TUR-B is the procedure of scraping away and removing tumor tissue on the inner surface of the bladder using an endoscopic method by entering through the urinary canal. It is one of the fundamental urological procedures that can be applied for both diagnosis and treatment.
With this procedure, the tumor tissue is cleared and pathological staging is done with the samples taken.
Main Purpose
- To remove the bladder tumor
- To determine the depth and stage of the tumor
- To evaluate the risk of the disease spreading
- To clarify the treatment plan
In Which Situations Is It Applied?
1. Suspicion of a bladder tumor
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Masses detected by imaging
2. Need for diagnosis + staging
- Determining whether the tumor has progressed into the muscle layer
3. Resection for treatment purposes
- Removal of superficial bladder tumors
How Is TUR-B Performed?
- A cystoscope/resectoscope is inserted through the urinary canal
- The inside of the bladder is visualized with a camera
- The tumor tissue is removed piece by piece with an electric current
- The removed tissue is sent for pathological examination
Advantages
1. Provides both diagnosis and treatment
- In the same procedure, the tumor is removed and staging is done
2. Does not require open surgery
- It is an endoscopic, minimally invasive method
3. Provides accurate staging
- It plays a critical role in determining the treatment plan
4. Possibility of rapid intervention
- It is the first-line treatment in bladder tumors
Possible Risks
- Blood in the urine
- Bladder irritation
- Risk of infection
- Rarely, bladder perforation
- Recurrence of the tumor
The Postoperative Period
- Catheter use for usually a few days
- Mild blood in the urine may be seen
- Additional treatment is planned according to the pathology result
- Regular cystoscopic follow-up is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it completely cleared in a single procedure?
It depends on the stage, depth and aggressiveness of the tumor. While a single procedure may be sufficient in some patients, in most cases a repeat TUR-B or additional treatments and regular follow-up may be needed.
Does it recur after the procedure?
Yes. Since there is a risk of recurrence in bladder tumors, regular follow-up is essential.
Is it a painful procedure?
Since it is usually performed under anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure.
How long does recovery take?
On average, a return to daily life is possible within a few days, but full recovery requires a short follow-up period.
Clinical Summary
TUR-B is an endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical method used as the first step in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder tumors. It both allows the tumor tissue to be removed and enables the stage of the disease to be determined.
