Cancer Support Group

Times of India
02 October 2010
Bangalore, India

Pouch Made From Intestine Restores Normal Function
Those suffering from bladder cancer do not need an external urine collection system anymore. A team of specialists at Fortis Hospitals has performed a unique surgery to help patients restore their normal urine function.

Consultant urologist Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy who performs the procedure – neo–bladder – whereby the patient’s intestine is used to reshape and create a new pouch or artificial bladder replacing the damaged one.

This artificial bladder made from the intestine performs the function of a bladder and the patient leads a completely normal life. In the traditional method, surgeons used to construct an external pouch for urine collection.

Highlighting a success story of the neo–bladder, Mohan cited the example of a successful surgery done at the hospital. Natgir R K, a 66–year–old man from Hubli, was diagnosed with an aggressive variety of bladder cancer where the patient’s bladder had to be removed.

How It Works
Explaining the procedure, Mohan said: "The human bladder has two basic functions: a reservoir to store urine and squeezing automatically to empty the urine. Neo–bladder is actually a bag–like structure made using the patient’s own intestine, and functions like a urinary reservoir. However, it lacks contracting ability, and the patient has to tighten his tummy muscles to squeeze and empty the neobladder. Some patients will be given a thin lubricated tube to empty the reservoir via the urinary passage."

Traditionally, after removal of the bladder, patients will be given an external collection device for urine. This will be in the form of a special plastic pouch fixed to the lower abdomen by a sticker. This should be changed every few days or weeks.

In Figures
0.5% of Indians above 50 years suffer from bladder cancer
There are 400 new cases of bladder cancer every year in Bangalore