Inland Empire patients who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer may require bladder removal in order to treat the disease. Previously, the bladder removal procedure — known as a cystectomy — had to be performed as an open, invasive surgery.
Today, Rancho Mirage patients can benefit from advanced technology and enjoy a minimally-invasive option. Urology experts can now perform this bladder surgery by utilizing a surgical robotic assistant. The da Vinci® Cystectomy is becoming increasingly popular for patients who require bladder removal as a treatment for bladder cancer.
How is the da Vinci® Cystectomy Performed?
When the da Vinci® Cystectomy is performed, the surgeon controls the da Vinci® robotic assistant in order to perform the procedure. Instead of creating one large incision near the bladder and disturbing other organs in order to remove the bladder, the surgeon will be able to utilize the special tools of the da Vinci® system to complete this procedure in the most minimally-invasive way possible.
Several small incisions are made near the bladder, and the precise instruments of the da Vinci® system are used to remove the bladder without disrupting the rest of the body’s internal organs. It’s important to note that the surgeon is in control of the robotic assistant at all times, and the robotic assistant cannot make decisions on its own.
What are the Benefits of the da Vinci® Cystectomy?
Patients who opt to have the da Vinci® Cystectomy performed will enjoy a shorter recovery period as well as fewer risks during the operation. The risk of infection is greatly minimized, as is the risk of complications because there is less disruption to the rest of the body.
There is less blood loss with this procedure, and patients will have a quicker recovery of normal bowel function. They also will be able to return to their normal diet sooner than if they had a traditional open procedure performed.
Why is Surgery Required in order to Treat Bladder Cancer?
Not all patients will require surgery, but surgery is often the best way to permanently treat bladder cancer. It’s especially beneficial when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Bladder cancer can be a recurring cancer, which is why surgery is often recommended.
Bladder cancer is a fairly common form of urologic cancer. The only other type of urologic cancer that is diagnosed more often is prostate cancer. Typically, patients develop bladder cancer as they age, and it is not common for young people to be diagnosed with bladder cancer.
However, once bladder cancer has been diagnosed, it can be a recurring cancer. This is one of the reasons that urology experts recommend surgery for bladder cancer patients.
If you are experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer and want to know what treatment options would be best for you, set up a consultation appointment with your trusted urology expert as soon as possible.
Remember to visit your urologist on a regular basis, for this is the best way to ensure early detection of all cancer types and guarantee the best possible results from treatment.
