Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is ​TURBT?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is TURBT ?

.

Why do you need TURBT?

TURBT is indicated for:

  • Bladder tumors:
    • Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC, stages Ta, T1, or CIS; 75–80% of cases).
    • Benign tumors (e.g., papillomas, rare).
    • Suspicious lesions found on cystoscopy or imaging (e.g., hematuria workup).
  • Diagnostic purpose:
    • Biopsy to confirm cancer type, grade, and stage.
  • Therapeutic purpose:
    • Remove visible tumors to prevent progression.
  • Associated treatments:
    • Often followed by intravesical therapy (e.g., BCG or chemotherapy) for high-risk NMIBC.
  • Timing:
    • Performed in adults (average age 65–70 years at diagnosis); urgency depends on tumor grade and symptoms (e.g., hematuria).

The procedure aims to remove all visible tumors, stage the cancer, and guide further treatment, using a transurethral approach to avoid external incisions.

Why Do TURBT Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

TURBT Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
    • Preparation: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe.
    • Consent: Risks, including recurrence, are explained.
  • Surgical Technique:
    • TURBT:
      • Performed under general or spinal anesthesia, lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour.
      • Process:
        • A resectoscope (thin tube with camera and wire loop) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
        • Tumor resected: Wire loop cuts and removes tumor tissue; cautery controls bleeding.
        • Biopsy: Samples taken from tumor and surrounding bladder wall (to check for invasion).
        • Bladder wash: Saline irrigation removes debris; may include chemotherapy (e.g., mitomycin-C) to reduce recurrence.
      • Post-op: Catheter placed for 1–3 days to drain urine and blood clots; continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) may be used.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Resectoscope: Visualizes and resects tumor.
      • Bipolar cautery: Controls bleeding.
      • Blue light cystoscopy (if available): Uses fluorescence to detect carcinoma in situ (CIS).
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1–3 days.
    • Care: Catheter removed after 1–3 days; monitor urine output and color (expect blood initially).
    • Pain management: Mild pain or burning during urination for 3–5 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol).
    • Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks; drink plenty of water to flush bladder.

Recovery After TURBT

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–3 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Discomfort: Mild burning or urgency during urination for 3–5 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks; light activities in 3–5 days.
    • Catheter: Removed in 1–3 days; blood in urine (hematuria) normal for 1–2 weeks.
    • Bladder: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to flush; avoid irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol) for 2 weeks.
    • Results: Pathology report in 5–7 days; informs further treatment (e.g., BCG for high-risk NMIBC).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (check healing), 1 month (cystoscopy), and every 3 months for 2 years (high recurrence risk).
    • Cystoscopy: Monitors for recurrence (30–50% for NMIBC).

Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 2–4 weeks. Success rate: 80–90% for complete tumor removal in NMIBC; recurrence rates are 30–50% within 5 years, requiring vigilant follow-up.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Hematuria; may need re-catheterization or reoperation (<1%).
    • Infection (3–5%): UTI; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Bladder perforation (1–3%): Small tears during resection; may need catheter for longer or repair.
    • Urethral stricture (1–2%): Narrowing from catheter; may need dilation.
    • Bladder irritability (5–10%): Urgency/frequency; often temporary, resolves in 2–4 weeks.
    • Tumor seeding (rare, <1%): Cancer cells spread during resection; mitigated by intravesical therapy.
  • Long-Term:
    • Recurrence (30–50%): NMIBC often recurs; needs regular cystoscopy.
    • Progression (10–20%): To muscle-invasive cancer; may require cystectomy (bladder removal).

Report fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for TURBT?

Bladder tumors, usually NMIBC (75–80% of cases); often linked to smoking, chemical exposure, or chronic bladder irritation.

Can I avoid TURBT?

No, if tumor confirmed: TURBT is diagnostic and therapeutic; monitoring alone risks progression.

Is TURBT painful?

Mild discomfort for 3–5 days, managed with medication; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 3–5 days; full recovery: 2–4 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks.

Is TURBT covered by insurance in India?

Often covered (medical necessity); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate.

Will I need more treatments after TURBT?

Likely for high-risk NMIBC: Intravesical BCG (6 weeks) or chemotherapy; regular cystoscopy to monitor recurrence.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Drink plenty of water, avoid bladder irritants, quit smoking (reduces recurrence), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for TURBT

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)?

