TUR
From Kidney Cancer Resource
Contents |
Overview
The process of passing an instrument or various instruments through the Urethra into the Urinary Bladder, some 12-16 cms. if through the penis in a male but a lesser distance in the female.
This permits of Resection or cutting out of material whether for operative purpose or for biopsy.
This effectively permits a Laparascopic technique without incission.
Details
LEAFLET: TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION (OF BLADDER TUMOUR) – TUR(BT)
Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour is the term applied to the removal of abnormal tissue from the Bladder. Not all such tumours are cancers. It is only after careful examination of the tissue removed that a precise diagnosis can be reached.
THE OPERATION
The operation is performed under either a general or a Spinal Anaesthetic (Epidural). The Anaesthetist will advise which is the best method for you. While you are under the anaesthetic the surgeon will pass an operating telescope through the Urethra. This is the tube that connects the Bladder to the outside and it can thus be inspected carefully and if any abnormal areas are confirmed to be present, small amounts of tissue can be removed for microscopic examination (a Biopsy) or more often, any abnormal areas can be removed completely.
AFTER THE OPERATION
You will usually have a Catheter left to drain the bladder after the operation. This will allow any blood and debris to be washed out and will allow the Bladder to start healing, whilst in a drained status no pressure will delay healing nor re-open the wound from the TURBT. The Catheter can usually be removed within the first 24 hours, post operatively, and you should be able to go home shortly afterwards. Often a single dose of Intravesical Chemotherapy, will be administered before the Catheter is removed.
WHEN YOU LEAVE HOSPITAL
You may experience some discomfort and bleeding when you pass urine for 2-3 days after you leave hospital. This is to be expected and will normally improve steadily if you maintain a high fluid intake. If your symptoms remain severe you should consult your own General Practitioner. The Biopsy results may not be available before you leave hospital, in which case you will be given an outpatient appointment to discuss the results within 2-3 weeks of your operation.
BLADDER CANCER
If you are found to have a Bladder Cancer it does not necessarily mean that your life or health is at risk. However, once you have developed one Bladder Tumour others may form later. As long as any Tumours are identified and dealt with whilst they remain small and are confined to the lining of your Bladder, they can be removed by TURBT or simply burnt away by a process known as Cystodiathermy. In order to ensure that any recurrent Tumours are spotted early when they are easy to deal with, you will be advised to undergo repeated Bladder inspections at intervals of 3 – 12 months. If no recurrent Tumours are seen many of these inspections (called check cystoscopies) can be performed as an outpatient under local anaesthetic.
INTRAVESICAL CHEMOTHERAPY
The risk of developing a recurrent Bladder Tumour can be reduced significantly by administering a chemical treatment into the Bladder after the operation. This is called Intravesical Chemotherapy. A separate information leaflet is available to explain this in more detail. A course of several weekly treatments may be advised.
SERIOUS BLADDER CANCER
Most patients do not have serious Bladder Cancer but sometimes a Bladder Tumour is found which does pose a threat to you. In this situation careful evaluation is required and further Scans and X-Rays may be advised. If your Bladder Tumour is dangerous you may be advised to undergo additional treatment which may include Radio Therapy or even in some instances surgery to remove the Bladder entirely. This operation is called a Cystectomy. If you are found to have a dangerous Bladder Tumour your surgeon and his team will discuss the matter with you in detail.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
All operations involving anaesthesia carry a small risk. If you are at particular risk e.g. because of heart or chest problems. This will be discussed with you before surgery. The specific risks associated with TURBT are bleeding, which is only rarely serious enough to require blood transfusion, and Bladder Perforation which is very rare but may require open surgery if it does occur.
References
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