Bladder Cancer Treatment with TURBT in Israel

At the Top Ihilov Medical Center, one of the most modern methods is used for the treatment of bladder tumours - Trans Urethral Resection for Bladder Tumour (TURBT - surgical removal of the formation through the urethra).

TURBT is a minimally invasive surgical intervention performed by experienced and highly professional surgeons at the Top Ihilov clinic.

Reviews from grateful patients of the Top Ihilov clinic

TURBT: stages of the surgical intervention

Diagnostic examination:

• blood tests (biochemistry, general, coagulation, etc.) and testing for tumour markers;
• ECG;
• X-ray examination of the lungs;
• cystoscopy and biopsy (if indicated).

The TURBT operation is performed endoscopically, with the neoplasm being removed through the urethra using special equipment - a resectoscope.

• The operation is performed under intravenous anesthesia (general anesthesia).
• A cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, the cavity of the organ is examined, the focus of the lesion is determined, and the volume of intervention is assessed.
• A loop of the resectoscope is brought to the focus through the cystoscope, and with its help, the tumour is excised and removed. During the intervention, multiple tumours may be removed.
• The tissues after excision of the neoplasm are coagulated to prevent bleeding.
• Chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents are introduced into the bladder cavity.
• The bladder cavity is catheterized.

The surgical intervention lasts on average one hour.

TURBT: diagnosis and symptoms

The bladder is a hollow organ lined internally with a waterproof layer (urothelium), which prevents urine from being absorbed into the bladder wall tissues and leaking into the pelvic cavity. Medical practice shows that bladder tumours develop specifically in the urothelium. Urothelial involvement is a superficial (non-invasive) malignant disease; when the tumour penetrates deeper into the wall tissues, the cancer is considered invasive and deep.

Among other cancerous lesions, bladder cancer ranks fourth; it was previously noted that women are less frequently affected than men, but in the last decade, this trend has shifted, with cancer becoming more common in women. This trend is explained by the fact that smoking was previously more prevalent among men, but recent years have seen a growing nicotine dependence among women.

Toxic substances entering the body through smoking are excreted by the kidneys along with urine, but while in the bladder cavity, they can harm the epithelial walls. Other causes of bladder cancer include: constant contact with chemical and toxic substances; chronic inflammatory processes in the urinary system; exposure to ionizing radiation; genetic predisposition; and much more.

Patients often perceive the symptoms of the disease as manifestations of bladder inflammation, so they consult a urologist only after the symptoms are pronounced and do not resolve with standard treatment. Patients complain of:

• hematuria (urine colored with blood);
• dull pain in the bladder, a feeling of fullness, irritation;
• frequent urination or urinary retention, burning during urination;
• frequent urgent urges to urinate, etc.

TURBT is indicated only in the presence of a non-invasive tumour localized in the urothelium; in more extensive cases, surgical intervention is performed in another way depending on the extent of the lesion (up to cystectomy).

TURBT: postoperative and rehabilitation periods

After the surgical intervention, the patient is transferred to the postoperative ward for observation for two hours, after which the patient is hospitalized for two days in the inpatient department.

During hospitalization, the patient's general condition is monitored, the functionality of the bladder is assessed, and urine output is evaluated. If there is blood in the urine, the bladder cavity is irrigated through the catheter. Clear urine and good organ function are indications for catheter removal.

The rehabilitation period is considered to be about three weeks, during which the patient fully recovers and can return to an active life.

Four weeks after the operation, a general examination for recurrence is conducted, and cystoscopy may be performed three months after the surgical intervention.

More detailed information about the treatment of bladder tumours at the Top Ihilov Medical Center can be found on the website by filling out the form. The consultation is free, and one of the leading urologists at the center will answer your questions.