The first treatment for early bladder cancer is normally a Trans Urethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT). Through the urethra, the surgeon removes the tumour in your bladder. Your urine passes from the bladder to the outside of your body through the urethra. If your specialist finds any tumour or tumours in your bladder, you may have to undergo TURBT for the removal of early bladder cancer. During the operation, you will be normally asleep under the effect of general anaesthesia. The approximate duration of the operation is 15 to 90 minutes.
Before the operation
The best urologist in Kolkata will normally check your physical condition a week or two before the surgery. There may be the checking of your weight, temperature, heart and breathing rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure. You may also have to undergo a chest x-ray, blood test and ECG. You will get some instructions about your operation ad what to carry on the day of your operation. The doctor will also advise you when to stop eating or drinking before the operation. The minimum gap between the operation and your last eating time should be is normally 6 hours. However, up to 2 hours before the operation, you can have small sips of water.
You will meet your surgeon when you arrive at the hospital on the day of operation. You will have to sign a consent form. At that time you can also ask any questions you have in your mind. You will also have a meeting with your anaesthetist. You have to remove your clothing and wear a hospital gown before the operation. An hour before the operation the surgeon may put a dye into your bladder. The speciality of the dye is its sensitivity to light. A blue light will glow on the bladder lining because of the dye. The name of this particular procedure is photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). The surgeon will be able to view the areas of cancer more clearly. There will be a small tube into your vein before you are given the anaesthetic.
The operation
The surgeon will pass the cystoscope into your urethra after you go to sleep under the effect of general anaesthesia. It is possible to have a clear view of your bladder through the cystoscope. The surgeon can also pass small instruments through the cystoscope. These instruments are used to remove any tumours. In order to stop any bleeding after this, the surgeon can use a probe to seal (cauterize) the area. Within 6 hours after the operation, you may be given a dose of chemotherapy into the bladder. It is normally done to stop the bladder cancer from coming back and get rid of any remaining cancer cells.
After the operation
You will be taken to a recovery area after the operation. The urology doctors in Kolkata allow you to eat or drink normally when the operation is over. For a short time, there can be a tube (catheter) into your bladder for draining urine. Before you go home, the catheter will be removed. You may see blood in your urine for a few days after the operation. However, this will go away in a few days.
