Recovery

Discharge Instructions for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

Choose a preferred language

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 contact your health care 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 provider says it’s okay.

  • Don’t return to work until your provider says it’s okay.

  • 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 as directed by your health care provider.


When to contact your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

  • Heavy bleeding or large blood clots in the urine.

  • Blood in the urine after 3 days.

  • A catheter that falls out or stops draining.

  • A 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.

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP

Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
Urology
Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Indwelling Urinary Catheter

You have been discharged with an indwelling urinary catheter (also called a Foley catheter). A catheter is a thin, flexible tube. An indwelling urinary catheter has two parts. These instructions will help you care for your catheter and prevent infection.

Read article
Urology
Discharge Instructions: Bladder Training with a Suprapubic Catheter

You are going home with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube that drains urine from your bladder. You'll need to train your bladder to work as it did before. Read on to learn more.

Read article
Surgery
Understanding Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial feminization surgery includes plastic and craniofacial surgeries that soften facial features. Learn more here about how and why it's done plus questions you may have for your provider.

Read article
Orthopedics
Foot Surgery: Surgical Settings

Your healthcare provider can tell you where your surgery will be done. You will also be told the type of anesthesia you’ll be given during surgery to stay pain-free during the procedure.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care