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove tumors from the bladder lining, primarily used to diagnose and treat non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which accounts for 75–80% of bladder cancer cases. It involves inserting a resectoscope through the urethra to resect and biopsy tumors without external incisions. In the Philippines, TURBT is performed in urology departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering advanced care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need TURBT?

TURBT is indicated for:

  • Bladder Tumors:

    • Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC): Stages Ta, T1, or carcinoma in situ (CIS); accounts for 75–80% of bladder cancer cases.

    • Benign Tumors: Rare (e.g., papillomas, <5% of cases).

    • Suspicious Lesions: Found during cystoscopy or imaging, often due to hematuria (blood in urine).

  • Diagnostic Purpose: Biopsy to confirm cancer type, grade, and stage (e.g., low-grade vs. high-grade NMIBC).

  • Therapeutic Purpose: Remove all visible tumors to prevent progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

  • Prevalence: Bladder cancer affects ~2–3 per 100,000 in the Philippines, with higher rates in men and smokers; NMIBC is the most common presentation.

  • Associated Treatments:

    • Post-op: Intravesical therapy (e.g., Bacillus Calmette-Guérin [BCG] or chemotherapy like mitomycin-C) for high-risk NMIBC to reduce recurrence (used in 30–40% of cases).

    • Follow-up: Regular cystoscopy to monitor recurrence.

  • Timing: Performed in adults (average age 65–70 years at diagnosis); urgency depends on tumor grade and symptoms (e.g., persistent hematuria or high-grade lesions).

The procedure aims to remove all visible tumors, provide accurate staging, and guide further treatment, using a transurethral approach to minimize invasiveness and promote quick recovery.

Why Do TURBT Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000, based on:

  • Procedure Complexity:

    • Simple TURBT (single tumor, no additional therapy): ₱100,000–₱150,000.

    • Complex TURBT (multiple tumors, intravesical therapy, or blue light cystoscopy): ₱150,000–₱300,000.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱150,000–₱300,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱40,000–₱100,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or Z Benefit Package).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced urologists charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs: Anesthesia (₱10,000–₱30,000), hospital stay (₱10,000–₱20,000/day), pathology (₱10,000–₱20,000), medications (₱5,000–₱10,000), intravesical therapy (₱20,000–₱50,000 per course).

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱20,000–₱50,000 depending on case type); private insurance may cover additional costs for medical necessity. Confirm with your provider.

TURBT Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Assessment:

    • Cystoscopy: Visualizes tumor size, location, and number; performed in clinic or hospital.

    • Imaging: CT scan or MRI to assess tumor depth or spread (if MIBC suspected; used in 20–30% of cases).

    • Urine Tests: Cytology to detect cancer cells; urinalysis to rule out infection.

    • Blood Tests: Blood sugar, kidney function (creatinine), clotting profile.

  • Preparation: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, 5–7 days prior if safe); fasting 4–6 hours (for anesthesia); antibiotics if infection present. Consent includes discussion of risks like recurrence or bladder perforation.

  • Consent: Risks, including recurrence and progression, are explained.

Surgical Technique:

  1. TURBT:

    • Performed under general or spinal anesthesia, lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    • Process:

      • A resectoscope (thin tube with camera and wire loop) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

      • Tumor Resection: Wire loop cuts and removes tumor tissue; bipolar cautery controls bleeding.

      • Biopsy: Samples taken from tumor and surrounding bladder wall to check for invasion (e.g., muscle involvement).

      • Bladder Wash: Saline irrigation removes debris; single-dose intravesical chemotherapy (e.g., mitomycin-C) may be instilled post-op to reduce recurrence (used in 20–30% of cases).

      • Catheter: Placed for 1–3 days to drain urine and blood clots; continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) may be used for heavy bleeding.

    • Available at advanced centers like St. Luke’s and The Medical City.

  2. Intraoperative Tools:

    • Resectoscope: Visualizes and resects tumor.

    • Bipolar Cautery: Controls bleeding.

    • Blue Light Cystoscopy (if available): Uses fluorescence to detect carcinoma in situ (CIS); improves detection by 20–30% but not widely available in the Philippines.

  3. Alternative Approaches: Rarely, laser ablation used for small tumors (less common).

After Surgery:

  • Hospital Stay: 1–3 days.

  • Care: Catheter removed after 1–3 days; monitor urine output and color (blood in urine normal for 1–2 weeks).

  • Pain Management: Mild burning or urgency during urination for 3–5 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol) and urinary analgesics (e.g., phenazopyridine).

