What is a Bladder Tumor and How Does It Develop?
A bladder tumor is an oncological condition that occurs when the cells lining the inner surface of the bladder multiply uncontrollably. Often presenting with painless blood in the urine (hematuria), this condition has a high treatment success rate when detected early. Smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals, and chronic bladder infections are among the most significant risk factors.
What is TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor)?
TURBT is the gold standard method used in both the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. This procedure is a closed surgery performed without any surgical incision, entering through the urinary tract (urethra) using specialized optical instruments (resectoscope). The surgeon scrapes the tumorous tissue inside the bladder using electrical current or laser energy and removes it for pathological examination.
The TURBT Procedure in Adana
The TURBT surgery process performed in fully equipped health centers and hospitals in Adana consists of the following stages:
- Preparation Period: Pre-operative anesthesia examination, blood tests, and imaging studies are completed.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
- Surgical Procedure: The bladder is entered with a resectoscope, and tumorous areas are cleared. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Catheterization: A temporary urinary catheter is inserted after the surgery for bladder irrigation and healing.
Recovery and Follow-up After TURBT Surgery
After the surgery, patients are usually kept under observation in the hospital for 1-2 days. Once the catheter is removed, the patient's normal urination pattern is checked. After discharge, consuming plenty of fluids, avoiding heavy physical activities, and regular use of prescribed medications accelerate the recovery process. Additional chemotherapy or immunotherapy (intravesical instillations) may be planned based on the pathology results.
Importance of Cystoscopy in Bladder Cancer Follow-up
Bladder tumors have a high tendency to recur. Therefore, after TURBT surgery, it is crucial to perform cystoscopy controls at intervals determined by pathology results (usually every 3 months in the first years). Cystoscopy is the process of re-examining the urinary tract with a camera, ensuring early detection of potential recurrences.