Before your treatment
Tell your consultant if you are taking diuretics (fluid tablets), they will advise you what to do about taking them on the day of surgery.
During your treatment
A urinary catheter (a flexible tube that drains urine) is inserted into your bladder for the surgery. A local anaesthetic gel is used to reduce any discomfort during the insertion. After the surgery the drug solution is administered through the urinary catheter into your bladder.
The urinary catheter is then either removed from your bladder at that time or left in place until the treatment has finished. To keep the drug in contact with your bladder, you will be asked not to pass urine for two hours. You may also be asked to turn onto your left hand side, then the right hand side and to stand up, to allow the drug to coat the entire surface of your bladder.
After your treatment
The medication can remain in your bladder in the days following the procedure. After your treatment pass urine sitting down, close the lid and double flush, wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water. If you spill urine on your skin wash the area with soapy water.
Drink plenty of fluids in the first 24 hours after your treatment and especially if you are experiencing side effects such as irritation to the bladder. Aim to drink 2-3 litres unless contraindicated, tea, coffee, caffeinated soft drinks may increase bladder irritation and should be avoided. Discomfort may be present when passing urine for 3-4 hours after the procedure and can last for a few days. You can take some paracetamol or a urine alkaliniser medication, ask your doctor or nurse about this.