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Urology

Surgeries that may be performed to treat bladder cancer include:

Transurethral resection:

This procedure, also called “transurethral resection of the bladder tumor,” is common for early-stage bladder cancers, or those confined to the superficial layer of the bladder wall. This bladder cancer surgery is performed by passing an instrument through the urethra, to avoid cutting through the abdomen.

Cystectomy:

This bladder cancer surgical procedure may be used to remove either the entire bladder or portions of it. Sometimes, the bladder may be accessed through an incision in the abdomen. video camera on the end that enables the surgeon to see inside the pelvis.

Reconstructive surgery:

One type of reconstructive surgery may be performed when bladder cancer is in an advanced stage and cannot be removed by surgery. With this approach, urine is diverted away from the bladder, even though the bladder is not removed. This procedure may help prevent or treat blockage of urine flow. f the bladder is removed, a surgeon has several options for establishing a way for the body to expel urine. They include:

Continent diversion:

In this procedure, a pouch is made from a piece of intestine, and a valve is created in the pouch. Urine is stored in the pouch and emptied through the valve into a catheter attached to a stoma. With this approach, the patient does not have to wear a bag on the outside of the body.

Neobladder:

This approach allows urination through the urethra. In this procedure, a piece of intestine is used to create a storage area for urine. The ureters are connected to the new bladder. The difference between this approach and the others is that the neobladder is sewn to the urethra, which allows for normal urination.