TURBT

This procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthetic, using a telescope inserted into the bladder.

The tumour is resected "piecemeal" using a wire loop which is connected to high-energy electric current to provide power for cutting. A lower energy current is used for cauterising any bleeding blood vessels.

The tumour fragments wash forwards into the bladder and are evcuated by suction at the end of the procedure. All the fragments are then carefully examined under a microscope.

Features of this video

• A fronded tumour on the right side of the bladder base (also seen in the ultrasound scan above)
• A wire loop (silver) moving back & forth to resect the tumour which then washes into the bladder
• High-energy electric current applied to the wire loop to produce cutting of tissue & sealing of any bleeding from blood vessels
• Underlying muscle of the bladder exposed once the tumour has been resected

(Video courtesy of Mr KN Bullock)