Attention to Painless Bleeding and Clot in Urine

Bladder cancer, which is observed more in men than women worldwide, ranks 4th among the most common cancer types in men in Turkey. While painless bleeding and clots in the urine are the most common symptoms of bladder cancer, patients can live with their own bladder in early diagnosed and low-grade tumours. However, in advanced cases, the bladder needs to be removed. In bladder cancer surgeries performed with "da Vinci Robotic Surgery", patients whose bladder is removed can undergo a new bladder with a piece taken from their own intestines. With robotic surgery, which provides significant comfort to the patient, the risk of sexual dysfunction is also minimized. From Memorial Ankara Hospital Urology Department Prof. Dr. Ali Fuat Atmaca gave information about bladder cancer and "da Vinci Robotic Surgery".

50 percent of bladder cancer is caused by smoking

While bladder cancers are seen in the 7th place in men worldwide, they are not included in the top 10 cancer rankings in women. In Turkey, the incidence of bladder cancer, which ranks 4th among the most common cancers in men, increases depending on age. Smoking is the most important cause of bladder cancer, which usually occurs after the age of 60-70. Some carcinogenic substances in cigarettes, which are responsible for 50 percent of bladder cancer, are excreted through the kidneys. Prolonged contact of these carcinogens with the inner surface of the bladder causes cancer.

Some professions increase the risk of bladder cancer

In addition to smoking, some professions are also risk factors for the development of bladder cancer. Cases seen in workers in the paint, leather, metal and oil industries account for 10percent of the total bladder cancer cases. However, occupational exposure decreases with the occupational safety awareness studies carried out in recent years. However, while family history is rarely among the factors that can be blamed, halomethans that occur as a result of the use of a follow up antineoplastic drugs, high amount of arsenic in waters, and excessive chlorination of waters are among the causes of bladder cancer.

Watch out for bleeding in the urine!

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is painless and clotted bleeding in the urine. If bleeding is seen once, it is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist doctor. Some cancers do not show any symptoms, while others may show nonspecific symptoms such as burning in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urination. Such symptoms can be overlooked as they are symptoms that can be seen in urinary tract infections, especially cystitis in women and benign prostate enlargement in men. The definitive diagnosis of bladder cancer is made by endoscopic imaging and pathological examination.

Surface tumours account for 75percent of bladder cancers

Superficial tumours account for 75percent of bladder cancer. The majority of patients with early diagnosis and superficial tumours are treated and these patients can live with their own bladders. The bladder should be removed if the tumours that hold the muscle of the bladder or that extend out of the bladder by holding the deeper layers do not spread to other parts of the body.

Surgery is the most important treatment of bladder cancer

Surgery is the most important treatment of bladder cancer that has not metastasized, that is, has not spread to distant regions. Surgery has three different methods: open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. While open or laparoscopic surgeries are performed according to the situation, they have been preferred more in recent years due to the advantages of robotic surgery.

Artificial bladder is made from the intestine

With the "da Vinci Robotic Surgery" method, a new urinary bladder is made with a piece taken from the patient's own intestine. In this surgery, the ends of the urinary canals coming out of the kidneys are connected to the new bladder made from the intestine, and one end of the intestinal bladder is connected to the external urinary canal, namely the urethra. Thus, this newly made intestine accumulates in the bladder and is expelled through the external urinary tract. Robotic surgery can be performed by experienced experts in a number of centers.

Sexual dysfunction can be prevented with robotic surgery

In robotic surgery method, which provides significant comfort to the surgeon and the patient in the treatment of bladder cancer, surgery is performed through 5 small holes. Since there is no incision, there is no loss of fluid and heat, while patients can recover more quickly. The most sensitive interventions can be performed under an image that can be magnified 10-15 times due to the fact that the hand tools of robotic surgery, which provides a 3D image and gives a depth feeling, are very thin and have very high mobility. However, the risk of bleeding is almost completely eliminated and there is no need to donate blood to patients. In patients whose bowel functions return rapidly after surgery, there are also no problems such as wound infection or herniation. One of the most important advantages of robotic surgery is that the risk of sexual dysfunction is minimized in male patients after bladder cancer surgeries, just like in prostate cancer surgeries, since the nerves are preserved.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.