Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder tumors. Here's an overview of TURBT:
Indications for TURBT
Bladder Tumors: Suspicious lesions found during cystoscopy or identified on imaging studies (such as CT scan or ultrasound).
Biopsy: To obtain tissue samples for pathological examination to determine if the tumor is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
Procedure Overview
1. Preoperative Preparation
Patients may be instructed to stop taking blood-thinning medications before surgery.
A thorough evaluation includes imaging studies (such as CT scan or ultrasound) and cystoscopy to assess the location and extent of the tumor.
2. Anesthesia
TURBT is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia, depending on the extent and complexity of the procedure.
3. Procedure Steps
Insertion of Cystoscope: The patient is usually positioned on their back. A cystoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to visualize the tumor.
Resection of Tumor: Using specialized instruments passed through the cystoscope, the surgeon carefully removes the tumor tissue from the bladder wall. The tumor is shaved or resected in small pieces.
Biopsy: Tissue samples are collected during the resection for pathological examination to determine the type and grade of the tumor.
Hemostasis: Any bleeding vessels in the bladder are cauterized (burned) or sealed to minimize bleeding.
Bladder Irrigation: Saline solution may be used to wash out debris and blood from the bladder.
Advantages of TURBT
Diagnostic and Therapeutic: Allows for both diagnosis (biopsy) and treatment (resection) of bladder tumors in a single procedure.
Minimally Invasive: No external incisions are made, resulting in faster recovery compared to open surgery.
High Success Rate: Effective in removing superficial bladder tumors and obtaining tissue samples for accurate diagnosis.
TURBT is a standard and effective procedure for diagnosing and treating superficial bladder tumors. It plays a crucial role in the management of bladder cancer by providing tissue samples for accurate diagnosis and removing tumors to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.
