Bladder tumours originate in the mucosa, the innermost layer of the bladder wall. The tumours most frequently occur when people are in their 70s and men are more often affected than women.

Treatment

Surgical

Bladder tumours are removed from the bladder using an electrical sling, which is currently the standard method. This scraping is performed through the urethra and is known as transurethral bladder resection (bladder TUR). The material obtained in this procedure is then sent for fine tissue (histological) examination, which determines the type of tumour and identifies how far the tumour has penetrated into the bladder wall. When combined with other factors, this contributes towards the selection of the subsequent procedure:

1. In the case of small, isolated and superficial findings, a follow-up check using bladder endoscopy at 3-month intervals is sufficient.
2. Certain superficial tumours may benefit from chemotherapy locally administered to the bladder. This is performed immediately up to 24 hours after bladder curettage and reduces recurrence of bladder tumours.
3. In the case of tumours that are superficial but have already extended under the mucosa or the case of superficial tumours present in several different parts of the bladder, repeat curettage of the bladder should be performed at an interval of 4-6 weeks.
4. In cases in which tumours have grown more deeply into the bladder wall, complete excision of the tumour is not possible by curettage and more extensive treatment is necessary, meaning that the bladder must be surgically removed (cystectomy).

There are various surgical options for replacing the removed bladder. A distinction is drawn between continent and incontinent urinary diversions. The method to be used is decided based on various criteria, in which age, sex and certain previous diseases or previous surgical operations play a crucial role.

Our hospital offers all modern and commonly-used methods of urinary diversion and has many years of experience in this field.