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Bladder treatment with mitomycin C or Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about bladder treatment with mitomycin C or Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Do I need to follow any special instructions after BCG bladder treatment?

Yes, you will have to take some special precautions against infection for at least six hours after bladder treatment with BCG. There is also a risk of passing on BCG infection to those who might have reduced immunity (for example the elderly, pregnant women and those having certain medical treatments).

Explanation

The BCG vaccine contains a weak form of tuberculosis (TB). The bacteria may be present in your urine for at least six hours after the treatment. It's best to take the following precautions for at least the first 24 hours.

  • Men should sit down to pass urine, so that the chance of splashing is reduced.
  • After passing urine, wipe the urethral area with a moistened tissue or flannel.
  • Try not to get any urine on your hands.
  • To stop live bacteria entering the sewer system, pour neat bleach into the toilet bowel and leave it for 15 minutes before flushing.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet.

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Will I have normal bladder function after mitomycin C or BCG bladder treatment?

During the first three weeks after intravesical therapy you may feel the need to pass urine often and more urgently.

Explanation

It's possible that specific complications of intravesical therapy may affect your bladder function. For example if you develop a bladder infection (cystitis) then you will feel the need to pass urine more often and more urgently than usual until the infection clears.

Otherwise, you can expect your bladder function to return to normal after you have made a full recovery. This can take up to three weeks. During this time, your doctor will recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to help flush your bladder to reduce your risk of infection. So as a result, you will be passing urine more often than usual until your fluid intake returns to normal.

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What happens if I don't want to be treated with BCG?

Generally, medicines (chemotherapy), surgery and radiation treatments are used to treat cancer. Your treatment options will depend on the type of bladder cancer you have. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment in your particular situation and explain suitable alternatives.

Explanation

For bladder cancer that hasn't spread into the muscle, there are several treatment options available. These include surgery, chemotherapy and intravesical therapy (treatment with Bacille Calmette-Guérin, BCG vaccine). BCG is usually used to treat the more aggressive type of cancer of the bladder lining.

Generally, chemotherapy and intravesical therapy complement surgery and aren't usually recommended in isolation. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment in your particular situation and explain the benefits and risks of each procedure. Your doctor should explain what may happen if you don't have the recommended treatment and discuss alternative treatment options with you.

You are free to choose not to have the recommended treatment, have a different treatment or not to have any treatment at all. You don't have to give any reasons for your decision but it can help your doctor know your concerns so that he or she can give you the best advice.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. It often helps to make a list of the questions you want to ask and to take a close relative or friend with you to remind you of the things you want to know, but can easily forget.

You can always ask for more time to decide about the treatment if you feel that you can't make a decision when it's first explained to you.

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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