Why is this procedure done?
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor is also called TURBT. It is a surgery to take out small tumors that are on the inside wall of the bladder. The bladder is a balloon-like organ that holds urine. A TURBT may be done to take a sample of tissue to check for cancer. It may also be done to treat cancer by taking out the tumors. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order tests on your bladder and kidney function.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, a drug may be put into your spine to numb your lower body.
- Your doctor will put a tube that has a light and lens into the bladder through the urethra. This is a cystoscope. A special tool is used to scrape out tumors and burn away any cancer cells that are left.
- Your doctor may put a thin tube into your bladder to drain urine. This will also help to avoid blockage from blood clots.
- For some people, continuous bladder irrigation may be needed to flush the bladder. This keeps the urine clear of blood clots.
- The tumors are sent to a lab to be looked at.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may be able to go home the same day or you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
- You may have a small tube called a catheter in your bladder to drain urine. Your urine may have blood and small clots in it. The catheter will be removed by your doctor in about 4 to 7 days.
- You may feel the need to pass urine or have some pain while you pass urine. Your doctor may give you drugs for this.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Block caused by blood clots
- Puncture to the wall of the bladder
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BladderCancer/DetailedGuide/bladder-cancer-treating-by-stage ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/bladder/Patient/page1/AllPages#Keypoint16 ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-bladder/pages/treatment.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