Intravesical

Intravesical refers to the administration of medication directly into the bladder, particularly in the treatment of bladder cancer. This method is often used to minimize the systemic side effects of certain drugs.

Overview

Intravesical therapy is a type of treatment for bladder cancer. It involves the direct instillation of medication into the bladder through a catheter. This method is often used for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, as it allows for high concentrations of the drug to be in direct contact with the cancer cells for a prolonged period.

Procedure

The procedure for intravesical therapy typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned comfortably and a local anesthetic may be applied to the urethra.
2. A catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
3. The medication is instilled into the bladder through the catheter.
4. The catheter is removed and the patient is asked to hold the medication in the bladder for a specified period, usually around two hours.
5. The patient then voids, expelling the medication.

Medications

Several medications can be administered intravesically, including:

• Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG): A type of immunotherapy that stimulates the body's immune system to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy drugs: Such as mitomycin, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine.

Side Effects

Common side effects of intravesical therapy can include:

• Discomfort or pain during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Flu-like symptoms (with BCG therapy)

See Also

• Bladder cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Intravesical Resources
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