Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

1. What is TURBT?
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a procedure in which a specialized instrument called a resectoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder to remove visible bladder tumors without making an external abdominal incision.

2. Why is TURBT performed?
TURBT is performed when a bladder tumor or suspicious lesion is identified. It provides tissue for pathological diagnosis while also removing visible tumor tissue when technically possible.

3. How is TURBT performed?
The patient is usually placed under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon introduces a resectoscope through the urethra, examines the bladder, and removes or resects the tumor. The tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.

4. What does the pathology report determine?
Pathology helps determine whether the lesion is cancerous and provides important information about the tumor type, grade, and depth of invasion. Whether the tumor has invaded the bladder muscle is particularly important for determining subsequent treatment.

5. Is a second TURBT sometimes required?
Yes. A repeat TURBT may be recommended in selected patients, such as when the initial resection was incomplete, muscle was not adequately represented in the specimen, or the tumor characteristics warrant additional assessment. The exact indication depends on the pathology and clinical findings.

6. What treatment may be needed after TURBT?
Further treatment depends on the pathology and risk category. Some patients may require intravesical therapy, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder, while muscle-invasive disease may require more extensive treatment.

7. How long does TURBT take?
The procedure commonly takes around 30–90 minutes, although larger, multiple, or difficult tumors may require longer. Hospitalization varies, and some patients can go home the same day or after a short stay.

8. What are the risks and complications?
Possible complications include bleeding, urinary discomfort, urinary infection, difficulty passing urine, bladder perforation, and temporary bladder irritation. Significant bleeding or other complications may require additional treatment or a longer hospital stay.

9. Why consider India for TURBT?
India has experienced urologists, advanced endoscopic and urological surgery facilities, modern pathology laboratories, and multidisciplinary cancer centres. Treatment costs can also be comparatively competitive for international patients.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate medical-record and imaging review, identify an appropriate urologist and hospital, obtain an indicative treatment plan and quotation, and assist with hospital and travel coordination for international patients.