What endoscopic treatment means
Instruments pass through the urethra to work inside the bladder without an abdominal incision. A central procedure is transurethral resection of bladder tumour, or TURBT. It removes abnormal tissue for laboratory examination. [1] · [2]
Two aims: diagnosis and treatment
The tissue helps identify tumour type, grade and depth. For many non-muscle-invasive tumours, resection is also part of initial treatment. Removing visible disease does not by itself establish that all cancer has gone. [3] · [4]
The operation report and pathology guide the next step. Some people need a second resection to complete treatment or clarify tumour extent. [1]
What may follow resection
Depending on risk, care may include medicines placed inside the bladder, such as intravesical chemotherapy or BCG, and scheduled checks. An instillation delivers medicine through a catheter; it is different from removing a tumour. Not everyone needs the same treatment schedule. [5]
If cancer involves the muscle or has high-risk features, resection alone may be insufficient. The team will discuss other strategies, including bladder surgery or combined treatments, according to the situation. [6]
Preparation, recovery and risks
Confirm your anaesthetic assessment, fasting instructions and medication plan. A temporary catheter may be needed. Risks include infection, bleeding and bladder injury or perforation, which can require further treatment. Hospital stay and return to activities depend on the procedure and your recovery. [2]
Before discharge, ask about catheter care, expected symptoms, warning signs and review of results. Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine or have heavy bleeding with clots; fever or severe pain also needs prompt assessment. [7] · [8] · [2]
Questions for your visit
- Is the resection intended to establish the diagnosis, treat the tumour or both?
- When will pathology be reviewed, and might another resection be needed?
- What role might intravesical medicines have?
- How will possible recurrence or progression be monitored?