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This information gives you an overview of intravesical treatment using Mitomycin C after transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT). It includes information on how we deliver it, common side effects, and how to manage them. If you have any concerns or would like further information, contact your urology doctor or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Their contact details are below.

You can find information about bladder cancer on the Macmillan Cancer Support website. Please ask your CNS if you’d like a printed copy of the information.

This treatment involves putting chemotherapy through a catheter into your bladder. The chemotherapy is called Mitomycin C. It is used after TURBT if we suspect that there might be cancer in your bladder.

The treatment works by slowing or stopping cancer cells from growing in your bladder. Research has shown that having Mitomycin C shortly after TURBT can reduce the chance of a bladder cancer coming back.

After your TURBT, we send the tissue we removed to the laboratory to check for cancer. We may not have the results before your treatment, so we can’t be completely certain you have cancer. However, your urology doctor recommends a single treatment because you have a high risk of bladder cancer.

If you choose not to have this treatment, your urology team can discuss what this means for you. If you do have bladder cancer and you haven’t had this treatment, the chance of the cancer coming back may be slightly higher.

If you choose not to or are unable to have Mitomycin C after your TURBT, you will not be offered an alternative treatment. That's because the TURBT procedure is the most important part of your treatment, as it removes the tissue suspected to be cancer.

If your cancer returns or spreads, we may offer you the following treatments:

  • another TURBT procedure
  • other intravesical treatments
  • radiotherapy
  • surgery to remove your bladder

Ask your CNS or doctor if you want more information about these treatments.

A doctor or nurse caring for you on the ward will tell you how to prepare for this treatment. Please feel free to ask them any questions you may have.

You will have this treatment after your TURBT while you’re still admitted to the ward.

  • A ward nurse will give you the treatment.
  • First, they will:
    • check that your urine is clear.
    • make sure that you are well enough to have the treatment.
  • Your doctor puts a catheter in place during your TURBT. The nurse uses this to put the chemotherapy into your bladder.
  • Once the chemotherapy is in your bladder, the nurse clamps the catheter to keep the treatment in place.
  • The chemotherapy stays in your bladder for up to one hour.
    • It’s fine if it stays slightly longer.
    • Some people can’t keep it in for a full hour, usually because their bladder feels uncomfortable after TURBT.
    • Don’t worry if you can’t keep it in for one hour as it won’t affect the overall benefit.
  • While the chemotherapy is in your bladder, we recommend that you change positions regularly. This is to help the chemotherapy reach all areas of your bladder. You can do this by moving from side to side in bed or by walking around if you feel able.
  • You can eat something if you want to during the treatment.
  • You can go home once the treatment is finished and you are ready to be discharged from hospital.

Side effects usually start within three to four hours after treatment and last up to 24 hours. Tell your ward nurse or doctor if you have severe pain during or immediately after your treatment. Common side effects include:

  • Bladder discomfort. This is likely to be caused by the TURBT procedure.
  • Cystitis. You might feel pain or a burning feeling when you pee, need to pee more often than usual, or see blood in your urine. Don’t worry if this happens as it is normal. It helps to drink plenty of fluids. Contact your GP if these symptoms do not start to improve, or get worse, three days after the procedure.
  • Blood in your urine. It is common to see blood in your urine every so often for several weeks after your TURBT procedure.
  • A rash on your body. This happens very rarely. If it does, please tell your GP. 

If you develop any of the following symptoms, immediately go to your local Emergency department (A&E):

  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty breathing
  • face swelling
  • severe tummy pain
  • unable to pass any urine

  • For the first few days after your TURBT and chemotherapy: 
    • Drink 1 to 2 litres of fluid, each day. This keeps your urine diluted, which will make your recovery more comfortable. It also reduces the chances of developing a urinary tract infection.
    • Avoid caffeine drinks (such as tea and coffee), fizzy drinks and alcohol as these can irritate your bladder.
  • Your urine may have small traces of chemotherapy for up to six hours after receiving it. So, it’s important to take some simple precautions during this time.
    • We recommend that both men and women sit down when using the toilet as this reduces the risk of spills or splashes. 
    • Flush the toilet twice with the lid down each time you use it.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water after you pee.
    • If you get urine on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
  • If you can, take paracetamol or ibuprofen as this may help if you have bladder pain or discomfort. Please always read the instructions for use.
  • Avoid sex or use a condom for 48 hours.

Research shows that smoking can cause bladder cancer to come back. Speak to your healthcare team if you need support to stop smoking. Or visit nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking

Your hospital doctor will see you two to three weeks after your TURBT. This appointment is to discuss your results and check how you are recovering. You are welcome to bring a family, friend or carer with you to this appointment. Contact your healthcare team if you don’t get your appointment.

Action on Bladder Cancer (ABC-UK)
0300 302 0085
ABC is a UK charity made up of healthcare professionals and patients. They are dedicated to improving the lives of people with bladder cancer and raising awareness of it.

British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS)
BAUS is a charity which promotes high standards in urology for patients. They have a range of information for patients about tests and treatments.

Fight Bladder Cancer
01844 351 621
Fight Bladder Cancer is a UK charity founded and run by bladder cancer patients and their families.

Macmillan Cancer Support
0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Provides clear information, emotional support, and practical advice.

The Urology Foundation (TUF)
TUF is a UK charity that helps improve urological health and care. They offer clear information about bladder cancer symptoms, tests, and treatments. They also offer advice on life after cancer treatment.

If you have an urgent medical concern, contact your GP or call NHS 111.

If you need urgent medical attention, go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).

UCLH urology service contact details

You can contact the UCLH urology team Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding public holidays).

For general enquiries, appointments, or hospital admissions, please contact the superficial bladder cancer and renal service:

For non-urgent clinical queries, contact your CNS:

Services

Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://uclh.franktesting.co.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/intravesical-treatment-using-mitomycin-c-chemotherapy-after-transurethral-resection-bladder-tumour-turbt

Service information

Page last updated: 26 May 2026

Review due: 01 May 2028