Yen, a 61-year-old woman, recently had a general health checkup where doctors discovered she had bladder cancer. The doctors decided that the best course of action was to completely remove her bladder and small intestine in order to create a new urine bag. It was discovered that her bladder had multiple tumors of varying sizes and shapes, resembling cauliflower.
On May 4, Dr. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Deputy Department of Urology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, performed an endoscopic tumor resection to biopsy the tumors. It was determined that the cancer was in a localized stage and had not metastasized to other organs. The recommended treatment was to remove the entire bladder, perform pelvic lymph node removal, and reconstruct a new urinary tract.
The surgery was complicated due to previous surgeries and adhesions in the abdomen, requiring an open surgery rather than laparoscopic surgery. The doctor used a portion of Yen’s small intestine to create a new urine bag to replace the removed bladder. Post-surgery, Yen had to fast and gradually transition back to eating solid foods.
Bladder cancer is a common diagnosis at Tam Anh General Hospital, with an average of 3-4 cases per month. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes, with endoscopic resection being effective in many cases. Regular monitoring is needed post-surgery to prevent recurrence.
Dr. Cuong emphasized the importance of early detection of bladder cancer, as late-stage diagnosis can lead to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. He urged people with symptoms like hematuria (blood in urine) to seek medical attention promptly. Regular health checkups, healthy lifestyle choices, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking can help prevent bladder cancer.
In conclusion, Yen’s experience highlights the challenges and complexities of treating bladder cancer. Early detection, timely treatment, and regular monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes and increasing chances of survival.