Bladder Cancer

[Tes]

After 3 TURBs and a 6 week round of BCG, today , my hubby's Dr recommended a Radical Cystectomy due to his bladder cancer now being muscle invasive. Has anyone here had either the Ileal Conduit or the Neobladder? Would really appreciate hearing the pro's and con's of both. Thank you.

[tigger08]

Just joined today. - Was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2007. Had a part of the tumor sent to the pathologist in December and had my bladder removed in January. Have a small bag gathering urine hanging out my side and other than that have been living a normal life. (Except every pain I have makes me think 'cancer') Don't remember having any after-operation pain. From what I have read the exterior bag is preferrable to the other.

[uro_md]

The two procedures are just variations on a theme. Both involve using a segment of the small intestine, usually ileum, to form a place for urine to collect. In the case of the ileal conduit, the pouch is open on one end and is brought out to the skin in the form of an ostomy, usually on the right side of the abdomen. In the case of a neobladder, a larger segment of small or large intestine (or a combination of both) are opened and the sewn back together in a fashion to make a new bladder, which is then connected to the urethra or to a small continent catheterizable stoma. The ileal conduit tends to be more low maintenance, once the patient gets used to taking care of the ostomy and the appliance. The neobladder has a lot of mucus usually, since it's made from intestine, and needs to be irrigated semi-religiously in order to avoid plugging or rupture, which can be fatal if not diagnosed promptly. My advice to my patients is to be absolutely sure that you're willing to put in the extra work it will take to maintain the neobladder, otherwise it's wiser and safer to have the ileal conduit.

[nevart]

My sister was diagnosed at stage 4 and had her bladder removed at Sloan. She has a neobladder that has to be evaculated 24/7. It has been difficult, but she has now survived 4 years.