What is TURBT?
TURBT stands for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour. It is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the bladder and remove abnormal tissue or tumours, most commonly when bladder cancer is suspected or has already been diagnosed.
TURBT plays an important role in both the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, particularly non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The procedure is usually performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic and does not require any external incisions. Your surgeon passes a thin instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra and into the bladder, allowing the tumour to be carefully identified and removed.
The tissue removed during TURBT is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results can confirm whether cancer is present and provide important information about its type, grade and how deeply it has grown into the bladder wall. This helps your consultant determine whether the TURBT is likely to be the main treatment required or whether further treatment or monitoring is recommended.
Your consultant will talk you through the procedure, your expected recovery and the next steps in your care based on your individual results.
Consultants who perform TURBT in London
Why might I need a TURBT?
You may be referred for a TURBT following investigations that have identified an abnormal area or tumour within the bladder.
TURBT is the main surgical treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and is often the first treatment recommended following diagnosis. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the tumour, or tumours, from inside the bladder and sends the tissue to a laboratory for detailed analysis.
The results help your consultant understand the stage and grade of the bladder cancer, including how far it has grown into the bladder wall and how the cancer cells appear under a microscope. This information is important in determining whether any further treatment or monitoring is needed.
For patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a second TURBT may be recommended within six weeks. This allows your surgeon to check that the tumour has been completely removed and provides further information about the extent of the cancer.
Why choose us for TURBT surgery?
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, our private urology service in London provides expert, consultant-led care from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up. Patients benefit from:
- Experienced consultant urologists
- Fast access to investigations and treatment
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities
- Consultant-led, personalised care
- Comfortable private rooms and specialist nursing care
- Coordinated follow-up and ongoing bladder monitoring where required
Our team will ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment, with your care tailored to your individual diagnosis and needs.
How much does TURBT cost?
£3,575
The cost of private TURBT surgery is from £3,575* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
FAQs about TURBT
TURBT stands for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour. It is a procedure used to remove abnormal tissue or tumours from inside the bladder and obtain tissue for laboratory analysis.
Yes. TURBT is an important part of diagnosing bladder cancer. The tissue removed is examined to establish whether cancer is present and provide information that helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
TURBT can remove visible bladder tumours and is an important treatment for many patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Further treatment or monitoring may be required depending on the results.
No external incision is normally required. The procedure is performed by passing surgical instruments through the urethra and into the bladder.
Recovery varies between patients and depends on the extent of the procedure. Your consultant will advise when you can return to work, exercise and other normal activities.
This depends on the results of the tissue analysis and the type and stage of any bladder cancer identified. Your consultant will discuss your results and recommend any further treatment or surveillance required.
Medically reviewed by Mr Leye Ajayi - MBBS MD FRCS FRCS (Urol) on 01/09/2026