After the diagnosis of a bladder tumour, the urologist will suggest that the patient undergo an outpatient surgical procedure in the hospital to remove the tumour from the bladder, called a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT). It allows the doctor to examine the bladder more completely under anesthesia (general or spinal). To see inside the bladder, they use a resectoscope. Like the cystoscope, the resectoscope is introduced through the urethra into the bladder.
The resectoscope has a small, electrified wire loop at the end that can remove the tumor. This loop also cauterizes or seals off blood vessels to help stop bleeding, a process known as “electrocauterization” or “fulguration.” The advantage of the TURBT is its repeatability with minimal risk and excellent results. The risk of infection or bladder injury is less than 10%, and both are easily correctible.
The TURBT procedure typically lasts no longer than one hour. Patients are placed under anesthesia to ensure they are in a deep sleep during the surgery and do not feel any discomfort.