What Is TURBT?

What Is TURBT?

Consider transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) to be a dual-purpose technique where diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer can be done together. This is like a two-in-one purpose. Here is how it works. The physician utilizes a flexible, long, thin tool with a camera at the end. This helps the physician to see the inside of the bladder. If the physician finds any tumor inside the bladder, it will be cut and sent to a pathologist for further examination. The pathologist further works on the specimen to determine the type of cancer, stage, and grade.

What is the best part? No incision is required. TURBT is performed by inserting a tube into the urethra rather than making an incision in the belly region. Thus, TURBT is a minimalistic procedure to identify and treat cancer present in the bladder.

How Do You Get Ready for TURBT?

Preparing for TURBT surgery for bladder cancer is not complicated. Still, one thing is that you have to follow the instructions given by your physician to avoid any complications and to make the procedure go smoothly.

Here is what you have to do -

• Stop eating anything for eight hours before the procedure.

• Inform your doctor about your current medications. Some medications need to be stopped before the procedure. Do not stop any medications without your physician's consent.

• Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure, as you might be exhausted. It is not safe for you to ride or drive back home.

• You can take a shower or bathe before the procedure, but avoid using lotions, moisturizers, and fragrances.

• Inform your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.

• Wear comfortable clothes because you will need to change into a hospital gown before the procedure.

How Is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor Performed?

Now that we are prepared and ready for the procedure, here is what we can expect during the process:

• Your doctor will administer spinal anesthesia, which numbs the lower half of the body and keeps you aware of your surroundings, but you will not be able to move. Or a general anesthesia, which makes you sleep throughout the procedure, will be opted for, depending on the situation and the doctor's choice. In either technique, you will not feel any pain.

• Sometimes, your doctor injects a dye into the bladder through a catheter. This helps them locate the cancer in the bladder when viewed under a special light. This procedure is done an hour before the surgery.

• Your doctor will insert a long, thin, flexible tool called a cystoscope into the bladder through the urethra. Yes, you read it right. No cuts are made during the procedure. The tube is inserted through a tube through which urine is excreted out of your body. The fascinating part is that the tube has a tiny camera and a light for the physician to have a clear view of the internal part.

• Then, the tumor is located, and, using a small surgical tool, it is cut and sent to the laboratory for further investigation. Sometimes, high-energy lasers can also be used in the cystoscope to remove the tumor with minimal damage.

• Then, the bleeding areas are drained using a catheter to get them out, or a heating tool can also be used to seal the areas that are bleeding.

• Then, your doctor will remove the tube and insert a catheter to drain the urine from the bladder. Sometimes, the bladder is flushed with saline to prevent infection. Although not everyone needs a catheter, if you do, do not be concerned—it’s only temporary!

And that is it! The operation normally lasts less than an hour, and once completed, you will begin your healing journey.

Do You Need to Stay in a Medical Facility After TURBT?

After the procedure, your doctor will monitor you for some time before sending you home to ensure everything is fine. In most cases, the catheter will be removed after the procedure, but in some cases, the catheter will not be removed; this helps to remove blood in urine. You will be instructed to consume more water to prevent any infection.

Potential Side Effects of TURBT:

TURBT has some adverse effects. This is expected; when there is something nice and advantageous, it obviously will have a few negative aspects too, right?

So, here is the list of side effects one might encounter:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - Since a catheter is sometimes used, the possibility of UTI is high.

• Bleeding - If there is blood in the urine for a long time, consult your doctor.

• Bladder Injuries - Though rare, sometimes you may get a tear or cut during the procedure.

• Risks Associated with Anesthesia - You may encounter breathing difficulty and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

• Others - A few other complications include scarring of the bladder and blockage in the ureter.

How Can You Manage the Symptoms After the Procedure?

Some of the signs you might experience after TURBT include the following:

• One would experience urination more often than before. This is because the bladder may irritate, making one feel the need to urinate often.

• A mild burning sensation after the procedure is familiar, but it will generally subside within a week or ten days. Drinking a lot of water can help manage it.

• Hematuria (blood in urine). Consult a doctor if you see blood in your urine.

• Improper bladder control. Practicing specific exercises can assist you.

Conclusion:

Now, we have learned what TURBT is and how the procedure is performed. You may also experience certain side effects and complications after the procedure. In such a case, report it to your doctor. They can help you manage the side effects. It is significant to remember that TURBT is most suitable for early-stage cancers. Performing this procedure can help avoid the spread of cancer.

Key Takeaway/Note from Icliniq

TURBT is a procedure used to identify and treat bladder cancer. The main advantage of the procedure is that it does not require cuts to access the tumor. If you have any questions, speak with your doctor before the procedure. If you want more clarity about the procedure, you can reach doctors at Icliniq, who are experts in various methods of treating bladder cancer.