Has your doctor told you that you need to remove a small lump, lesion, or abnormal cells in your bladder using electricity? You may have been a little scared when you heard this called 'Fulguration'. Who wouldn't be scared when they say "electrically burning", right? But this is actually nothing to be afraid of. This is an advanced medical treatment that is performed in a very controlled and safe way without making a large incision like surgery. So let's talk about this exactly, simply, and resolve all the questions you have in mind.
Simply put, what is Fulguration?
Think about how lightning strikes the sky, creating light and heat. The word fulguration comes from a Latin word meaning "to strike with lightning." But this is not as dangerous as lightning.
Simply put, this method involves a urologist using a special device to create a very small, controlled electric spark. This device is not directly applied to your skin. Instead, the electric spark passes through the air between the device and the tissue being treated, destroying the abnormal cells. In other words, it burns, breaks, and removes those cells.
The heat generated in this method only affects the superficial layers of the skin or bladder wall. Therefore, there is no damage to the vital organs or deeper tissues inside. Also, this method can stop bleeding.
Generally, if your doctor has recommended this treatment for you, it is medically necessary. In a public hospital, there is no additional charge. In a private hospital, your insurance will cover this. Your doctor and hospital staff will inform you about this.
Why do you want to do this Fulguration treatment?
This treatment is used to treat a variety of bladder conditions. It is a very effective way to destroy cancerous cells, precancerous cells, and benign tumors.
| Medical condition | How does Fulguration help? |
|---|---|
| Bladder Cancer | A surgery called TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is performed to diagnose and treat cancer that has not yet spread to the muscle layer of the bladder. Fulguration is used to remove cancer cells and stop bleeding. |
| Interstitial Cystitis | This causes the walls of the bladder to swell and become painful. You may also experience blood in your urine. This procedure helps to reduce symptoms by removing the painful tissue and ulcers that form due to this condition. |
| Bladder Polyps | These are small, non-cancerous lumps. They can cause pain and the need to urinate frequently. Fulguration can easily remove these lumps. |
| Recurrent UTIs | This treatment can be used to reduce the risk of infection, especially in women who have persistent urinary tract infections that cannot be controlled with antibiotics, especially after menopause. |
| Bladder Diverticula | These are small sacs that form in the wall of the bladder. These can make it difficult to empty the bladder completely and cause discomfort. Fulguration is also used to remove these sacs. |
What happens before and during treatment?
This is a minimally invasive treatment, so there is nothing to worry about.
Know these things before treatment
Your doctor will give you the advice you need, but you can also ask and clarify these things:
- Is there a time when I need to stop eating and drinking before treatment ?
- Do I need to stop taking any medications I usually take?
- Can I go home the same day after the treatment, or will I have to stay in the hospital?
- What type of anesthesia will I be given? (Will I be given a full body anesthetic, or will I only numb that area?)
- Do you need someone to take you home?
During treatment
You will have this procedure done in an operating room. If you are given general anesthesia, you will not feel anything, you will be asleep. Sometimes you may also be given a local anesthetic to numb only the area.
1. First, the doctor inserts a device called a cystoscope through your urethra. This is a long, thin tube with a camera and a light. This allows you to see inside your bladder.
2. Then, the areas where the abnormal tissue, lumps, or lesions are located are identified.
3. Now, another instrument called a resectoscope is used. This is where the controlled electrical current is sent through a small wire loop.
4. This electric spark destroys the abnormal tissue. It also seals the delicate blood vessels in that area, stopping the bleeding.
The time it takes for this entire procedure depends on the amount of tissue to be removed. While it may take as little as 5 minutes to destroy a small lump, it can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes if done with a surgical procedure like TURBT.
Recovery time and side effects after treatment
Recovery time varies depending on your body type and the extent of the treatment.
Possible side effects
Some or all of these may occur, but they usually go away within a few days.
- A little blood in your urine: Your urine may turn pink or red for a few days. This is normal.
- Burning or pain when urinating: This will also subside in a few days. The doctor will prescribe the necessary medication for this.
- Frequent urination: This can happen because the bladder has become a little sensitive. This will also go away after a few days.
- Bladder spasms: This is also temporary.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Fever, burning sensation when urinating, and foul-smelling or cloudy urine may be signs of an infection. In that case, inform your doctor immediately.
How long does it take to heal?
This is a process similar to how our bodies heal when we get burned somewhere. Just as a scab forms over the burn, it peels off and new skin grows, the inside of the bladder heals in the same way.
A wound that is inside the body and in a moist environment takes a little longer to heal than an open wound. It can usually take 5-7 days or up to two weeks to fully heal.
It is important to get plenty of rest during this time. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. This will give your bladder time to heal and reduce the risk of bleeding later.
Pay attention to these signs!
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of an infection or other complication. Call your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.
- Fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C)
- Heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped (if the urine is dark red and contains clots)
- Severe stomach pain
Are there any risks with this treatment?
As with any medical treatment, there are some very small risks. However, because your specialist is trained to minimize these risks, serious side effects are very rare.
- Reactions to anesthesia: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia.
- Tissue damage: Very rarely, the device can cause minor damage to the bladder or urethra.
- Bladder perforation: This is very rare. If it happens, you may need another surgery to fix it.
- Infection: This risk is very low because all necessary measures are taken to prevent infection in the operating room.
Your doctor will take care of all of this and ensure your maximum safety. So don't be unnecessarily afraid about this.
Take-Home Message
- Bladder Fulguration is a safe and effective treatment that uses an electric spark to remove abnormal tissue, lumps, or lesions in the bladder.
- This is done without a large incision, so the healing time is short.
- This treatment is used for a number of diseases, such as bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
- It is normal to experience some blood in the urine and burning after treatment. These will go away in a few days.
- Seek medical advice immediately if you have a high fever, heavy bleeding, or severe pain.
- Following the doctor's instructions after treatment and getting plenty of rest is essential for a speedy recovery.
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