Genitourinary Cancer Surgeries
Surgery is one of the main treatments for genitourinary cancers, and there are many types of surgical procedures to consider:
- Transurethral Resection (TUR): A procedure to remove tumors that are confined to the bladder’s inner layers. A surgeon passes a wire loop through a cystoscope into the bladder to remove the tumor.
- Cystectomy: A procedure to remove all or part of the bladder. If the cancer has spread, the surgeon may also remove nearby organs or lymph nodes.
- Urinary Diversion: A procedure to create a new way for urine to pass out of the body after a bladder removal. There are several types of urinary diversion, including:
- Urostomy (Ileal Conduit): A piece of the intestine is used to create a tube that runs from the ureters to a pouch outside the body.
- Continent Urinary Diversion (Internal Pouch): A pouch is created inside the body to hold urine, and a new opening is created on the abdomen.
- Bladder Reconstruction (Neobladder): A new bladder is created after the original bladder is removed.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that uses several half-inch incisions to remove tumors.
- Robotic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that uses 3-D imaging to enhance precision and reduce surgeon tremor.