  • Instructions: Avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks; drink 2–3 liters of water daily to flush bladder; avoid bladder irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol) for 2 weeks.

Recovery After TURBT

  • Hospital Stay: 1–3 days.

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Pain/Discomfort: Mild burning or urgency during urination for 3–5 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity (e.g., heavy lifting, sports) for 2–4 weeks; light activities (e.g., walking) in 3–5 days.

    • Catheter: Removed in 1–3 days; blood in urine (hematuria) normal for 1–2 weeks, gradually clearing.

    • Bladder: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily to flush bladder; avoid irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods) for 2 weeks.

    • Results: Pathology report in 5–7 days; determines cancer stage/grade and need for further treatment (e.g., BCG for high-risk NMIBC).

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visits at 1 week (check healing), 1 month (discuss pathology, first cystoscopy), and every 3 months for 2 years due to high recurrence risk.

    • Cystoscopy: Monitors for recurrence (30–50% for NMIBC within 5 years).

  • Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 2–4 weeks. Success rate: 80–90% for complete tumor removal in NMIBC; recurrence rates are 30–50% within 5 years, requiring vigilant follow-up.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Bleeding (2–5%): Hematuria; may need re-catheterization or reoperation (<1%).

    • Infection (3–5%): Urinary tract infection (UTI); treated with antibiotics.

    • Anesthesia Risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.

  • Post-Surgery:

    • Bladder Perforation (1–3%): Small tears during resection; may need prolonged catheterization or surgical repair (rare).

    • Urethral Stricture (1–2%): Narrowing from catheter or resectoscope; may need dilation.

    • Bladder Irritability (5–10%): Urgency/frequency; often temporary, resolves in 2–4 weeks.

    • Tumor Seeding (rare, <1%): Cancer cells spread during resection; mitigated by intravesical therapy.

  • Long-Term:

    • Recurrence (30–50%): NMIBC often recurs; requires regular cystoscopy.

    • Progression (10–20%): To muscle-invasive cancer; may require cystectomy (bladder removal, ₱500,000–₱1,500,000).

  • Report fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for TURBT?
Bladder tumors, usually NMIBC (75–80% of cases), often linked to smoking (50% of cases), chemical exposure (e.g., dyes), or chronic bladder irritation.

Can I avoid TURBT?
No, if a tumor is confirmed: TURBT is essential for diagnosis and treatment; monitoring alone risks progression to invasive cancer.

Is TURBT painful?
Mild discomfort (burning/urgency) for 3–5 days, managed with medication; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 3–5 days; full recovery: 2–4 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks.

Is TURBT covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱20,000–₱50,000); private insurance typically covers medical necessity. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate require immediate attention.

Will I need more treatments after TURBT?
Likely for high-risk NMIBC: Intravesical BCG (6-week course, ₱20,000–₱50,000 per dose) or chemotherapy; regular cystoscopy for monitoring.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Drink plenty of water, avoid bladder irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol), quit smoking (reduces recurrence by 20–30%), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion​

TURBT is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing and treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with a quick recovery but a need for vigilant follow-up due to high recurrence risk. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide advanced care at costs ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱300,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach treatment confidently. Consult a urologist for personalized guidance and to ensure timely management.

Looking for Best Hospitals for TURBT

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
30,000
100,000
Antipolo
30,000
100,000
Bacolod
30,000
100,000
Bacoor
30,000
80,000
Baguio
30,000
100,000
Butuan
30,000
80,000
Cagayan de Oro
30,000
100,000
Caloocan
30,000
80,000
Cebu City
40,000
150,000
Dasmariñas
30,000
80,000
Davao City
40,000
150,000
General Santos
30,000
100,000
General Trias
30,000
80,000
Iligan
30,000
100,000
Iloilo City
30,000
100,000
Las Piñas
30,000
100,000
Makati
40,000
150,000
Malolos
30,000
80,000
Manila
40,000
150,000
Muntinlupa
30,000
100,000
Parañaque
30,000
100,000
Pasay
30,000
100,000
Pasig
40,000
150,000
Puerto Princesa
30,000
100,000
Quezon City
40,000
150,000
San Fernando
30,000
80,000
San Jose del Monte
30,000
80,000
Taguig
40,000
150,000
Valenzuela
30,000
80,000
Zamboanga City
30,000
100,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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