Bladder Cancer: Stages And Treatments

Transurethral Resection

Transurethral resection is another surgery used to treat bladder cancer. This procedure is appropriate for those whose cancer hasn’t spread beyond the inner layers of their bladder. This surgery uses a long surgical instrument called a cystoscope. It has a wire on the end of it! It is inserted into the urethra and bladder and uses an electric current in the wire to get rid of the cancerous cells. This surgery is minimally invasive, making it a popular option for women. One round of chemo is typically injected at the end of this surgery to ensure all cancerous cells are killed.

Urinary Diversion

Urinary diversion is used when people with bladder cancer require another way for pee and waste to leave their bodies after surgery removes their bladder. One method of urinary diversion uses a piece of the intestine to make a neobladder, which is in the shape of a sphere. This will then be attached to their urethra.

Another option is an ileal conduit, which uses a piece of the intestine to create a tube that will drain pee from the kidneys, into the ureters, and then out of the body through this tube. Those who have this type will need a urostomy bag. These bags must be emptied multiple times a day! Another option for urinary diversion is using the intestine to create a pouch to hold pee. This pouch will be drained through a catheter multiple times a day.