Many people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year. We tell our patients that bladder tumor resection is often curative, but it also provides information and a diagnosis in terms of aggressiveness of the tumor, chances of cure and recurrence.
TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMOR (TURBT)
TransUrethral Resection of bladder tumors is a bladder tumor treatment with no incisions. The entire procedure is done under general anesthesia (asleep) via the urethra (penis). We now utilize state-of-the-art high-definition cameras to visualize the bladder. We then use plasma-vaporization devices to basically remove the bladder tumor.
The best way to think of a bladder tumor is that it is a weed. Just like weeds, there are weeds with superficial roots that you can pluck right out, and there are weeds with deep roots that despite pulling, you can’t completely pull them out.
For superficial tumors, TURBT is often curative (fully treated). For deeper tumors, further bladder tumor treatment is necessary.
For some patients, at the conclusion of the case, we utilize a medicine such as mitomycin C (I call it my version of weed killer) to reduce the chance of bladder tumor recurrence.
TURBT is usually performed in the hospital or outpatient surgical center, and takes approximately one hour.
POST-PROCEDURE
After this bladder tumor treatment procedure, patients may have a variety of minor issues. Although many patients may do fine with no issues, some patients may experience minor, temporary issues such as noticing burning with urination, frequent urination, small clots, pink/red colored urine, or occasional discomfort that radiates from the kidney to the bladder. Again, these usually tend to be minor issues, and resolve within one to two days after the procedure. Definitely rest up for a day or two after a TURBT. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water to wash out your system. Within a day or two, your urine will begin to clear up and look normal.
Definitely rest up for a few days after the procedure. For pain, Advil®, Motrin®, or prescription Toradol® usually work great, but never take medication without clearing it with your doctor first. These medications are great anti-inflammatories and are nonnarcotic, so you don’t get sleepy, constipated or have other issues. Take them on a regular basis the first two to three days after the procedure. For pain not relieved by these medications, use the prescription Tylenol® with codeine or Vicodin® that was prescribed for you.
BOWELS
Do not strain when having a bowel movement. Expect irregular bowel habits until fully recovered. You may need to increase fiber in your diet and take a stool softener or laxative. Do not take blood thinners or aspirin products for one week or as directed by your physician.
ACTIVITY
Take it easy for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment for 48 hours following anesthesia. You may be able to resume nonstrenuous activities after 48 hours, unless otherwise directed by your physician. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting greater than 20 pounds, bike riding, and yard work for two weeks, as the vibrations and movement may cause bleeding. Avoid sexual activity for two weeks after surgery.
CATHETER
You may need a catheter to drain your bladder, depending upon the extent of your surgery. Catheters are usually removed within a few days in the Urology Clinic. Wash around the catheter with soap and water and rinse well. You may shower, but avoid baths until the catheter is removed.
EXPECTED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
You may experience urinary urgency and/or frequency for the first month following this bladder tumor treatment. This is normal, but you may want to talk to your doctor about medications that may relieve this. You may have a small amount of bleeding with urination on occasion that could be accompanied by small blood clots. This is also normal and should be relieved by increasing your fluid intake. You may experience some normal mild burning and discomfort during urination which should subside in one to four weeks.
DIET AND FLUID
Avoid coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, citrus juices, spicy foods and smoking for the first month following surgery. Increase your intake of fluids, particularly water — 24-48 ounces over your usual daily fluid intake is typically recommended during the first two weeks of your recovery.
FOLLOW-UP
Usually, Dr Nimeh or his staff will communicate to you a desired follow-up time frame. Please call us the day after the procedure to verify a time to see us in the office and to remove your catheter.
LONG TERM
The problem with bladder tumors is that just like weeds, they have a nasty habit of coming back. The source of the bladder tumor, which 90% of the time is associated with smoking, affects the entire bladder and those effects are long lasting. That means that we place each of our patients through a very rigorous, scientifically validated protocol for surveillance of tumor recurrence. The great news is that bladder cancer, when detected early and managed properly, can be managed with good outcomes.