Hematuria Evaluation in 1 Day

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine (red urine) and is never normal. There are several possible causes, but it can sometimes indicate the presence of tumor cells in the urinary tract, particularly in the bladder. This is why it is important to establish a diagnosis quickly, in order to treat a potential tumor as early as possible. 

Consequently, Gustave Roussy, in collaboration with urologists at Bicêtre Hospital, has established a “one-day hematuria evaluation program,” which allows for the rapid diagnosis of a potential tumor and, if necessary, the prompt initiation of treatment. This service is provided by a multidisciplinary medical team—oncologists, urologists, radiologists, and pathologists—who will work with the patient to make the necessary decisions to reach a diagnosis and, if appropriate, recommend treatment.

Who is the Hematuria Clinic for?

Patients—particularly those who smoke—who notice blood in their urine may seek care at the hematuria clinic. However, before considering serious causes, it is necessary to rule out more benign causes (urinary tract infection, kidney stones, parasitic infection, or a recent lumbar or pelvic injury).

In cases of hematuria, the patient’s physician will therefore be asked to complete an online questionnaire (downloadable below) and to provide the results of the initial tests typically ordered by a primary care physician (urinalysis).

Tests Performed in a Single Morning

After reviewing the questionnaire, if the medical team deems it necessary, an appointment will be scheduled for the patient. Several tests will be performed at Gustave Roussy in a single morning, including:

• a physical exam
• a CT scan of the urinary tract
• a urinalysis to detect abnormal cells
• or even other tests (such as a bladder ultrasound).

This initial evaluation may therefore take several hours.

Following these tests, the case will be discussed collectively during a multidisciplinary consultation meeting, which will take place that same afternoon.

After the multidisciplinary consultation

If a tumor is suspected, an appointment will be scheduled with a urologist at Bicêtre Hospital the following week to perform a cystoscopy: This is a sterile endoscopic procedure to visualize the walls of the bladder. It involves inserting a flexible (in men) or rigid fiberscope through the urethra—usually under local anesthesia—to allow for a precise examination of the entire bladder and, therefore, a direct view of any tumors.

If a tumor is confirmed, the urologist will schedule a second appointment to remove the tumor in the operating room. An appointment with an anesthesiologist will also be scheduled. Once the tumor has been removed and examined under a microscope, the case will be reviewed a second time to determine the next steps in your care (further treatment or monitoring).

An Expert Team

The patient’s treatment will be provided by Gustave Roussy’s multidisciplinary urologic oncology team, consisting of:

• Urological surgeons 
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Nuclear medicine physicians
• Pathologists
• Support Physicians
• Medical assistants
• Paramedical staff: nurses

A multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) is held every week.

Schedule an appointment at the hematuria clinic

To schedule an appointment, please:

• Fill out the preliminary questionnaire
• Email it back to urologie@gustaveroussy.fr