TURBT Bladder Tumour Surgery, London
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour, known as TURBT, is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove a bladder growth through the urethra. There is no external incision. The procedure also provides tissue for laboratory analysis, helping establish the diagnosis and guide any further treatment.
What is TURBT?
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of bladder tumour. It is a procedure used to remove a tumour or growth from the bladder. A narrow instrument is passed through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and into the bladder. This means no incision is made in the abdomen.
TURBT has two important purposes. It removes the visible tumour and provides tissue for examination in a laboratory. This shows whether the growth is cancerous and, if so, provides information about the type of cancer, how abnormal the cells look, known as the grade, and how deeply it has grown into the bladder wall, known as the stage.
This information is central to planning bladder cancer treatment. Many early tumours are confined to the bladder lining and may need further treatment within the bladder or regular surveillance. Tumours that have grown more deeply can need a more involved treatment plan.
TURBT is performed under anaesthetic. A short hospital stay and temporary catheter are often needed afterwards. In some cases, treatment may be placed directly into the bladder soon after surgery to help reduce the chance of a tumour returning.
Remove the tumour, then understand it
TURBT both treats the visible tumour and provides the information needed to guide your ongoing care.
Removes the tumour
The growth is removed through the urethra, without an external incision or a cut to the abdomen.
Provides tissue for staging
The removed tissue is examined to determine whether it is cancerous and, if so, its grade and stage.
Guides further care
The results help your consultant recommend whether surveillance, treatment delivered into the bladder or further treatment is appropriate.
Who TURBT may suit
TURBT is recommended for people who:
- Have a bladder tumour identified during cystoscopy
- Need a bladder growth removed and examined
- Need staging information to guide bladder cancer treatment
- Have been advised that a bladder tumour should be resected
- Have recurrent bladder tumours requiring further treatment
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will explain why TURBT has been recommended, discuss what the procedure involves and answer any questions. They will confirm that it is the appropriate next step following cystoscopy or imaging. - The procedure
TURBT is carried out under anaesthetic. An instrument is passed through the urethra into the bladder, and the tumour is removed. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. - Results and plan
Your consultant will discuss the laboratory findings with you, explain what the grade and stage mean and recommend the appropriate treatment or surveillance plan.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for TURBT in London?
No external incision
The procedure is carried out through the urethra, with no cut to the outside of the body.
Treats and diagnoses
TURBT removes the tumour and provides tissue for laboratory analysis at the same time.
Information that guides your care
The results help establish whether further treatment, monitoring or referral to a wider cancer team is needed.
Consultant-led care in London
Your procedure, results and follow-up are managed by a consultant urologist at The Forbury Clinic, 45 Queen Anne St, London W1G 9JF.
From removal to management
TURBT is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Not every tumour requires the same follow-up. Management depends on the pathology findings.
For non-muscle-invasive tumours, treatment may include intravesical therapy and scheduled cystoscopy surveillance. For muscle-invasive tumours, further coordinated care is arranged promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Is TURBT major surgery?
TURBT is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the urethra under anaesthetic. There is no external incision, but you may need a short hospital stay and recovery period.
Will I need a catheter after TURBT?
A temporary catheter is often used for a short time after the procedure to help the bladder drain while the treated area begins to heal. Your consultant will explain what applies to you.
Why is the tumour tissue examined?
Laboratory analysis establishes whether the growth is cancerous. If it is, the tissue provides information about the grade and stage of the cancer, which is essential for planning further care.
Will I need more treatment after TURBT?
This depends on the laboratory results. Some early tumours may need treatment delivered directly into the bladder and regular surveillance cystoscopy. More advanced tumours can need additional treatment. Your consultant will explain the plan recommended for you.
Discuss treatment for a bladder tumour
TURBT can remove a bladder tumour and provide the information needed to guide your next steps. Our consultant urologists can explain whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
