Yen, a 61-year-old woman, was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer after undergoing a general health checkup. As a result of the diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove her bladder and part of her small intestine to create a new urine bag. The surgery was performed by Dr. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Deputy Department of Urology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
During the surgery, it was discovered that Yen’s bladder had multiple tumors of varying sizes and shapes. Fortunately, the cancer was in a localized stage and had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes. Dr. Cuong determined that surgery was the best course of treatment in this case, as chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone would not be effective.
The complex procedure involved removing the bladder, pelvic lymph nodes, and reconstructing a new urinary tract using part of Yen’s small intestine. This is known as blastoplasty surgery, which requires a high level of skill and experience to perform successfully. In some cases, the new bladder can be connected to the urethra, allowing the patient to urinate normally without a urine bag.
Following the surgery, Yen had to undergo a period of recovery during which she gradually resumed eating and drinking. She experienced some pain initially but was able to walk easily within a week of the surgery and was eventually discharged from the hospital. Dr. Cuong emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment for bladder cancer as late-stage cases can be difficult to treat and have a poor prognosis. He recommended that individuals with symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine) seek medical attention promptly and undergo regular health check-ups.
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By raising awareness about early detection through regular health check-ups more patients like Yen can receive timely care and improve their chances of successful outcomes.