Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Cancer with TURBT Method
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that plays a crucial role in managing suspected or confirmed bladder cancer. This procedure is primarily used for examining the bladder, removing abnormal tissue for testing, and, if necessary, treating bladder tumours [1].
The TURBT process involves inserting a resectoscope - a thin instrument equipped with a camera and surgical loop - through the urethra into the bladder. This allows specialists to visualize and surgically remove any suspicious growths, including bladder tumours, from the bladder lining [2]. The removed tissue is then sent for pathological examination to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the tumour stage [1][4].
Recovery after TURBT typically includes some discomfort, such as pain or burning during urination, but this usually settles within a few days. A catheter is often placed to facilitate urine drainage and remains for several days to allow healing. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, avoid heavy lifting, and refrain from sexual activity for a period. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for infections, tumour recurrence, or urinary function issues. With proper post-operative care, most patients recover fully, experiencing improved urinary function [3].
The significance of TURBT in bladder cancer lies in its dual role:
- Diagnostic: It provides tissue samples that confirm cancer diagnosis and allow staging, which guides further treatment decisions.
- Therapeutic: It removes visible tumours, often reducing tumour burden and sometimes completely eradicating non-muscle invasive tumours.
Effective TURBT quality strongly influences patient prognosis and overall bladder cancer treatment outcomes [1][2][4]. Early detection and complete resection of tumours via TURBT can significantly enhance long-term survival and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
In most cases, bladder cancer diagnosed in the early stages is non-muscle-invasive, meaning the tumour hasn't spread into the deeper layers of the bladder wall. If the tumour is low-grade and hasn't spread, no further treatment may be needed after TURBT [5]. However, depending on lab results, additional care such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be suggested to reduce the chance of recurrence.
By removing tumours promptly and analysing them, TURBT allows the care team to act fast and plan the right next steps. This procedure helps reduce the risk of cancer growing or spreading by quickly removing visible tumours and confirming their nature.
At Urocare, the TURBT treatment offers a modern, patient-focused approach using the latest techniques in bladder cancer diagnosis and removal. This procedure is commonly used as the first step when bladder cancer is suspected, helping doctors identify the type, grade, and stage of the cancer. Early diagnosis of bladder cancer gives better treatment options and a better outlook. Close monitoring is essential in managing bladder cancer long-term, and TURBT offers a clear path to early detection and targeted treatment.
References: [1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Bladder cancer diagnosis and staging. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html [2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Bladder cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/patient/bladder-treatment-pdq [3] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2015). Bladder cancer: diagnosis and management. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg81 [4] UpToDate. (2021). Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/transurethral-resection-of-bladder-tumor-turbt-for-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer [5] American Urological Association. (2021). Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: aUA guideline. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/guidelines/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer-a-aua-guideline
Science has played a crucial role in developing minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT), for managing medical-conditions like bladder cancer. This health-and-wellness treatment process analyzes the removed tissue for cancerConfirmation and cancer staging, which guides therapies-and-treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy to reduce the chance of recurrence.
