TURBT is a surgical procedure performed through a cystoscope (a thin tube with a camera) inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The procedure allows the urologist to visualise, biopsy, and remove bladder tumours using specialised instruments. Unlike open surgery, TURBT requires no external incisions, making it less invasive with shorter recovery times.
The primary purpose of TURBT is to completely remove all visible bladder tumours while obtaining tissue samples for accurate diagnosis and staging. The procedure helps determine the type of bladder cancer, its grade (how aggressive the cells appear), and whether the tumour has invaded the bladder muscle layer. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
TURBT addresses various bladder conditions including non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) for staging purposes, and suspicious bladder lesions requiring diagnosis. The procedure has shown positive outcomes in managing early-stage bladder cancers, with many patients requiring only periodic surveillance following successful tumour removal.
