Discharge Instructions for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

You had a procedure called a resection of bladder tumor (surgery to remove a bladder tumor). During the surgery, a surgeon inserted a thin, lighted tube (cystoscope) into the bladder through the urethra (the part of your body that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The surgeon used a tool to either remove the cancer or burn it away with high-energy electricity.

Home care

• Take care of your catheter the way you were shown in the hospital. You will need to wash the tubing at least twice a day.

• Don’t be alarmed by brownish or reddish blood or clots in your urine. This is a result of the procedure. However, call your doctor if the blood does not start to go away within 72 hours after you go home.

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day (enough to keep your urine very light colored). This will help keep a healthy flow of urine.

• Don’t drive until the doctor says it’s OK. 

• Don’t return to work until the doctor says it’s OK.

• Don’t do any heavy lifting for 3 weeks after the procedure.

  • Don’t lift anything heavier than 8 pounds.

  • Don’t lift weights.

  • Don’t pick up infants or children.

• Don’t mow the lawn or use a vacuum cleaner.

• Avoid constipation.

  • Use a laxative or stool softener as directed by your doctor.

  • Eat more high-fiber foods.

• Be sure to finish the antibiotics that your doctor prescribed.

• Once your catheter is removed, expect some blood in your urine and some burning when you urinate.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment, or as directed by your doctor.