Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women. It develops when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the bladder and form tumours. 

While this condition can sound worrying, advances in modern urology have made early diagnosis and treatment much more effective. One of the most frequently used treatments is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT).

This procedure plays an essential role in both diagnosing and managing bladder cancer, but many patients wonder whether it’s enough to cure the condition. 

What is TURBT?

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove abnormal growths from the bladder lining. It’s often the first treatment recommended when bladder cancer is suspected or confirmed.

During the procedure, a thin instrument called a resectoscope is gently inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. 

The surgeon uses a small electrical loop to remove visible tumours and surrounding tissue for analysis. Because TURBT doesn’t require any external cuts, recovery is generally quicker than open surgery.

TURBT helps determine how aggressive the cancer is and whether it has spread into deeper layers of the bladder wall. This information allows specialists to plan further treatment if needed.

The role of TURBT in treating bladder cancer

TURBT is usually performed for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In these cases, the tumour remains within the inner layers of the bladder and hasn’t spread to the muscular wall.

When the cancer is caught at this early stage, removing all visible tumours through TURBT can sometimes be enough to clear the disease. 

However, bladder cancer often has a tendency to recur, so doctors may recommend follow-up treatments to reduce the risk of the tumour returning.

In contrast, if the cancer has invaded deeper muscle tissue, TURBT might only be part of the overall treatment plan rather than the sole solution.

Can TURBT cure bladder cancer?

Whether TURBT can cure bladder cancer depends on several key factors:

• The stage of the cancer: Early-stage, non-muscle-invasive cancers are more likely to be successfully treated through TURBT alone.
• The grade of the tumour: Low-grade tumours tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to spread, while high-grade ones carry a higher risk of recurrence.
• Follow-up care: Regular cystoscopies and maintenance treatments are vital to monitor progress and catch any new growths early.

In some patients, TURBT can completely remove the cancer and achieve remission, especially if the disease is detected at an early stage. However, bladder cancer can return, so continuous monitoring is essential.

What happens after the procedure?

After TURBT, most patients stay in hospital for a short period, usually one or two days. A thin tube called a catheter might be used temporarily to help drain urine while the bladder heals.

It’s normal to experience mild discomfort, a burning sensation, or blood in the urine for a few days. Drinking plenty of fluids helps clear the bladder and speeds up recovery.

Once the tissue samples have been analysed, your consultant will discuss the results and whether any further treatment is required. This follow-up is crucial because the pathology report determines the next steps in managing bladder cancer effectively.

Additional treatments after TURBT

Even when all visible tumours are removed, additional therapy may be advised to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The most common option is intravesical therapy, where medication is delivered directly into the bladder.

The two main types are:

• Intravesical chemotherapy, which targets remaining cancer cells and lowers the chance of new tumours forming.
• Immunotherapy (such as BCG treatment), which helps the immune system recognise and destroy abnormal cells.

Your specialist will choose the most suitable treatment depending on your tumour’s grade, stage, and recurrence risk. These therapies are often used alongside regular monitoring to keep your condition under close observation.

Monitoring and follow-up care

Ongoing follow-up care is an essential part of bladder cancer management. Because the disease can return even after successful treatment, regular cystoscopy examinations allow your doctor to check for any new tumours.

You might need to attend check-ups every few months during the first year, then less frequently as time goes on. Imaging tests or urine cytology may also be used to detect changes in the bladder lining.

By keeping to this schedule, doctors can act quickly if anything unusual appears, improving the likelihood of long-term control or remission.

What are the advantages of TURBT?

TURBT offers several advantages for both diagnosis and treatment:

• It provides an accurate diagnosis by allowing tissue analysis under a microscope.
• It’s less invasive than traditional open surgery, meaning faster recovery and fewer complications.
• It can be repeated safely if new tumours appear.
• It helps doctors plan further treatment by determining tumour stage and grade.

Because of its dual purpose in diagnosis and therapy, TURBT remains the gold standard first-line treatment for most bladder cancer cases.

Living after TURBT

Life after TURBT can usually return to normal once recovery is complete. However, you might be advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, drinking water regularly, and attending follow-up appointments all contribute to long-term well-being.

Emotional support is also important. Learning you’ve had bladder cancer can be overwhelming, but early detection and modern treatments mean many people live full, healthy lives after TURBT.

Your healthcare team will guide you throughout your recovery, ensuring you understand each step and feel supported along the way.

TURBT can be a life-changing procedure

TURBT plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer. For many patients with early-stage, non-muscle-invasive disease, it can completely remove the tumour and achieve remission. However, because bladder cancer can return, ongoing monitoring and, when appropriate, further therapy are essential for long-term success.

Related read: How Many Times Can You Have TURBT For Bladder Cancer?