Bladder instillation - a "chemotherapy spa" for the bladder

As the human body's urine storage organ, the bladder can sometimes become a target of cancer cell invasion. Bladder instillation is an important treatment for bladder cancer, especially non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. It injects chemotherapy drugs or immune preparations into the bladder through a catheter and retains them for a period of time to kill residual tumor cells and reduce the recurrence rate of tumors. Bladder instillation is like a "chemotherapy SPA" for the bladder. Let's take a closer look at how this special "chemotherapy SPA" can protect the health of the bladder.

1. Infusion drugs and cycles

The type and dosage of chemotherapy drugs instilled will be determined according to the patient's specific condition and tumor type. Common drugs include epirubicin, pirarubicin, mitomycin, etc. Bladder instillation needs to be performed regularly, usually for 1 year, once a week in the first 2 months, and once a month in the next 10 months, for a total of 18 times. Immunotherapy uses drugs such as BCG to induce local immune responses in the body, prevent tumor recurrence, and control tumor progression.

2. Preparation before perfusion

One to two hours before instillation, patients should drink as little water as possible and empty their bladders to prevent a large amount of urine from rushing into the bladder after instillation, which may lead to overfilling of the bladder and dilution of the drug concentration, affecting the drug concentration and efficacy. In addition, if the patient has urethral stenosis, prostatic hyperplasia, etc., they should inform the doctor in advance before instillation so that the appropriate type of catheter can be replaced.

3. Infusion process

1. Disinfection and intubation - establishing a channel

When doctors perform bladder instillation on patients, they first disinfect the perineum and urethral opening, then insert a catheter into the urethra and directly into the bladder, thus establishing a safe channel for the bladder to undergo "chemotherapy SPA".

2. Infusion of drugs - precise strike

Once the catheter is successfully inserted into the bladder, the doctor will inject chemotherapy drugs or immune preparations into the bladder through the catheter. These drugs will penetrate into every corner of the bladder and accurately attack the remaining tumor cells.

3. Posture change - comprehensive coverage

After the drug is instilled, the patient needs to change body positions according to the doctor's instructions, such as left lateral position, right lateral position, supine position, and prone position, to ensure that the drug remains in the bladder for an appropriate time, generally 30 minutes, in order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect while reducing damage to the bladder mucosa.

4. Post-perfusion care

1. Drug discharge - cleaning after "SPA"

After the drug has been in the bladder for a period of time, you should drink plenty of water to increase urine output and completely empty the residual drug. The amount of water you drink within 24 hours should reach 2500~3000ml. Within 6 hours after instillation, you need to flush the toilet twice after each urination to avoid the drug solution contaminating the skin, clothing or environment. When the patient has a fever, infection, or when the female patient is menstruating, bladder instillation should be postponed as prescribed by the doctor.

2. Regular review to consolidate the "SPA" effect

After bladder instillation treatment, cystoscopy, urine analysis and other examinations should be performed regularly to evaluate the treatment effect and monitor the changes in the condition. This helps to detect and deal with potential problems in a timely manner and ensure the durability of the treatment effect.

3. Psychological diet adjustment - maintain the fighting spirit

During the infusion period, patients should avoid spicy, greasy, caffeine, alcohol and other irritating foods and drinks. They should also exercise appropriately to promote metabolism, but avoid strenuous exercise to avoid aggravating bladder discomfort. Bladder instillation treatment may cause some discomfort and psychological pressure to patients. Patients should maintain a positive attitude and cooperate with the treatment. The support of family and friends is also an important source of strength to overcome the disease.

Bladder instillation is like a "chemotherapy SPA" customized for the bladder. It penetrates deep into the bladder and attacks tumor cells through precise drug instillation and body position changes. At the same time, regular review and monitoring as well as positive mental and dietary adjustments are also important guarantees for consolidating the treatment effect and defeating the disease. Let's protect the health of the bladder together!

Author: Du Rongxin, Department of Urology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital