OUCH!! Does that explain it? When the urologist is removing the tumor he needs to get the entire structure, plus enough of the bladder lining tissue and underlying muscle to be tested in the pathology lab to determine grade, and stage. This requires removal of enough tissue that it would be extremely painful without anesthetic.
Occasionally a urologist, when doing a re-check after treatment may see something during cystoscopy that he/she feels is probably not cancer, but that probably should be checked out "just in case." I once had a lot of inflammation and obvious irritation after a lot of BCG. The urologist was pretty sure it was BCG-induced cystitis, but really wanted to be sure. He asked me if I thought I could stand a "quick pinch" as he took a very small bit of the tissue for analysis. Let me just say that if he ever asks that permission again, I WILL SAY NO.
Surgery shouldn't be done without anesthetic!!
Sara Anne
