When you are anaesthetised your consultant surgeon will place a slim fibre-optic telescope (cystoscope or resectoscope) up into your bladder through your urethra. This is a special tube that allows your consultant surgeon to see your bladder lining. The visible tumour(s) will be cut away from the lining of your bladder wall using surgical instruments inserted down the side-channels of the resectoscope. This can sometimes cause bleeding. Once your consultant surgeon has removed a tumour, the bleeding is prevented or reduced using a mild electric current to cauterise (burn) the area the tumour was removed from.
If there is a lot of bleeding, you may have a fine tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to allow your bladder to empty and to remove any debris. Occasionally, the catheter needs to be kept in for several days if the bleeding continues. It will be removed when your urine becomes rosé coloured or clear, before you leave the hospital.
Depending on your individual circumstances and the size of your tumour(s), the procedure may take between 15 minutes and an hour. The tumour(s) will be sent to the laboratory for examination. Once the procedure is over you will be taken into the recovery area to allow the anaesthetic to wear off. You will then be taken back to your inpatient room and when you are fully awake the nursing team will encourage you to drink plenty of water.