Transurethral Laser Ablation in London
Transurethral laser ablation, known as TULA, is a minimally invasive treatment for selected bladder tumours. A laser is used through a thin camera passed into the bladder, allowing the tumour to be treated without an external incision.
For suitable patients, TULA may be performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient or day-case procedure. Your consultant will explain whether it is an appropriate alternative to traditional bladder tumour surgery.
What is transurethral laser ablation (TULA)?
Transurethral laser ablation, or TULA, is a procedure used to treat selected bladder tumours. A fine laser fibre is passed into the bladder through a cystoscope, a narrow camera inserted through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body.
The laser is used to treat the tumour directly. There are no cuts to the outside of the body.
TULA may be considered for some low-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours. These are tumours that are confined to the inner lining of the bladder and have not grown into the bladder muscle. It can be particularly useful for people with small tumours that have returned and might otherwise require repeated operations.
The procedure is often carried out under local anaesthetic using numbing gel. This means some patients may be able to avoid a general anaesthetic and return home shortly after treatment.
TULA is not suitable for every bladder tumour. If tissue is needed to confirm the diagnosis, grade or stage of a tumour, or if a tumour is larger or has features that need more extensive treatment, a different procedure may be recommended.
A targeted laser treatment
TULA treats selected bladder tumours directly through the urinary passage.
The bladder is assessed first
Your consultant will review your medical history, previous tumour results and cystoscopy findings to confirm whether laser ablation is appropriate.
The laser treats the tumour
A flexible cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder. The laser fibre is used to ablate, or destroy, the selected tumour.
No external incision
The procedure is performed through the urethra, so there are no external cuts or surgical wounds.
Who TULA may suit
TULA may be suitable for people who:
- Have selected low-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours
- Have small bladder tumours that have returned after previous treatment
- Would prefer to avoid a general anaesthetic where this is clinically appropriate
- Have health factors that make a less invasive treatment approach worth discussing
- Have been assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist
What to expect
- Assessment and cystoscopy
Your consultant will review your bladder cancer history and examine the bladder using flexible cystoscopy where appropriate. This helps establish whether TULA is a suitable treatment option. - The procedure
Local anaesthetic gel is usually used before the cystoscope is passed into the bladder. The laser is then used to treat the tumour. Your consultant will explain what the procedure involves, including any preparation needed. - Recovery and surveillance
Most people can return home shortly after the procedure. You may have mild stinging when passing urine or notice a small amount of blood in the urine for a short time. Ongoing surveillance cystoscopy remains important, as non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours can return.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for TULA in London?
A minimally invasive treatment option
TULA treats selected bladder tumours through the urethra, without an external incision.
Local anaesthetic may be possible
For suitable patients, treatment can often be performed using local anaesthetic rather than a general anaesthetic.
A practical option for selected recurrent tumours
TULA may offer an alternative to repeated surgery for some people with small, low-grade tumours that return.
Consultant-led assessment in London
Your consultant will review whether laser ablation is appropriate for your tumour and explain the next steps clearly.
From assessment to treatment
The first step is confirming the type, grade and stage of the bladder tumour. TULA may be an appropriate treatment for selected low-grade tumours, particularly when the diagnosis is already established and the tumour can be treated safely with a laser.
If a tumour needs to be removed for laboratory analysis, a transurethral resection of bladder tumour, known as TURBT, may be more appropriate. Your consultant will explain why a particular procedure is recommended and discuss the likely benefits, limitations and risks.
Frequently asked questions
Is TULA as effective as traditional bladder tumour surgery?
TULA may be an appropriate alternative for selected low-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours. TURBT is often needed when tissue must be obtained to confirm the diagnosis or stage the tumour, or when a tumour requires more extensive treatment. Your consultant will explain which approach is most suitable for you.
Will I be awake for transurethral laser ablation?
TULA is often performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you may be awake during treatment. Your consultant will explain the anaesthetic options and what to expect in your individual case.
Can I have TULA if I take blood-thinning medication?
This depends on the type of medication you take, your medical history and the planned procedure. Do not stop blood-thinning medication unless a clinician has specifically advised you to do so. Your consultant will review this carefully before recommending treatment.
Can bladder tumours come back after laser treatment?
Yes. Non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours can recur after any treatment. Regular surveillance cystoscopy is an important part of follow-up, allowing the bladder lining to be checked over time.
Is TULA suitable for all bladder cancers?
No. TULA is used for selected low-grade, non-muscle-invasive tumours. Higher-grade, muscle-invasive or larger tumours may require different treatment. Your consultant will explain the most appropriate approach for your diagnosis.
Ask about laser treatment for bladder tumours
If you have a bladder tumour that has returned, or are considering your treatment options, our consultant urologists can explain whether transurethral laser ablation may be appropriate.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
