Description

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose, stage, and treat bladder cancer. Here’s a detailed overview:

Familiarity with Treatment

TURBT is a common procedure for managing bladder cancer, particularly non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. It allows for the removal of tumors from the bladder wall without the need for open surgery.

Procedure

1. Preparation: Patients are typically advised to fast for 8 hours before the procedure and may need to stop certain medications. They should arrange for someone to drive them home afterward.
2. Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general or regional (spinal) anesthesia.
3. Resectoscope Insertion: A resectoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and a small electrified wire loop, is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
4. Tumor Removal: The surgeon uses the wire loop to cut and remove the tumor. The resectoscope may also be used to take biopsy samples.
5. Completion: The procedure usually takes about an hour and is often done on an outpatient basis, though some patients may need to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days¹².

Who is it Suitable For?

• Patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
• Individuals needing a biopsy to confirm a bladder cancer diagnosis and determine its stage and grade³.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Patients with large or aggressive bladder tumors.
• Those with recurring tumors may require alternative treatments like chemotherapy¹.

Advantages

• Minimally invasive with no external incisions.
• Allows for both diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure.
• Shorter recovery time compared to open surgery².

Complications

• Bladder Perforation: Rare but serious.
• Infections: Including urinary tract infections.
• Bleeding: Some blood in the urine is normal, but excessive bleeding requires medical attention.
• Urinary Issues: Temporary difficulty in controlling urine¹².

Previous Care

• Follow preoperative instructions from the healthcare provider.
• Ensure all medications and supplements are discussed with the provider.

Aftercare

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the bladder.
• Monitor: Watch for signs of infection or excessive bleeding.
• Follow-up: Regular check-ups to monitor for recurrence of tumors¹².