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What happens on the day of your bladder instillation therapy for cancer?
- Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. 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 may stay in the doctor's office while they're 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'll be drained through the catheter.
- You'll get instructions for how to safely flush and clean up after your procedure.
- The procedure often takes about 1 to 2 hours.
After bladder instillation therapy for cancer: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
- Blood or pus in your urine.
- A fever.
- Your urine smells bad.
- You can't pass any urine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.