Need help decide which operation to get.

Had neobladder done in April at MSK in NY. Doing great: full continence during day, only occasional small leakage at night.
Good Luck!

I had the neobladder with my radical cystectomy in February and I feel that is the way to go. My Uro told me that, if it didn't work out for me, that we could consider the other options. The thing is that you can't go back once the other methods are used because the urethra is not spared. It's not perfect for me, yet, but it's coming along. I am living a pretty normal life and no one is aware of the depends I wear to catch leaks.

Good luck and God bless,
Ellen

Hi Bob,

My Uro told me the same thing ! Just about word for word.
Is your Doctor in Puyallup,Wa. ?
You need to step back not to rush into this.
You need to get another opinon. I went to the U.O.W. Medical center for mine.
Thank the lord I did as the first Doc just wanted to cut and run like yours told you.
At the UOW he told us a completly diffrent story.
I know the shock of hearing Cancer out of the blue was what made us stop thinking and go by what he says. Big Big mistake!

Jeff

Hi,

Sorry to hear your news. Did you receive a copy of the pathology report? I'm wondering what the stage of the tumor was.

I agree with Chris about the newer options of neobladders or internal pouches (Indiana, Florida, Studer, etc). Although there may be an increase in post op complications, and such a radical surgery is not to be taken lightly, many people find these options more appealing then the external bag.

As Chris also mentioned, there are experts who've devised new techniqes that can preserve erectile function after cystectomy. Could be worth investigating and perhaps finding a surgeon qualified to perform that techniqes.

There are some pages on WebCafe with info on the various options after cystectomy under 'invasive bladder cancer=cystectomy; and many testimonials in the "Tales From the Trenches" that attest to life after bladder removal.

I hope you have a doctor you can communicate with as this is the start of a long relationship.

All the best,
Wendy

Bob,

Here is a good starting point.  If I were having the procedure I think I would choose either an internal pouch or neobladder, however a lot depends on the severeness and location of you cancer, your age and overall health. The following link is a good summary of the different urinary diversions with graphics;

www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3900/3927.asp?index=12546&src=news

You also should talk to your doctor about a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, since usually the prostate is removed along with the bladder and permanent impotence will result unless the nerves are spared as I understand.

Good luck.

I justed found out I have bladder cancer. I had one tumor removed but my doctor said I had to have my bladder removed. He said there are many procedures to replace the bladder. Could anybody give me advice on what type is the best and what side effects or leaking problems I might have.