Endoscopic removal of bladder tumours, often as a day-case procedure. TURBT allows Dr. Anish Gupta to remove a growth from inside the bladder without any cuts to the skin, working through the natural passage of the urethra. It both treats the tumour and provides the tissue needed to plan any further care — a cornerstone of modern bladder-preserving treatment in Delhi NCR.
What is TURBT?
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of a bladder tumour. It is an endoscopic operation in which a telescope is passed along the urethra into the bladder, and a fine instrument is used to remove the tumour from the bladder lining. Because it works through the body's natural channel, there are no external incisions. TURBT serves two purposes at once: it removes the visible tumour, and it supplies a tissue sample so the type, grade and depth of the tumour can be determined, which guides the next steps in your care.
Who needs it
TURBT is advised when a bladder tumour has been found or is strongly suspected. It is commonly recommended for:
- A newly diagnosed bladder tumour seen on cystoscopy or a scan
- Removing and staging non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours
- Obtaining a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment
- Treating a tumour that has returned after previous treatment
TURBT usually follows a diagnostic cystoscopy, which is what identifies the tumour in the first place.
How the procedure works
TURBT is a precise, well-established procedure carried out under spinal or general anaesthesia. In simple terms:
- Anaesthesia is given so you feel no pain during the procedure.
- A resectoscope — a telescope with a light, camera and cutting loop — is passed along the urethra into the bladder.
- The bladder is filled with sterile fluid so the lining can be seen clearly.
- The tumour is removed in sections and the base is treated to control any bleeding.
- A single dose of chemotherapy may be placed into the bladder soon afterwards to reduce the chance of the tumour returning.
- A catheter is placed for a short time to drain and rinse the bladder, and the removed tissue is sent for analysis.
Benefits
- No cuts to the skin — the whole procedure is done through the urethra
- Often a day-case or short-stay procedure
- Removes the tumour while preserving the healthy bladder
- Provides essential information on tumour type, grade and depth
- Quicker recovery than open surgery, with less discomfort
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery after TURBT is generally quick. A catheter is usually kept in for a short period, and it is normal to see some blood in the urine and feel mild stinging for a few days, which settles with plenty of fluids. Most people go home the same day or after a short stay and return to light activity within a few days, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks. Because bladder tumours can recur, follow-up cystoscopy is an important part of aftercare so any recurrence is caught early.
Risks and safety
TURBT is a safe and routine procedure in experienced hands. As with any operation there are small risks, including bleeding, a urine infection, or temporary difficulty passing urine after the catheter is removed. Rarely, the bladder wall can be injured during resection, which is managed at the time. Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, heavy bleeding, or are unable to pass urine. Following the aftercare advice keeps risks to a minimum.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years' experience and a special interest in endo-urology and uro-oncology. He performs TURBT with meticulous, minimally-invasive technique and clear communication, ensuring the tumour is removed thoroughly and your follow-up is properly planned — with care available across three convenient locations in Delhi NCR: Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh.
Frequently asked questions
Is TURBT a major operation?
No. TURBT is a minimally-invasive, endoscopic procedure performed entirely through the urethra with no cuts to the skin. It is often carried out as a day case or with a short hospital stay, and recovery is usually much quicker than after open surgery.
Will I have a catheter after TURBT?
Usually yes, for a short time. A catheter drains and rinses the bladder while the treated area settles and any bleeding clears. It is generally removed within a day or two, after which most people pass urine normally, perhaps with mild stinging at first.
Why is a dose of chemotherapy sometimes given straight after?
For many non-muscle-invasive tumours, a single dose of chemotherapy placed into the bladder soon after removal helps lower the chance of the tumour coming back. Whether this is suitable depends on your particular tumour and is discussed with you beforehand.
Will I need further treatment after TURBT?
This depends on what the removed tissue shows. Some people need only regular follow-up cystoscopy, while others may benefit from a course of bladder instillation therapy. Deeper, muscle-invasive tumours may need more comprehensive treatment, which is planned together.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.