Bladder cancer, particularly when diagnosed early, often involves procedures like Transurethral Resection (TUR) and Re-TUR to manage and treat the disease effectively. Understanding these procedures and their implications is crucial for patients and their families. This FAQ aims to provide clear and concise answers to common questions regarding TUR and Re-TUR, offering insights into the process, recovery, potential outcomes, and follow-up care involved. Whether you’re facing these procedures yourself or supporting a loved one, this resource aims to clarify concerns and provide helpful information about managing bladder cancer.

General questions about bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the bladder. It is often characterized by symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pain during urination. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for managing bladder cancer effectively.

Q1: What is bladder cancer?
A1: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, an organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder.

Q2: What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
A2: Symptoms may include blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, painful urination, back pain, and pelvic pain. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Q3: What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
A3: Risk factors include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, personal or family history of cancer, age, gender (more common in men), and race (more common in Caucasians).

Q4: How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
A4: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of urine tests, cystoscopy (using a scope to view the inside of the bladder), imaging tests (such as CT scans), and biopsy.

Questions and answers about TUR-BT

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TUR-BT) along with their answers:

Q5: What is TUR-BT?
A5: TUR-BT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose, stage, and treat bladder tumors. A surgeon inserts a scope through the urethra to remove or biopsy tumors from the bladder wall.

Q6: How is the TUR-BT procedure performed?
A6: The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. A resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, and the tumor is resected (cut away) using an electrical loop or laser.

Q7: What should I expect before a TUR-BT procedure?
A7: Before the procedure, patients typically undergo preoperative evaluations, including blood tests and imaging. They should also follow their doctor’s instructions regarding fasting and medication adjustments.

Q8: What are the risks and complications associated with TUR-BT?
A8: Possible risks include bleeding, infection, bladder perforation, and scarring of the bladder or urethra. However, TUR-BT is generally considered safe, and complications are relatively uncommon.

Q9: What is the recovery like after TUR-BT?
A9: Recovery varies by individual. Patients may experience discomfort, blood in the urine, and frequent urination for a few days. It’s important to follow postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for recurrence.

Q10: What follow-up care is needed after TUR-BT?
A10: Follow-up care usually involves regular cystoscopies to monitor for recurrence, as bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate. Patients may also need additional treatments, such as intravesical therapy (chemotherapy or immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder).

Q11: Can bladder cancer be cured with TUR-BT?
A11: TUR-BT can be curative for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer if all cancerous tissue is removed. However, muscle-invasive bladder cancer often requires additional treatments such as radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder), radiation, or systemic chemotherapy.

Q12: Are there lifestyle changes I should make after a TUR-BT procedure?
A12: Patients are often advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals can also reduce the risk of recurrence. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are generally recommended.

FAQs and unswers about bladder cancer RE-TUR-BT

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Re-Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (Re-TUR-BT) along with their answers:

Questions about Re-TUR-BT

Q1: What is Re-TUR-BT?
A1: Re-TUR-BT (Re-Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is a follow-up surgical procedure performed after an initial TUR-BT. It aims to remove any residual tumor tissue, confirm complete removal, and ensure accurate staging.

Q2: Why is Re-TUR-BT necessary?
A2: Re-TUR-BT is necessary when the initial TUR-BT does not provide clear margins, when high-grade or large tumors are involved, or when muscle invasion is suspected. It helps reduce recurrence rates and ensures more accurate staging.

Q3: When is Re-TUR-BT performed?
A3: Re-TUR-BT is typically performed 2 to 6 weeks after the initial TUR-BT, allowing time for the bladder to heal but before significant tumor regrowth.

Q4: How is the Re-TUR-BT procedure performed?
A4: The procedure is similar to the initial TUR-BT, performed under general or spinal anesthesia. A resectoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to remove any remaining tumor tissue and to resect deeper muscle layers if necessary.

Q5: What are the benefits of Re-TUR-BT?
A5: Benefits include improved removal of residual tumor tissue, more accurate staging of the cancer, better assessment of muscle invasion, and reduced likelihood of cancer recurrence.

Q6: What are the risks and complications associated with Re-TUR-BT?
A6: Risks are similar to the initial TUR-BT and may include bleeding, infection, bladder perforation, and urethral stricture. However, the benefits of accurate staging and reduced recurrence often outweigh these risks.

Q7: What should I expect before a Re-TUR-BT procedure?
A7: Before the procedure, patients will undergo preoperative evaluations similar to those for the initial TUR-BT, including blood tests and imaging. They should follow instructions regarding fasting and medication adjustments.

Q7: What is the recovery like after Re-TUR-BT?
A7: Recovery is similar to that of the initial TUR-BT, with possible discomfort, blood in the urine, and frequent urination for a few days. Patients should follow postoperative care instructions and attend follow-up appointments.

Q8: How effective is Re-TUR-BT in treating bladder cancer?
A8: Re-TUR-BT significantly improves the chances of complete tumor removal and accurate cancer staging. It helps in planning further treatment, such as intravesical therapy or more extensive surgery if needed.

Q9: Will I need additional treatments after Re-TUR-BT?
A9: Depending on the pathology results, additional treatments such as intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy, radical cystectomy, or radiation may be necessary. Regular follow-up cystoscopies will be required to monitor for recurrence.

Q10: Are there lifestyle changes I should make after Re-TUR-BT?
A10: Patients are often advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals can reduce the risk of recurrence. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated is also beneficial.

Summary

This FAQs provides essential information on Transurethral Resection (TUR) and Re-TUR procedures for bladder cancer. It addresses common queries about these surgeries, covering topics such as their purpose, recovery process, potential outcomes, and post-operative care. The aim is to offer clarity and guidance to patients and their families navigating bladder cancer treatment options.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE