Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TUR or TURBT)

Overview

During this procedure, your doctor removes a tumor from the inner wall of your bladder. That's the organ that holds your urine. Transurethral resection can help your doctor diagnose and treat bladder cancer.

Preparation

To begin, you are given medicine to numb and relax you. You may be put to sleep. Your doctor uses a device called a "resectoscope" to reach your bladder. It's a long, thin instrument with a lighted camera and an electrified wire loop. The doctor puts it into your urethra. That's the tube that your urine travels through when you pee.

Procedure

The resectoscope is carefully pushed up into your bladder to the tumor. Your bladder is filled with fluid. The doctor uses the wire loop to remove part or all of the tumor and some nearby tissue.

End of Procedure

When the procedure is done, the fluid is drained and the tissue samples are collected. You are watched for a short time and then allowed to go home. The samples will be examined under a microscope. You will have a followup meeting to talk about the results.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.