Cystoscopy and Bladder Tumour Resection
The Procedure
Either a full general anaesthetic (where you will be asleep throughout the procedure) or a spinal anaesthetic (where you are awake but unable to feel anything from the waist down) will be used. Your anaesthetist will explain the pros and cons of each type of anaesthetic to you.
A telescope is inserted into the bladder and the tumour removed piecemeal using heat cautery. The tumour fragments are sent for pathology analysis. A catheter may be inserted after the procedure for 1 -2 days.
The results of your biopsies will usually take 14-21 days to come through. Arrangements for a follow –up appointment will be explained to you before you leave hospital.
Depending on the biopsy results, further investigations (e.g. X-ray, CT scan), instillation of drugs into your bladder (chemotherapy/immunotherapy) or a further admission may be arranged for you.
Most procedures have a potential for side-effects and these are outlined below.
Common (greater than 1 in 10)
- Mild burning or bleeding on passing urine for short period after operation
- Temporary insertion of a catheter for bladder irrigation.
- Need for additional treatments to bladder in attempt to prevent recurrence of tumours. Including drugs installed into the bladder.
Occasional (between 1 in 10 & 1 in 50)
- Infection of bladder requiring antibiotics.
- No guarantee of cancer cure by this operation alone.
- Recurrence of bladder tumour and/or incomplete removal.
Rare (less than 1 in 50)
- Delayed bleeding requiring removal of clots or further surgery.
- Damage to drainage tubes from kidney (ureters) requiring additional therapy.
- Injury to the urethra causing delayed scar formation.
- Perforation of the bladder requiring a temporary urinary catheter or open surgical repair.
When you get home, you should drink plenty of water for the next 24-48 hours to flush your system through and minimise any bleeding. You may notice some burning, frequency and pain in your lower abdomen initially but this usually settles over a few days.
If you develop a fever, severe pain on passing urine, inability to pass urine or worsening bleeding, you should contact your GP immediately.
