India's success in oncological surgeries, including TURBT, stems from its well-established medical infrastructure, proficient surgeons, and commitment to patient care. Renowned hospitals across the country are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhere to international standards, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients undergoing bladder tumor treatment. With a multidisciplinary approach and personalized care, India has gained recognition as a leading destination for bladder cancer management.

What is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)?

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder tumors. During TURBT, a cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing the surgeon to visualize and remove abnormal tissue using specialized instruments. TURBT plays a crucial role in the management of bladder cancer by providing tissue samples for biopsy and removing visible tumors to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression.

Why is it done?

TURBT is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients suspected or confirmed to have bladder cancer. It is done to obtain tissue samples for pathological evaluation, determine the extent and characteristics of bladder tumors, and remove visible tumors to alleviate symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine), urinary urgency, and dysuria (painful urination). TURBT also serves as a vital component of bladder cancer staging and treatment planning.

Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in the urine (hematuria), urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, pelvic pain, and lower back pain.

The exact cause of bladder cancer is multifactorial, with risk factors such as smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, chronic bladder inflammation, and certain genetic predispositions playing a role.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, urine tests, imaging studies (such as cystoscopy and CT urography), and tissue biopsy.

Preparation and Procedures

Preparation for TURBT involves comprehensive pre-operative assessments and consultations with the urologist. Pre-operative evaluations may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and cardiac evaluations to ensure the patient's fitness for surgery. Patients are advised to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before surgery and may need to discontinue certain medications that could increase the risk of bleeding.

Procedures

During TURBT surgery, the patient is placed under general or spinal anesthesia to ensure comfort and pain relief. A cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing the surgeon to visualize the interior of the bladder. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon carefully removes abnormal tissue, including visible tumors, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The removed tissue samples are sent for pathological evaluation to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its characteristics.

What to Expect?

Before TURBT surgery, patients should take fasting of eight hours and abstain from using any kind of body lotions or deodorants.

During surgery, patients are asleep or under anesthesia and do not experience pain.

After surgery, patients may experience temporary urinary symptoms such as blood in the urine, urinary urgency, or discomfort, which typically resolve within a few days. Patients are usually discharged home on the same day or after a short hospital stay and advised to follow post-operative instructions provided by their urologist.

Different Types of Treatment

In addition to TURBT, treatment options for bladder cancer may include transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB), intravesical therapy (such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy), radical cystectomy, radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and treatment goals.

Best Hospitals in India

• BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore
• Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Best Doctors for the Surgery

• Dr Vikram Barua Kaushik
• Dr Ravikumar Karunakaran
• Dr R.C.M Kaza
• Dr. Vikram Sharma
• Prof. Anant Kumar
• Ashish Sabharwal
• Deepak Dubey
• Deepak Bolbandi
• Rajesh Ahlawat
• Ashish Sabharwal

Cost Comparison

India                   – USD 1600

Germany           – USD 3000

Turkey               – USD 5900

USA                    – USD 6000

Thailand            – USD 6000

FAQ

1. Is TURBT surgery painful?

   TURBT surgery is performed under anesthesia, ensuring that patients do not experience pain during the procedure. However, some discomfort may be expected during the recovery period, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the healthcare provider.

2. How long does TURBT surgery take?

   The duration of TURBT surgery typically ranges from one to two hours, depending on the size and location of the bladder tumor. Complex cases may require additional time for thorough tumor resection and meticulous tissue examination.

3. What are the potential risks of TURBT surgery?

   Like any surgical procedure, TURBT surgery carries certain risks and potential complications, including bleeding, infection, bladder perforation, urinary tract injury, and recurrence of bladder tumors. However, these risks are minimized with proper pre-operative evaluation and surgical expertise.

4. Will I need a catheter after TURBT surgery?

   In many cases, a urinary catheter may be temporarily placed after TURBT surgery to allow drainage of urine from the bladder and facilitate healing of the urinary tract. The catheter is typically removed within a few days to a week, depending on the individual's recovery progress.

5. How soon can I resume normal activities after TURBT surgery?

   Recovery time after TURBT surgery varies for each patient, but most individuals can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks after surgery. It's essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by the healthcare provider and avoid strenuous activities until cleared for resumption.

6. Will TURBT surgery affect my bladder function?

   TURBT surgery is designed to remove bladder tumors while preserving as much healthy bladder tissue and function as possible. In most cases, patients experience minimal impact on bladder function following surgery, with any changes typically resolving over time as the bladder heals.

7. Is TURBT surgery performed as a standalone procedure or part of a larger treatment plan?

   TURBT surgery may be performed as a standalone procedure for diagnosis and treatment of early-stage bladder cancer. However, it can also be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include additional interventions such as intravesical therapy, radical cystectomy, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.

8. What are the long-term outcomes of TURBT surgery?

   The long-term outcomes of TURBT surgery are generally favorable, with many patients experiencing complete removal of bladder tumors and extended periods of disease-free survival. However, regular follow-up appointments and surveillance cystoscopies may be necessary to monitor for tumor recurrence and ensure early detection and intervention if needed.

9. Can TURBT surgery be performed on an outpatient basis?

   Yes, TURBT surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home on the same day as the procedure. However, some individuals may require a short hospital stay for monitoring and post-operative care, depending on factors such as the extent of surgery and overall health status.

10. Is TURBT surgery covered by insurance?

    In many cases, TURBT surgery for the treatment of bladder cancer is covered by health insurance plans. However, coverage policies may vary depending on the specific insurance provider and policy terms. It's advisable to check with your insurance company regarding coverage for TURBT surgery and any associated costs or requirements.