Clifton, NJ
201-201-3456
Book Now

Treatment in Clifton, NJ

TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor)

Introduction to TURBT

Introduction to Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

Finding a growth or suspicious area in the bladder can raise many questions about what it is and what treatment may be needed. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) allows suspicious bladder tissue to be removed and examined so your doctor can learn more about the condition and determine the appropriate next steps.

At East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho performs TURBT for patients with suspected or diagnosed bladder tumors. He welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area and develops an individualized treatment plan based on each patient’s evaluation and findings.

Professional man in glasses and purple sweater in thoughtful pose at modern office space - in Clifton, NJ

What is TURBT?

TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is a procedure used to remove abnormal tissue or tumors from inside the bladder. The tissue collected during the procedure is then examined by a pathologist, providing important information about the tumor and helping guide further treatment when needed.

During TURBT, Dr. Coutinho passes a specialized instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra and into the bladder, so no external incisions are needed. Using a small electrical loop, he can remove visible tumor tissue from the bladder wall and collect samples for laboratory testing.

When technically feasible and safe, the goal is to completely remove all visible tumor and obtain tissue that allows accurate staging. The presence of bladder muscle in the specimen can be important for staging certain tumors.

After the procedure, a pathologist examines the removed tissue to determine characteristics such as the type and grade of the tumor and whether cancer cells have grown into deeper layers of the bladder tissue. Dr. Coutinho can then use these findings, along with other clinical information, to discuss the appropriate next steps in your care.

Other Treatments for Bladder and Urinary Conditions

TURBT is used to remove and evaluate abnormal tissue within the bladder, but some patients may have other urinary conditions that also require treatment. Dr. Coutinho will consider your bladder findings, urinary symptoms, and overall condition when determining whether another procedure may be appropriate as part of your care.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

TURP is used to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow due to an enlarged prostate. If prostate enlargement is contributing to urinary obstruction in addition to a bladder tumor, Dr. Coutinho can determine how both conditions should be addressed.

Who Are the Best Candidates for TURBT?

Patients with a bladder tumor or suspicious area identified during imaging or cystoscopy may be candidates for TURBT. Dr. Coutinho will review your symptoms, testing, medical history, and individual findings to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

TURBT may be recommended for patients who:

  • Have a suspected or identified tumor inside the bladder
  • Have abnormal bladder tissue that needs to be removed and examined
  • Experience blood in the urine or other urinary symptoms that have led to further evaluation
  • Need tissue collected to help diagnose or evaluate a bladder tumor
  • Are healthy enough to undergo the procedure and anesthesia
  • Understand that additional treatment or monitoring may be necessary depending on the pathology results

What Are the Benefits of TURBT?

TURBT plays an important role in evaluating and treating bladder tumors. In addition to removing visible abnormal tissue, the procedure provides tissue that can be examined to learn more about the tumor and help determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Benefits may include:

  • Removes visible bladder tumor tissue
  • Provides tissue for laboratory examination
  • Helps determine the type and grade of a bladder tumor
  • Provides information about how deeply the tumor has grown into the bladder wall
  • Performed through the urethra without external incisions
  • Helps guide decisions about additional bladder cancer treatment
Prostate and Bladder Health-evaluation

How to Begin Your TURBT Evaluation

Your TURBT treatment begins with a visit to Dr. Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He will ask about your symptoms, go over any testing you have already had, and review your medical history. From there, he can discuss whether TURBT is appropriate for your condition.

You can expect to:

  • Discuss your urinary symptoms and any concerns that led to your evaluation
  • Review your medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous procedures
  • Go over any imaging, cystoscopy findings, or other testing that has already been completed
  • Complete any additional testing needed to evaluate your bladder
  • Discuss TURBT, including what happens during the procedure and what may be learned from the tissue removed
  • Receive instructions on how to prepare for your procedure and recovery

What to Expect on the Day of TURBT Surgery

TURBT is performed with anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Before surgery begins, Dr. Coutinho and the surgical team will review your treatment plan and answer any remaining questions.

During TURBT, Dr. Coutinho passes a resectoscope through the urethra and into the bladder to locate the abnormal tissue. The bladder is filled with fluid to improve visibility, and an electrical loop on the instrument is used to remove tumor tissue from the bladder wall. The removed tissue is collected and sent to a laboratory for examination.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, a urinary catheter may be placed afterward to help the bladder drain during the initial recovery period. Dr. Coutinho will provide instructions regarding catheter care and let you know when it can be removed.

Prostate and Bladder Health-expect

TURBT Recovery

Your Guide to Post-TURBT Care

Recovery after TURBT will depend on the extent of your procedure and the amount of bladder tissue removed. Some blood in the urine, burning with urination, urinary urgency, or increased frequency can occur during the initial recovery period and should gradually improve as the bladder heals.

Some patients go home with a urinary catheter after TURBT. If you need one, you will receive instructions on how to care for it and when it should be removed. Your activity may also be limited for a period of time while you heal, particularly when it comes to heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

Follow-up care is particularly important after TURBT. Dr. Coutinho will review the pathology results from the tissue removed during surgery and discuss whether additional treatment, testing, or bladder monitoring is needed based on the findings. Some bladder tumors require a repeat TURBT even when the visible tumor was removed. This is particularly important after an incomplete initial resection and is commonly recommended for high-grade T1 disease so that the bladder can be restaged and residual tumor assessed.

How Much Does TURBT Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of TURBT in Clifton, NJ, and the greater New York metropolitan area can vary depending on your individual treatment, anesthesia, facility fees, necessary testing, and insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage depends on your plan and medical needs. Before treatment, the office can help review your benefits and explain any costs you may be responsible for. You should always verify your cost and coverage with your specific insurance carrier and plan.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho completed urology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital followed by fellowship training in genitourinary trauma and reconstruction at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University Hospitals of Cleveland. His practice includes endoscopic bladder surgery as well as management of the urinary reconstruction issues that can accompany previous pelvic surgery, radiation, or repeated instrumentation.

For TURBT, careful technique and accurate pathologic assessment are central to determining the next step. Dr. Coutinho focuses on explaining what was seen and removed during surgery, what the pathology shows, and when repeat resection, bladder-directed treatment, surveillance, or referral for additional oncologic care may be needed.

pub-banner-overlay

TURBT FAQ’S

Related Content

TURP

Prostate Biopsy

Greenlight Laser Prostate Surgery

Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

    View Gallery
Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

If testing has identified a bladder tumor or suspicious area that requires further evaluation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He can review your findings, discuss TURBT, and explain what you can expect from your procedure and follow-up care.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Contact Us