I go for my second TURBT on 7th October, and I have been hearing from other patients that their catheters were removed soon after the operation. My trouble is that if I get a heavy dose of anaesthetics, and the catheter is removed too early, the anaesthetic seems to stop me peeing. A catheter than has to be reinserted, and it results\ in my having to spend an unnecessary night in hospital. This happened after my first TURBT, and hip replacements. But noticing that I never had such problems after a light dose of anaesthetic, , I begged the anaesthetist to give me as light a dose as possible before a rigid cystoscopy last March, and I had no bladder problems at all when I came to. Can I take this approach before the second TURBT? Does a TURBT require a very much higher dose than does a rigid cystoscopy with daithermy?
Hi Joe Soap. A follow up TURBT is usually just a mopping up job where they scrape away any suspect residue and maybe take a few sample biopsies. Usually a lot less time than a full blown TURBT and I suspect the shorter time you are in theatre, the less anaesthetic. My follow up, I was in and out in several hours. No recovery room, and straight back on a ward. The catheter was removed after about an hour of me waking up with no after effects, only the usual peeing pain for a few days. The anaesthetist will usually have a chat before you go in and so you could mention your concerns then. I hope it goes well for you. Best wishes.
