Bladder cancer is treatable. Reconstruction makes life after treatment livable.
Bladder cancer presents most often as blood in the urine, sometimes painlessly. Early-stage disease is managed in the office with cystoscopy and intravesical therapy. Muscle-invasive disease may require radical cystectomy — a serious operation that demands a surgeon who has done it many times and a reconstruction plan tailored to the patient.
Early-stage bladder cancer
Most non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is treated with transurethral resection (TURBT), often combined with intravesical chemotherapy or BCG. Surveillance cystoscopy is part of every treatment plan because recurrence rates are real.
Muscle-invasive disease and cystectomy
When the cancer invades the bladder muscle, the standard of care often includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.
The first robotic cystectomy in New Jersey was performed by Dr. Savatta in November 2005. The first neobladder reconstruction in New Jersey was performed by Dr. Savatta in 2007.
Reconstruction options
Ileal conduit, neobladder, and continent cutaneous reservoir each have a place. The right choice depends on the patient's anatomy, kidney function, lifestyle, and preferences. We discuss tradeoffs honestly before the operation.
Common questions
Is robotic cystectomy as effective as open surgery?
Cancer outcomes are equivalent in published data. Robotic cystectomy typically reduces blood loss and shortens recovery for selected patients. The choice is matched to the patient.
What's a neobladder?
A new bladder constructed from a segment of intestine, allowing patients to urinate through the urethra without an external bag. Not every patient is a candidate — selection matters.
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