TURBT stands for transurethral resection of a bladder tumour. It involves putting a special tube (a cystoscope) up the urethra into the bladder. The cystoscope can be used to snip off tumours growing in the bladder.

The urethra is the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside. Surgeons can see the inside of the bladder by passing a tube called a cystoscope, up the urethra into the bladder. They can also pass instruments through the cystoscope and use these to snip off growths on the inside of the bladder. Afterwards, a probe carrying a mild electric current is used to burn (cauterise) the area to stop any bleeding.

Sometimes a chemotherapy drug such as Mitomycin C is put into the bladder after the tumours have been removed. This is called intravesical chemotherapy and is used to reduce the chance of tumours growing back again. Not all patients have this done. Your specialist will be able to tell you if this may be needed in your case.

A TURBT can be done under a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic. It usually involves a stay of a day or two in hospital.

After the operation you will have a catheter (tube) in place to drain urine from your bladder into a bag. Some bleeding is common after a TURBT so you may notice blood in the urine collected in the bag. You may also have your bladder washed out (irrigated). This means putting fluid into the bladder through the catheter, then draining the fluid into the catheter bag. Bladder irrigation is done to wash blood and blood clots out of the bladder.

Usually the catheter is taken out after a day or two, when the bleeding has stopped. Once the catheter is out you will be able to pass urine as normal but your urethra may feel uncomfortable. Drinking plenty of fluids dilutes your urine and can make it less uncomfortable. Some people need to take mild painkillers for a day or so.

You will be encouraged to drink between 1 to 2 litres of fluid per day for at least two weeks after the operation. This helps to clear your urine and reduces the risk of infection. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for you to take to help prevent infection.

Sometimes after a week or two more blood appears in the urine. This is caused by the scab coming away from the area bladder that was treated and is usually not a problem. Drinking extra fluids can help to settle this. But, if you are concerned contact your doctor.

If you have symptoms such as

• feeling hot, or cold and shivery
• cloudy or smelly urine
• pain when passing urine which isn't getting better

contact your doctor straight away. These may be signs of an infection and need treatment.

After you return home it is best to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and driving for the first two weeks. It is also a good idea to contact your car insurance company to let them know about your operation and check when you will be covered to start driving again.