Bladder Cancer Treatment with TURBT in Israel

At the "Top Ichilov" medical center, one of the most modern methods is used for the treatment of bladder tumors - Trans Urethral Resection for Bladder Tumor (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 Ichilov" clinic.

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TURBT: Stages of Surgical Intervention

Diagnostic Examination:

• blood tests (biochemistry, general, coagulation, etc.) and testing for tumor markers;
• ECG;
• chest X-ray;
• cystoscopy and biopsy (if indicated).

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

• The operation is performed under intravenous anesthesia (general anesthesia).
• A cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, the organ's cavity is examined, the lesion is identified, and the extent of the intervention is determined.
• A loop of the resectoscope is brought to the lesion through the cystoscope, and the tumor is excised and removed with its help. Multiple tumors may be removed during the intervention.
• The tissues after excision of the neoplasm are coagulated, preventing 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 tumors develop specifically in the urothelium. Urothelial involvement is a superficial (non-invasive) malignant disease; when the tumor penetrates deeper into the wall tissues, the cancer is considered invasive and deep.

Among other cancers, bladder cancer ranks fourth; it was previously noted that women are affected less frequently than men, but in the last decade, this trend has shifted, and cancer has become more common in women. This trend is explained by the fact that men previously abused smoking more, but recent years have shown an increasing 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, which is why 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, 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 tumor localized in the urothelium; in more extensive cases, surgical intervention is performed differently 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 measured. If blood is present 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 bladder tumor treatment at the "Top Ichilov" 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.