Day-Case Bladder Tumour Surgery Expands At St Mary's Hospital

More patients undergoing bladder tumour surgery at St Mary’s Hospital are now able to return home the same day, following major improvements to urology services on the Isle of Wight.

The procedure, known as Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour (TURBT), is minimally invasive and involves removing bladder tumours using a fine instrument passed through the urethra.

It is used both to treat tumours and to help clinicians determine whether they are cancerous, as well as their grade and stage.

Since moving TURBT procedures to day surgery in 2022, the hospital has reduced waiting times significantly and increased the number of day-case operations by more than 70 per cent.

The improvements follow a review of theatre data and patient pathways, helping to reduce downtime, improve scheduling and increase weekly capacity.

A nurse-led cystoscopy clinic has also been introduced, enabling faster bladder examinations using a flexible camera.

In addition, MRI scans for prostate concerns are now triaged within two days, down from ten, speeding up diagnosis and next steps for patients.

Mr Lokman, Associate Specialist and Clinical Lead for Urology, said careful analysis of theatre timings and improved coordination between teams has allowed more patients to be treated each week.

He said that while many patients would previously have stayed overnight, most can now recover at home the same day – something patients consistently say they prefer.

The hospital has also invested in staff development, with theatre teams trained to support more urology procedures and administer chemotherapy given immediately after some operations.

This has allowed Cancer Nurse Specialists to focus on other parts of the treatment pathway.

Wootton resident Geoff Winch, 80, who was first diagnosed with a bladder tumour in 2021, recently underwent treatment through the new day-case service.

He said being able to return home the same day made a significant difference to both his physical recovery and emotional wellbeing, describing the experience as far less daunting and more manageable.

Geoff, who continues to receive treatment including BCG therapy and follow-up procedures, praised the care he has received from urology staff at St Mary’s.

The Trust says it hopes to expand day-case surgery further in the future, offering more procedures without overnight stays and continuing to improve access to care for Island patients.