Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

What is the surgical approach used for a transurethral resection (TUR) of a bladder tumor?

1. Open surgery

2. Laparoscopic surgery

3. Endoscopic surgery

4. Laser surgery

The correct answer is: Endoscopic surgery

The surgical approach utilized for a transurethral resection (TUR) of a bladder tumor is endoscopic surgery. This technique involves the insertion of an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and tools) through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the surgeon to visualize and remove the tumor with precision. Endoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, which means it typically results in less pain, quicker recovery times, and a shortened hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery. The TUR procedure specifically involves the removal of bladder tumors and can also help diagnose and stage bladder cancer. While other surgical approaches exist, they do not apply to the TUR procedure. Open surgery involves larger incisions and is more invasive. Laparoscopic surgery, though minimally invasive, is generally not used for bladder tumors due to their specific anatomical location. Laser surgery is a technique that can be utilized, but it is often considered a variation of endoscopic approaches, making endoscopic surgery the most accurate term for the TUR process.