What is bladder lesion removal?
Bladder lesions are abnormal growths or tumours on the bladder lining. They are removed by having an operation called a transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).
During a TURBT, a thin rod-like instrument with a tiny light and lens on the tip, called a cystoscope, will be carefully inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Saline solution (salt water) will be passed through the cystoscope and the surgeon will find the lesion and insert a special wire loop through the cystoscope. An electric current is passed down the wire loop and used to cut or burn off the lesion.
TURBT usually lasts about 30 minutes (slightly longer if more than one lesion is present) and generally involves a hospital stay of one or two nights.