Information for the public

There is not much good evidence about how well this procedure works for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and there are some well-recognised adverse events. This procedure can be used but only when patients are having regular checks to see how well it is working or if it has caused problems. This is because of the uncertainties about its long-term effects.

This procedure is used for treating early-stage bladder cancer, before or after surgery. A catheter (tube) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder). Chemotherapy drugs are then passed through this tube into the bladder. The catheter also gives out microwaves that heat up the bladder wall. The aim is to improve the effect of chemotherapy on the cancer cells.

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.

Is this procedure right for me?

If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Some questions to think about

  • What does the procedure involve?
  • What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
  • What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?

ISBN: 978-1-4731-3090-6


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