. Treatment begins after an appropriate healing interval and when clinically safe.
Some patients receive an induction course followed by maintenance treatment.
Not Everyone Needs Additional Bladder Medication
Whether further bladder treatment is recommended depends on the tumour's grade, stage, size, number of lesions, previous tumour history and other clinical features. The decision is made after considering the operative findings and pathology results.
Safety & Informed Consent
What Are the Risks of TURBT Surgery?
TURBT is an established endoscopic operation, but complications can occur. Individual risks depend on the tumour and your medical circumstances.
Bleeding & Blood Clots
Some bleeding after TURBT is common.
- Blood in the urine
- Clots that block urine drainage
- Bleeding requiring catheter irrigation
- Occasionally another operation or blood transfusion
Bleeding risk may be higher in patients taking blood-thinning medication.
Urinary Infection & Retention
Infection or difficulty emptying the bladder may occur after surgery.
- Urinary tract infection
- Rarely, serious infection or sepsis
- Temporary burning or urgency
- Inability to pass urine after catheter removal
- Need for temporary catheterisation
Bladder Injury or Perforation
TURBT involves removing tissue from the bladder wall.
Occasionally an injury or opening can occur through the bladder wall. This is called bladder perforation.
Treatment may require a catheter for longer, additional monitoring or, rarely, surgery.
Further Treatment & Other Risks
- Incomplete tumour removal
- Need for repeat TURBT
- Recurrence of bladder cancer
- Scar formation in the urethra
- Rare injury near a ureteric opening
- Complications related to anaesthesia
Removing a bladder tumour does not guarantee that cancer will not recur in the future.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention After TURBT
Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop:
- Fever, shaking chills or feeling seriously unwell
- Inability to pass urine
- A catheter that stops draining with increasing discomfort
- Heavy bleeding or significant blood clots
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting or marked abdominal swelling
Contact your treating team or attend an emergency department for significant symptoms. Do not wait until a routine follow-up appointment. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Long-Term Bladder Health
Will I Need Ongoing Bladder Cancer Surveillance?
Bladder cancer can recur, even when the initial tumour has been completely removed. Surveillance is therefore an important part of treatment.
Follow-Up Cystoscopy
Your urologist may arrange regular flexible cystoscopy to examine the bladder lining for new tumours.
Urine Tests & Imaging
Depending on the cancer risk category, urine cytology or imaging of the urinary tract may also be recommended.
Individual Surveillance Schedule
The frequency and duration of follow-up depend on tumour grade, stage, recurrence history and other findings.
Do Not Miss Surveillance Appointments
Regular review helps detect recurrent tumours before they cause significant symptoms. Even if you feel well and have no visible blood in your urine, scheduled bladder surveillance remains important.
Common Questions
TURBT Surgery FAQs
What does TURBT stand for?
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of bladder tumour. It is an operation performed through the urethra to remove suspicious tissue from the bladder.
Is TURBT the same as a cystoscopy?
No. Cystoscopy is an examination of the bladder using a camera. TURBT is a surgical procedure that uses a cystoscope or resectoscope to remove tumour tissue. TURBT usually requires general or spinal anaesthesia.
Does a bladder tumour always mean cancer?
Not every bladder growth is malignant. However, suspicious lesions generally require tissue diagnosis because bladder cancer is an important possible cause.
Will TURBT remove all of the cancer?
TURBT aims to remove visible tumour tissue where safely possible. For some non-muscle-invasive tumours, it may provide definitive local treatment. Other patients require repeat surgery, intravesical therapy or additional cancer treatment.
How long does TURBT surgery take?
Operating time varies according to the number, size, location and complexity of tumours. Small lesions may be treated relatively quickly, while more extensive resections take longer. Additional time is required for anaesthesia and recovery.
Will I need a urinary catheter after TURBT?
Some patients require a temporary catheter, particularly after more extensive tumour removal or when bleeding needs monitoring. Others may not need one. Your surgeon will explain the plan after the operation.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Some patients go home on the day of surgery, while others stay overnight or longer. Discharge depends on bleeding, catheter requirements, general recovery and the extent of surgery.
Is blood in the urine normal after TURBT?
A small amount of blood in the urine can be expected during healing and may occur intermittently. Heavy bleeding, clots, inability to urinate or worsening symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
When can I return to work or exercise?
Recovery depends on the extent of the operation and the physical demands of your work. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks. Follow your individual discharge instructions.
When will I receive my TURBT pathology results?
Tissue is examined by a pathology laboratory following surgery. Results commonly take several working days or longer depending on the complexity of the examination. Your treating team will arrange review and explain the findings.
What is the difference between low-grade and high-grade bladder cancer?
Grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under the microscope. High-grade tumours generally have a greater risk of progression and may require more intensive treatment and surveillance.
What does non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer mean?
It means the cancer has not invaded the main muscular layer of the bladder wall. It includes stages Ta and T1, and carcinoma in situ. Management depends on the tumour and risk category.
What if my tumour has invaded the bladder muscle?
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer generally requires additional staging and consideration of further treatment. This may involve surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy or a combination, with multidisciplinary specialist input.
Why might I need a second TURBT?
A second operation may be recommended if the first tumour removal was incomplete, accurate staging requires more tissue, or certain high-risk features are present. T1 bladder cancer is an important indication for repeat resection.
When is a second TURBT usually performed?
When indicated, repeat TURBT is commonly planned approximately two to six weeks after the original operation. Timing is individualised according to the clinical circumstances.
Will I receive chemotherapy immediately after TURBT?
Some patients may receive a single dose of chemotherapy placed directly into the bladder soon after surgery. This is not suitable for every case, including suspected bladder perforation or significant bleeding requiring irrigation. Your surgeon will explain whether it is recommended.
What is BCG treatment for bladder cancer?
BCG is a form of immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder. It is used for selected patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, particularly higher-risk disease. It is given after an appropriate healing interval rather than immediately after TURBT.
Can bladder cancer return after TURBT?
Yes. Bladder tumours can recur even after complete removal. This is why many patients require ongoing surveillance cystoscopy. The frequency of review depends on the cancer's risk category.
Is TURBT the same as bladder removal surgery?
No. TURBT removes tumour tissue through the urethra while preserving the bladder. Radical cystectomy is a different, much larger operation involving removal of the bladder and urinary reconstruction or diversion.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your GP referral, medication list, imaging reports, previous cystoscopy findings, urine tests and any previous bladder pathology or treatment records.
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Southside Urology | Springwood
Need Assessment for a Bladder Tumour?
Contact Southside Urology about specialist assessment for blood in the urine, an abnormal bladder scan or a bladder tumour identified during cystoscopy.
Your urologist can explain whether TURBT, further investigations or another treatment is appropriate.
Suite 7/2 Murrajong Road, Springwood QLD 4127.