Bladder instillation is an outpatient treatment that uses a medicated solution to treat symptoms and conditions affecting the bladder, including urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, and bladder cancer.
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Bladder instillation, also called a bladder bath or wash, is an outpatient treatment that uses a medicated solution to treat symptoms and conditions affecting the bladder, including urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, and bladder cancer.
At Welbeck, this treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure by our experienced urologists in our state-of-the-art Women's Health centre and also our Men's Health centre.
The aim of bladder instillation is to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the bladder in patients affected by:
In patients with intermediate and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, this treatment can be used to deliver chemotherapy or immunotherapy directly into the bladder.
Upon arrival at your appointment, you'll be given the option to change into a hospital gown and your consultant will explain the procedure to you.
To begin, you'll be asked to lie down on the examination couch. Your consultant will then apply an anaesthetic antiseptic gel to numb your urethra.
Once the gel has taken effect, they will pass a catheter (soft, thin plastic tube) through your urethra and into your bladder to drain any residual urine before instilling (injecting) a medicated solution into your bladder.
The catheter will then be removed, and you will be able to go home after a short period of monitoring. Your consultant will ask you to hold passing urine for 1 to 2 hours to allow time for the medication to take effect.
Bladder instillation is a straightforward procedure which takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Depending on your condition, your consultant may recommend that you undergo a course of weekly treatments for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
Depending on the type of medicine used in the treatment, you may experience some bladder irritation, which can result in side effects similar to your original symptoms (frequent or urgent urination, urine leakage and pain when passing urine). This is more common in the treatment of bladder cancer.
There is also a small risk of infection and bleeding associated with catheterisation, for which a short course of antibiotics would be prescribed.
Before the procedure, your doctor will explain each step of bladder instillation, answer any questions you have and suggest how many rounds of treatment you’ll need.
You don’t need to fast before bladder instillation, but you should limit your fluid intake so that your bladder is as empty as possible.
When you arrive for your treatment, you’ll be asked to take a urine test to check for infection. If there’s no infection present, the procedure can go ahead.
You’ll be asked to stay in the outpatient clinic for around 15 minutes after your treatment so you can be monitored for any side effects. All being well, you can return to your normal daily activities and will then be able to go home straight away after any following treatments.
At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book an appointment for bladder instillation, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
How many times you'll need treatment depends on your condition and how you respond. Many patients begin with weekly instillations over several weeks, followed by a less frequent maintenance schedule if symptoms improve.
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the instillation due to the catheter. After the procedure, some temporary bladder irritation, urgency, or increased frequency is normal and usually resolves within 48 hours.
Some patients notice relief within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may need several rounds to experience significant changes. Bladder instillation works gradually and often requires a full course for best results.
Adjusting your diet, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine and fizzy drinks, for example), staying well-hydrated, and managing stress can support symptom relief and enhance the effects of your treatment.
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Available consultations
Introduction
Treatment
Typically less than an 30 minutes. Home same day
Preparation
Risks
Aftercare
Stay hydrated
Recovery
Very minimal
Price
from £0
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Self Referral
No doctor referral needed in order to book this service, although health insurers may require a referral in order for your treatment to be covered.
Same Day Availability
We usually have same-day appointments available for this service. Please call us to book.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
Direct Booking
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We have brought together a group of leading gynaecologists and breast specialists to form our Women’s Health team. With over 200 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.