The bladder sits low within the pelvis and stores urine. It has two ureters that join to it from above, that transport urine from the kidneys. The urethra exits from the bottom of the bladder and through this, urine is passed to empty the bladder.

The Urologist has determined from the various tests you have had that it is likely that you have a bladder tumour and that surgical removal of the cancer is required.

The operation is called a transurethral resection of bladder tumour (T.U.R.B.T.). This means that the tumour is removed through the urethra and no external incisions are needed. A special telescopic instrument called a resectoscope is passed into the bladder through the urethra using an anaesthetic lubricating gel. A laser fiber or electric probe is then passed down the resectoscope and can be used to cut or burn the tumour from the inner layer of the bladder wall sealing off any bleeding areas at the same time. Any tissue that is removed is collected and sent to the laboratory where it is looked at under the microscope.

Many T.U.R.B.T's are day stay procedures which means that the majority of patients are able to return home on the same day as their operation.