A tumor is usually referred to as an abnormal growth of a tissue which can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren’t cancerous. They can often be removed, and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors on the other hand are cancerous and are made up of cells that grow beyond control.
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a surgical procedure for identification and removal of bladder tumors which can lead to bladder cancer. TURBT is an endoscopic procedure which utilizes two instruments a Cystoscope for the identification of the tumor or growth in the bladder and a Resectoscope for its surgical removal. Followed by the surgery the biopsied tissue is sent to the pathology lab for evaluation. The pathology report suggests whether the growth is a benign or malignant. TURBT is a standard treatment for identification and removal of bladder tumors which can be cancerous.
What is urinary bladder ?
The urinary bladder is muscular, balloon like organ which is hollow inside. It is present in your pelvis and connected to your kidneys by two tubes called ureters. Urine passes down these tubes and is collected and stored in the bladder. Urine is passed out via the tube like structure, the urethra which is connected to the bladder . In women this is a short tube which opens up in front of the vagina while in men it is much longer and passes through the prostate and penis.
What causes bladder cancer ?
The exact etiology for bladder cancer still remains a mystery but it is suggested that it could be a result of frequent urinary tract infections, parasitic infections, side effect of people working in paint and dye industry or smoke from tobacco which gets filtered in the kidney as well.
What are the types of bladder cancer ?
Bladder tumors can be a benign one or a malignant one and usually affects males in their 5-7th decade. When the bladder tumor is cancerous it can spread to other tissues of the body. Depending on the lining of the normal bladder which is made up of transitional epithelium most of the bladder cancers are transitional cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and papillary cancers are the lesser common ones.
Who needs a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
If an individual is experiencing symptoms like blood in urine (Hematuria) which is the most common symptom of bladder tumor. Other symptoms may include the urge for frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating and pain while urinating.
Why is a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure indicated ?
As mentioned above TURBT is a standard treatment for bladder tumors. In fact it is considered as the first line of surgical option for bladder tumors. Medical treatments are not very effective in treating bladder tumors and TURBT also helps in laboratory analysis for the surgically removed tissue to identify the type of tumor whether it is benign or a malignant one, as then the treatment can be appropriately planned.
How do you prepare for a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
The consulting surgeon will conduct a series of tests to rule out any medical conditions which can complicate the procedure. The consulting surgeon also conducts a thorough examination to clinically arrive at a diagnosis of a bladder tumor. Ultrasound imaging might be indicated as a adjunct for the identification of bladder tumor. Your doctor will suggest you to get admitted to the hospital a day prior to the procedure and will be asked to stop any previous medications as suggested by the treating doctor. The doctor will also ask you to indicate you to increase your fluid intake. You will be restricted from eating or drinking anything atleast 6 hours before the procedure.
Will you be given anesthesia during the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
The anesthetist will administer general anesthesia before the start of the procedure. Sedatives might also be administered to put you to sleep to calm you during the procedure.
What happens during the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
Once the anesthetic effect is evident the operating surgeon will insert a fibre-optic telescope which is also called as a Cystoscope to identify the growth or tumor in the lining of the bladder. Another fibre-optic telescope which is called as the Resectoscope is used to remove the tumor from the wall of the bladder. A catheter might be inserted for collection of urine during the procedure. To avoid bleeding electric current might be used cauterize or burn the area where the tumor was avoid bleeding. The entire procedure may take around fifteen minutes to an hour depending upon the size of the cancer or cancers. The tissue obtained during the procedure is sent for laboratory examination to identify the type of tumor and decide the further treatment plan. If the biopsied tissue shows signs of cancerous transformation and if the cells appear malignant, the TURBT procedure could be followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy sessions as suggested by the consulting surgeon and the oncologist.
What happens after the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
After the surgical procedure you will be shifted to a recovery area and once u regain your consciousness after the effect of anesthesia is worn off the doctor and the nurse might ask you to drink plenty of water to empty your bladder. The catheter is kept in place to help in urinating and prevent bleeding.
What should you expect after the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
The consulting surgeon will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure before the surgery. You will be discharged 48 hours after the procedure. The recovery time might need two weeks or more. The doctor will give u post-operative instructions like do not lift anything heavy, do not drive until you are comfortable and start mild exercise avoiding any strenuous work outdoor contact sports as these might complicate the outcome of the procedure. You might experience mild pain and burning sensation in the urine occasionally. You must also drink lot of water to keep your bladder empty.
What are the risks of a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
Like any other surgical procedure risks like nausea, infection, pain and bleeding on urination might be encountered. Lesser common risks include damage to the bladder lining, damage to the ureter /urethraor perforation of the bladder which might require further intervention.
Will you need a further treatment ?
Depending on the type of tumor ( benign or malignant) your consulting doctor might suggest you further treatment. If the tumor is benign on laboratory diagnosis usually no further treatment is required but if it appears to be malignant or cancerous the doctor might advice you to start chemotherapy or radiotherapy to prevent the further spread of the cancerous growth.
What is the outcome of a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
TURBT is a procedure which cannot completely cure a cancerous growth but it is usually con sidered as the first line of treatment for bladder cancer which can arise in a bladder tumor. It definitely removes the tumor from the wall of the bladder but a follow up is essential to rule out any leftover or newly formed tumor or growth of the bladder wall. The consulting specialist will suggest you the best suited treatment depending on the symptoms to prevent the spread, recurrence and cancerous transformation of the bladder tumor.
How to find urologists for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure ?
Now you can find urologists for TURBT procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple urologists, get approximate cost of TURBT procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a urologist for TURBT procedure. Find and choose a urologist for TURBT procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
