Non-Robotic Cancer Surgery

Not all urological cancer procedures involve robotic surgery. Two of the most commonly performed are TURBT — the key diagnostic and staging procedure for bladder cancer — and prostate biopsy, which is used to diagnose prostate cancer. Both are central to the diagnosis and management of urological cancers and are performed without robotic assistance.

TURBT — Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour

What it is

TURBT is the standard procedure for diagnosing and staging bladder cancer. It is performed when a bladder tumour has been identified on cystoscopy or imaging, and serves two purposes simultaneously: removing the visible tumour and providing tissue for pathological analysis.

The pathology from TURBT determines the tumour grade and, critically, whether the cancer has invaded the muscle wall of the bladder — the distinction that drives all subsequent management decisions. TURBT is not just a biopsy; it is a diagnostic, staging and often initial treatment procedure in one.

What the procedure involves

TURBT is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. A cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder, and specialised instruments are used to resect the tumour under direct vision. No external incisions are required.

A urinary catheter is placed at the time of surgery and typically remains in place for one to two days. Most patients go home within one to two days of the procedure, depending on the size and location of the tumour.

In selected cases — particularly where high-risk features are present or where the initial resection may be incomplete — a second-look TURBT is recommended to confirm staging and completeness of resection before further treatment decisions are made.

After TURBT

Management after TURBT depends on the pathology. Low-risk tumours may be managed with surveillance cystoscopy. Higher-risk disease typically requires intravesical therapy such as BCG. Muscle-invasive disease triggers a more intensive pathway including staging and discussion of radical treatment options.

For a full overview of the bladder cancer pathway — including what TURBT findings mean and what happens next — see Bladder Cancer.

Prostate Biopsy

What it is

A prostate biopsy takes small tissue samples from the prostate gland for examination under a microscope. It is performed when there is clinical concern about prostate cancer — most commonly an elevated or rising PSA, an abnormal MRI finding, or an abnormality on examination.

The biopsy result determines whether cancer is present, and if so, its grade — which drives all subsequent decisions about surveillance, treatment, or further investigation.

Transperineal biopsy

Prostate biopsy at this practice is performed via the transperineal route — through the skin of the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus), rather than through the rectum. Transperineal biopsy has become the preferred approach in Australian practice because it carries a substantially lower risk of serious infection compared with the transrectal technique.

At this practice, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Targeted sampling of suspicious areas identified on MRI is combined with systematic sampling of the prostate to ensure accurate assessment.

After biopsy

Recovery is usually straightforward. There may be some bruising, urinary symptoms, or blood in the urine or semen for a short period after the procedure — this is normal and resolves on its own. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.

Results are typically available within one to two weeks and are discussed at a follow-up consultation.

For detailed information on what a prostate biopsy involves — including preparation, what to expect, and how results are interpreted — see Prostate Biopsy. For a broader overview of the prostate cancer pathway, see Prostate Cancer.

To discuss whether TURBT or prostate biopsy is appropriate for your situation, contact the rooms to arrange a consultation.

Clinical note: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions should be based on personalised assessment and discussion of options.

Last reviewed: May 2026