Patient education: Transurethral resection of a bladder tumor – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is transurethral resection of a bladder tumor? — Transurethral resection of a bladder tumor ("TURBT") is surgery to remove a tumor from the inside wall of the bladder. "Transurethral" means that it is done through the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body (figure 1).

To do a TURBT, the doctor uses a "cystoscope" (a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end) to look inside the bladder. They put the cystoscope into the urethra and move it up into the bladder (figure 2). Then, they use the scope to remove the tumor. The doctor can also take a sample of tissue (called a biopsy) to look at under a microscope.

TURBT does not involve any incisions (cuts) on the outside of the body.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

For the first 24 hours after surgery:

●Do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.

●Do not make any important decisions or sign any important papers.

●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.

You should also:

●Drink plenty of water. This is especially important if your urine looks red or if you pass small blood clots. It is normal for your urine to have a small amount of blood in it right after surgery.

●Take all of your medicines as instructed.

●Take care of the catheter, if you have one:

•Wash your hands before and after handling the catheter.

•Wash the skin around the catheter with soap and water each day. Rinse well, and pat the skin dry.

•Do not get lotions or creams on the tube.

•Keep the catheter secure. You might want to use special straps or another device to keep the bag or catheter on your leg.

•Do not let the catheter pull or catch when you move around.

•Do not let the catheter or tubing kink or loop.

•Do not clamp the catheter or tubing unless you were told to.

•Always keep the urine collection bag below your bladder.

•Drain the urine collection bag often. To empty the bag:

-Wash your hands.

-Slide the drain tube out of its holder.

-Place the drain tube over the toilet or a clean container. Do not let the drain tube touch the toilet or container.

-Open the clamp or valve, and drain the urine.

-When the bag is empty, close the clamp or valve and place it back in the holder.

-Wash your hands.

●Increase your activity slowly – Start with short walks around your home, and walk a little more each day.

•Avoid heavy lifting, sports, swimming, and sexual activity for at least a week or 2. (Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to avoid these or other activities.)

●Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, if needed. This is a common problem if you take opioid pain medicines. Follow all instructions for taking your pain medicines.

●You can also take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

What follow-up care do I need? — The doctor will want to see you again after surgery to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.

If you have a catheter, the doctor will usually want to remove it in 1 to 14 days. Do not try to remove it yourself.

The doctor might want you to see an oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●You pass out (lose consciousness).

●You have chest pain, trouble breathing, or cough up blood.

Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.

●You are not able to urinate, and your bladder feels full.

●You have pain or burning when you urinate that lasts for more than a few days.

●You have large blood clots (the size of a quarter or bigger) in your urine, or start seeing more blood in your urine.

●Your urine is thick or cloudy, or has a bad smell.

●You have very bad pain in your belly that is not helped by pain relievers.

More on this topic

Patient education: Transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a urinary catheter (The Basics)
Patient education: Bladder cancer (The Basics)

Patient education: Bladder cancer treatment; non-muscle invasive (superficial) cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bladder cancer treatment; muscle invasive cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bladder cancer diagnosis and staging (Beyond the Basics)