2014 Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours What is the bladder? The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine (pee). Urine travels from your kidneys through two tubes (ureters) into your bladder. It stays there until you feel you have to urinate (pee). At that time, the bladder squeezes the urine out of your body through a tube called the urethra. Kidney Ureter Bladder Urethra 1
Why am I having this surgery? You may have some of these bladder problems: Blood in your urine Urinating more often Pain when urinating A sudden need to urinate Because of your problem(s) and test results, your doctor believes you may have a tumour (growth) inside your bladder. You and your urologist have talked about the best treatment for you. Your urologist is going to take out the tumour. Your surgery is called a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT). Getting ready for surgery Please read the pamphlet Planning for Your Hospital Stay After Surgery. 2
The surgery Before your surgery, an intravenous (IV) will be started in a vein in your hand or arm (to give you fluids and/or medication). You will then be put to sleep, or the lower half of your body will be frozen so that you will not feel any pain during the surgery. Your doctor will pass a tube-like instrument (called a cystoscope) through the opening from which you urinate into your urethra and up into your bladder. With this scope, the doctor will look at the inside of your bladder. Any growths will be taken out. You will not have an incision (cut) on the outside of your body. After your surgery You will go to a special recovery area. Your breathing, pulse, and blood pressure will be checked often. If the growth was small, you may be able to go home when you are fully awake and stable. Otherwise, you will go back to your hospital room. Intravenous You may have an IV for about 24 hours. It is usually taken out when you are able to eat and drink. 3
Catheter and CBI You may have a catheter (a tube into your bladder that drains urine). It may be connected to continuous bladder irrigation (CBI). This solution flows constantly into your bladder to lower the chance of blood clots forming. The fluid will then drain out through the catheter into a collection bag. It is OK to have blood in your urine at this time. It will go away over the next few days. Drinking extra fluids will help get rid of the blood in your urine. After the catheter is taken out, the nurses will measure your urine. Healthy eating You will be able to eat your usual meals when you go back to your room. Activity You must have a nurse with you the first time you get up. You may move around as soon as you feel able to do so. Controlling discomfort There is sometimes a little burning the first few times you urinate. Over time this will go away. 4
At home Fluids You may see some blood in your urine on and off for the next few weeks. This is OK. If your urine is pale yellow, drink your usual amount of fluid. If your urine is red or brown-tinged, drink 8 10 glasses of fluid each day. This will wash out your bladder and help prevent infection. Alcohol slows healing. Do not drink alcohol for 1 month. Healthy eating You may eat all the foods you ate before your surgery. Bowel care Do not force or strain to have a bowel movement. This can cause bleeding from the area where the surgery was done. Avoid constipation by eating fruits, vegetables, bran, and prunes. Do not get an enema unless you have talked about this with your doctor. Activity Do not do any vigorous (hard) exercise for at least 6 weeks. You can lift up to 5 pounds, not more. Walking short distances is OK. Ask your doctor if you are not sure about any activity. 5
Car rides Do not go for long drives. Avoid bumpy roads that could cause bleeding from the site of your surgery. After 3-4 weeks, you will be able to drive again. Sex You may have mild discomfort when you go back to having sex. This will soon go away. Sexual sensation, desire, and erections should be the same as before your surgery. Medications Take all prescribed medications as told by your doctor. Check with your doctor before taking ASA (Aspirin ) or blood thinners. Going back to work Depending on your job, you may usually go back to work a few weeks after your surgery. Talk about this with your doctor. Follow-up Before you leave the hospital, you will get a follow-up appointment with your urologist. You will come back to the hospital for another checkup in about 3 months. It is important to keep your appointments so you can be watched closely. 6
Call your doctor right away if you: Have bright red urine Have a sudden onset of pain Have a fever Are unable to urinate If you need to see a doctor, please contact your family doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department unless otherwise instructed by your Urologist. If you have any questions, please ask. We are here to help you. Looking for more health information? Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazines, and other resources. For more information go to http://library.novascotia.ca Capital Health promotes a smoke-free, vape-free, and scent-free environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Capital Health, Nova Scotia www.cdha.nshealth.ca Prepared by: Urology Nursing Education Committee, QEII, Halifax Revised by: Urology Practice Council Illustration by: LifeART Super Anatomy 1 Images, Copyright 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA; Capital Health Staff Designed by: Capital Health Library Services, Patient Education Team Printed by: Dalhousie University Print Centre The information in this brochure is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider. WJ85-0482 Revised September 2014 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.