Discharge Instructions for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

You had a procedure called a transurethral resection of bladder tumor. This is surgery to remove a bladder tumor. During the surgery, a surgeon placed a thin, lighted tube (cystoscope) into the bladder through the urethra. The urethra is 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.

At home

• 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 caused by the procedure. But call your healthcare provider 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 your healthcare provider says it’s OK. 

• Don’t return to work until your provider 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.

• Prevent constipation.

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

  • Eat more high-fiber foods.

• Finish all of the antibiotics that your provider 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 healthcare provider.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Heavy bleeding or large blood clots in the urine

• Blood in the urine after 3 days

• Catheter falls out or stops draining

• Fever of 100.4°F ( 38° C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Shaking chills

• Trouble urinating

• Belly pain or cramping that won’t go away