TURBT Newcastle
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour, known as TURBT, removes a growth from the bladder through the urethra without any external incision. It both treats the tumour and provides the tissue needed to determine its nature and guide further care.
What is TURBT?
TURBT stands for transurethral resection of bladder tumour. It is a keyhole procedure performed through the urethra, the natural urinary passage, to remove a tumour or suspicious growth from the bladder.
No cuts are made on the abdomen. An instrument is passed into the bladder to remove the visible tumour safely.
TURBT serves two essential purposes:
- It removes the tumour
- It provides tissue for microscopic examination
The removed tissue is analysed to determine whether the growth is cancerous and, if so, its grade and stage, meaning how aggressive it appears and how deeply it has grown into the bladder wall.
This staging information is central to bladder cancer care. Early tumours confined to the lining often require bladder-directed treatment and surveillance. Tumours that extend deeper may require more involved care.
TURBT is performed under anaesthetic. A short hospital stay is usual and a temporary catheter is typically required afterwards. In selected cases, a single dose of medication may be placed into the bladder shortly after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.
Remove, then understand
TURBT removes the tumour and establishes its exact nature.
Tumour removal
The visible growth is removed through the urethra using specialised instruments.
Tissue for staging
The tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm whether it is cancer and determine how far it has grown.
Guides further treatment
The pathology result determines whether surveillance, intravesical therapy or more involved treatment is needed.
Who TURBT may suit
TURBT is recommended for people who:
- Have a bladder tumour identified during cystoscopy
- Need a bladder growth removed and examined
- Require staging to plan bladder cancer treatment
- Have been advised tumour resection is necessary
It is often the first definitive step following identification of a bladder lesion.
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant explains the findings from cystoscopy and confirms that TURBT is the appropriate next step. - The procedure
Under anaesthetic, the tumour is removed through the urethra. There are no external incisions. - Results and plan
Once pathology results are available, your consultant explains the stage and grade and outlines the next stage of treatment or surveillance.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for TURBT in Newcastle?
No external incision
The procedure is performed entirely through the urethra.
Treats and diagnoses
Removes the tumour and provides essential staging information in one operation.
Guides ongoing care
Accurate staging ensures the right treatment pathway is selected.
Consultant-led throughout
Assessment, surgery and follow-up are delivered by an experienced urologist.
From removal to management
TURBT is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Not every tumour requires the same follow-up. Management depends on the pathology findings.
For non-muscle-invasive tumours, treatment may include intravesical therapy and scheduled cystoscopy surveillance. For muscle-invasive tumours, further coordinated care is arranged promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Is TURBT major surgery?
It is keyhole surgery carried out through the urethra under anaesthetic. It is less invasive than open surgery and typically involves a short hospital stay.
Will I need a catheter?
A temporary catheter is usually required for a short period after the procedure.
Why is the tissue examined?
Microscopic examination confirms whether the tumour is cancerous and determines its stage and grade.
Will I need further treatment?
This depends on the pathology results. Many early tumours require surveillance and bladder-directed therapy. More advanced tumours require coordinated further treatment.
Do I need a referral?
No. Self-referral is welcome and appointments can be arranged directly.
Book your urology consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception01189207055
- Location
The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA
