TUR (Transurethral Resection)
to Treat Bladder Cancer
During the evaluation, your doctor will use cystoscopy to look inside your bladder. When the cancer is in an early stage and growing slowly (low grade), it can often be removed using cystoscopy. Removing a tumor during cystoscopy is called transurethral resection (TUR). Typically, tissue removed during TUR is studied to see if more treatment is needed.
Removing the Tumor
TUR is typically performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. When the tumor is large, you can expect to be kept in the hospital overnight. You will receive anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Regional anesthesia numbs only the lower part of your body. If you were given general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep.
During a Procedure
A cystoscope containing a cutting tool is gently inserted into your bladder to examine your bladder. If tumors are discovered, they will be removed, whenever possible. A sample of the tumor (biopsy) and normal-looking tissue may be taken. These samples are examined under a microscope for cancer cells. A laser may be used to burn a tumor away. The laser will destroy the tissue, so none is left for a biopsy.
Following the Procedure
Afterwards, a catheter (flexible tube) may help drain your bladder for a few days. Bladder tumors may come back (recur) following treatment. To ensure that all cancer cells are destroyed, TUR may be followed by other types of treatment, including intravesical therapy. This employs special medications placed in the bladder to destroy cancer cells.
Possible Complications and Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bladder perforation