What is it?
This is the removal of a bladder tumour using a telescope. This is usually for bladder cancer.
Do I need treatment?
Yes. Usually this is the first treatment option for bladder cancer. It confirms that the bladder tumour is cancer as it is sent away for analysis. It also assesses the type of bladder cancer which allows us to determine how to follow you up and if you need more cancer treatment.
What does surgery involve?
The procedure will be performed under a general anaesthesia or a spinal anaesthesia. A spinal anaesthesia means you may be awake or sleepy; however you will be numb from your waist downwards. A telescope is passed into the bladder. The tumour is removed with electricity and heat. Chemotherapy liquid may be placed into the bladder after the procedure. This reduces the risk of the cancer returning. The liquid is called Mitomycin C. This would remain in your bladder for an hour after which it is drained via a catheter. The catheter remains in your bladder for a few days depending on the size of the bladder tumour. In addition, fluid is passed via the catheter into your bladder to wash out blood clots. The catheter and the fluid would continue until your urine is a light rose colour. The tumour is sent away to the laboratory for analysis.
How long will I be in hospital?
You will usually go home after an overnight stay.
What can I expect after discharge?
It is normal to expect on-going light pink urine for a few weeks. Sometimes this may darken after 2 weeks when the scab from the operation site falls off. This does not require any concern unless you feel unwell. It is important to drink sufficient amounts to continue flushing out blood clots; this will also help your urine return to its normal colour. You may also pass small blood clots; if these are big and cause you to struggle to pass urine, please seek advice from your surgeon.
What are the possible complications?
- Bleeding which may require return to hospital or another operation
- Infection which may require antibiotics
- Burning when you pass urine for a few days
- Hole in the bladder: this is rare and usually means the catheter needs to remain for longer than normal to allow the bladder to heal. Extremely rarely, we may need to make a cut in the abdomen to repair the bladder formally.
- The cancer may return
- Injury to the kidney tubes or waterpipe
- Further cancer treatment