Recently, 61-year-old Jen received a devastating diagnosis of bladder cancer after undergoing a routine health checkup. The cancer was detected early and had not spread to other organs or lymph nodes, which made surgery the best treatment option. Dr. Nguyen Tan Cuong, deputy head of the urology department at Tam An General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, performed the surgery on Jen.
During the operation, it was discovered that Jen’s bladder had multiple tumors of different sizes and shapes. Fortunately, her cancer was localized and did not require any additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Dr Cuong determined that surgery was the best course of action for Jen’s situation.
The complex procedure involved removing Jen’s bladder, pelvic lymph nodes, and reconstructing a new urinary tract using part of her 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 patients to urinate normally without a urine bag.
After the operation, Jen went through a period of recovery during which she gradually resumed eating and drinking. She felt some pain initially but was able to walk easily within a week of the operation and was eventually discharged from the hospital. Dr Cuong emphasized that early detection and treatment are crucial when it comes to bladder cancer as late-stage cases can be difficult to treat and have a poor prognosis. He recommended that people with symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine) seek immediate medical attention and undergo regular health checkups.
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By raising awareness about this disease and promoting early detection through regular health checkups more patients like Jen can receive timely care and improve their chances of successful outcomes.