Bladder Procedures

A urodynamic procedure is a diagnostic test that evaluates how well the bladder, urethra, and associated muscles store and release urine. Typically performed in a clinical setting, the test involves placing small catheters in the bladder and rectum to measure pressure during bladder filling and emptying. The bladder is gradually filled with sterile water while the patient reports sensations such as fullness or urgency. Once full, the patient is asked to urinate, allowing the healthcare provider to assess flow rate, pressure, and coordination between the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. The entire process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes and provides valuable insights into issues such as incontinence, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder, helping guide effective treatment.

A urology flow test, also known as a uroflowmetry test, is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to measure the flow rate of urine to assess how well the urinary tract is functioning. During the test, a patient is asked to urinate into a special funnel or device that is connected to an electronic flow meter. This device records the amount of urine, the speed at which it is passed, and how long it takes to empty the bladder. The results help urologists evaluate urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, difficulty starting urination, or frequent urination. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like an enlarged prostate, urinary obstruction, or issues with bladder muscle function. The test typically takes only a few minutes, and no special preparation is needed other than having a full bladder at the time of the test.

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. It is performed using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, called a cystoscope, which is gently inserted through the urethra into the bladder. The procedure allows the doctor to visually inspect the lining of the bladder, identify any abnormalities, and, if necessary, take small tissue samples for biopsy. It is usually done under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes, though in some cases sedation or general anesthesia may be used. Cystoscopy is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, or unexplained bladder pain, and it plays a key role in diagnosing and managing various urological conditions.

If any suspicious areas are detected during cystoscopy, the doctor may perform a bladder biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue from the bladder wall for further examination. The biopsy is often done using small forceps passed through the cystoscope. A bladder biopsy is crucial for diagnosing conditions like bladder cancer, infections, or other bladder disorders. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where pathologists will examine it under a microscope to determine if cancer cells or other abnormalities are present.

An optical urethrotomy is a procedure to treat a urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue. This is done using a telescope passed into the urethra to directly visualise and incise the stricture with a fine internal knife or laser. The goal is to restore normal urinary flow without making any external incisions.

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor, or TURBT, is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat bladder tumors. It involves inserting a special instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the surgeon to locate and remove abnormal tissue without making any external incisions. The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and may include cauterizing the area to reduce bleeding. TURBT is often the first step in managing bladder cancer, helping to determine the type, size, and depth of the tumor while also removing as much of it as possible. Recovery is usually quick, and most patients go home after a short hospital stay.

A robotic cystectomy is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the bladder, typically as treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Using the assistance of a robotic surgical system, the surgeon operates through a few small incisions with enhanced precision, control, and visualization. The bladder is carefully removed along with nearby lymph nodes, and in some cases, surrounding organs such as the prostate or uterus, depending on the individual case. The procedure also involves creating a new way for urine to exit the body, such as a urostomy or a bladder reconstruction. Robotic cystectomy offers the benefits of smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less pain, and a potentially quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery, while maintaining excellent cancer control.