Kidney & Bladder Surgery
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
A precise keyhole procedure to diagnose and remove bladder tumours. Using advanced endoscopic technology, we can spot and clear bladder tumours without any external cuts, helping you get back to your routine rapidly.
Key takeaways
- A precise keyhole procedure to diagnose and remove bladder tumours. Using advanced endoscopic technology, we can spot and clear bladder tumours without any external cuts, helping you get back to your routine rapidly.
- Specialty: Kidney & Bladder Surgery
30–60
Typical procedure timemin
No
No external cutsscars
2-in-1
Diagnoses & treats in one op
Treatment Overview
About Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
TURBT is the most important first step in diagnosing and treating a growth or tumour found in the bladder. It is a "keyhole"; surgery, but because it is performed through your natural water pipe (urethra), there are no cuts or scars on the outside of your body. Using magnification and electro-cautery, the tumour can be accurately visualised and carefully removed using an electrode. Specimens are sent for analysis and further electrocautery is used to ensure there is no bleeding.
Sometimes an additional chemical is inserted into the bladder at the end of the procedure (mitomycin C) to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence. This is a type of ‘chemotherapy’, in that it kills tumour cells, but as it is inserted directly into the bladder (‘intra-vesical’) there are very minimal, if any, side effects.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
TURBT is a "two-in-one" procedure. It allows your specialist to remove the tumour entirely while also providing a sample for the laboratory to find out exactly what type of cancer it is and how to best treat it.
No external incisions: Because there are no cuts, you will have much less pain and a faster recovery than with traditional surgery.
Effective treatment: For many early-stage bladder cancers, a TURBT is the only surgery you will ever need.
High-precision: high magnification and modern endoscopes enable accurate assessment and clearance of the tumour as possible in one go.
02
Risks
While this procedure follows best-practice clinical standards, it is important to understand the potential risks. We categorize these complications by frequency to help you make an informed decision.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Hospital-Acquired Infection: There is a general risk (4–6%) of acquiring an infection such as MRSA while in the hospital.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Bladder Infection: A risk of developing an infection in your bladder that requires treatment with antibiotics.
Recurrence: The tumour may return or may not have been completely removed during the initial session.
🔴 Rare (Between 1 in 50 and 1 in 250 patients)
Delayed Bleeding: Bleeding that occurs later and is significant enough to require further surgery to remove blood clots.
Organ Injury: A rare risk of damage to the ureters (the tubes draining your kidneys) or injury to the urethra that could lead to delayed scar formation (stricture).
Bladder Perforation: A small hole made in the bladder wall, which may require a temporary catheter or open surgical repair.
General Medical Issues: Rare complications related to anesthesia or the heart, such as chest infections, stroke, or blood clots.
03
Side Effects
To help you prepare for your recovery, we use the following traffic light system to outline common after-effects. Many of these are self-limiting and resolve as your bladder heals.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Burning and Blood: Almost all patients experience mild burning and blood in their urine for a short time after the procedure.
Continuation of Treatment: Almost all patients will need additional treatment, such as a Mitomycin C instillation, to help prevent the tumour from returning later.
Fatigue: It is normal to feel tired and "washed out" for a few days after surgery.
General Discomfort: Passing urine may be uncomfortable at first, though this can be managed with simple painkillers like paracetamol.
Urethral Discharge: You may notice some discharge of blood from your urethra, especially if it was necessary to stretch it for the telescope.
What We Treat
How Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
01/ 03
Before Procedure
Before your surgery, you will have a "Pre-Op" health check to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
Infection Check: You will be asked to provide a urine sample to make sure you don't have an active infection.
Medication: It is very important to tell your surgeon about any blood-thinning medication (like Aspirin or Clopidogrel), as you may need to pause these.
Fasting: You must not eat or drink (nil by mouth) for at least 6 hours before your operation.
02/ 03
During Procedure
The procedure is usually performed while you are asleep (general anaesthetic) or numbed from the waist down (spinal anaesthetic). It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Your surgeon guides a thin telescope through your natural water pipe.
Using a wire loop and a gentle electric current, they "shave" the tumour away from the bladder wall.
The area is carefully sealed to prevent bleeding.
A single dose of liquid chemotherapy is often put into the via a catheter bladder for one hour to kill any loose cancer cells.
03/ 03
After Procedure
Some patients stay in hospital for one night while the bladder is gently flushed through the catheter to keep it clear.
Catheter Removal: The tube is usually removed soon after the operation, or early the next morning, and you can head home once you have successfully passed urine.
Hydration: It is important to drink about 2.5 litres of water a day for the first week to keep your bladder clear.
Rest: Avoid heavy lifting (anything heavier than a full kettle) and strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. This prevents the healing "scab" in the bladder from being disturbed.
Follow-up: You will be seen in the clinic about 2 weeks later to discuss the laboratory results and plan your next steps.
Specialists
Specialists for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Mr. James ArmitageConsultant Urologist
Mr. Nimish ShahConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor Christof KastnerAssociate Professor & Consultant Urologist
Mr. Kasra Saeb-ParsyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Oliver WisemanConsultant Urologist
Mr. David ThurtleConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor John KellyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Laurian DragosConsultant Urologist
Mr. Tev AhoConsultant UrologistOur Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
When a tumour is removed, some microscopic cancer cells can become detached and float in the bladder. There is a risk these cells could 're-seed' and grow elsewhere on the bladder wall. Giving a single dose of chemotherapy directly into the bladder immediately after the operation 'mops up' these loose cells, significantly reducing the chance of the cancer returning in the short term.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Stage refers to how deep the cancer has grown into the bladder wall (e.g., Ta is on the surface, T1 is in the lining, T2 is in the muscle). Grade refers to how 'angry' or aggressive the cells look under a microscope (Low Grade vs. High Grade). Your consultant uses both pieces of information from the TURBT to decide if you need more treatment, like BCG immunotherapy or further surgery.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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It is actually very common. About 10 to 14 days after a TURBT, the 'scab' or cautery mark in the bladder where the tumour was removed begins to heal and may flake off. This can cause a brief episode of pink or red urine. As long as you can still pee easily and aren't passing large clots, drinking extra water to flush the bladder is usually all that is needed.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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