Bladder Instillation Therapy for Cancer: Before Your Procedure
Overview
Bladder instillation therapy is a procedure to put (instill) fluid and medicines into your bladder. They go into your bladder through a tube (catheter) placed in your urethra. They stay in your bladder for a certain amount of time before being drained. This is called dwell time. The procedure is often done using several doses over time. It has other names, such as bladder wash and bladder bath. It may be used for different bladder problems. They may include interstitial cystitis, certain bladder infections, and bladder cancer.
How do you prepare for the procedure?
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
- Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
Before the procedure
- You may be asked to limit drinking fluids. This can help you retain the fluids and medicine in your bladder during the procedure.
- Tell your doctor if you notice blood in your urine or burning when you urinate. Your procedure may need to be delayed.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
- Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about when to delay taking certain medicines.
At the doctor's office or hospital
- Bring a picture ID.
- You will collect a urine sample.
- You will lie on your back. The doctor will clean your genitals.
- Your doctor will put a catheter into your bladder through the urethra.
- Fluid and medicines are placed into your bladder through the catheter. You will stay in the doctor's office, outpatient clinic, or hospital while they are in your bladder. You'll hold them in your bladder for a certain amount of time. How long you hold the medicine depends on why it's being done.
- You may be asked to turn from side to side for a certain amount of time. This will allow the medicines to reach all areas of your bladder.
- You'll sit on the toilet to release the medicines from your bladder. Or they will be drained through the catheter.
- You will get instructions for how to safely flush and clean up after your procedure.
- The procedure often takes about 1 to 2 hours.
When should you call your doctor?
- You have questions or concerns.
- You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
- You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
- You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.
Adaptation Date: 6/12/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
