Bladder Cancer

Cancer (Oncology)

Back to the nypcancer.org Home Page

Therapeutic Excellence

Neobladder

New York-Presbyterian Hospital physicians performed the first continent urinary diversion operations in the northeastern United States and the first construction of a replacement neobladder (or new bladder) in New York State. The operations have revolutionized the care of patients who may require radial cystectomy, or bladder removal, by avoiding the need for an external appliance or bag following surgery. The neobladder is made from small intestine and attached to the urethra to help patients urinate in a more normal way. According to a recent study, complication rates following the surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center were among the lowest ever reported.

Prevention

NewYork-Presbyterian Cancer Centers are leaders in preventive medicine for bladder cancer and are currently conducting extensive studies into the use of natural substances to inhibit the Cox-2 gene for prevention and treatment. In general, recommendations include abstaining from smoking, a significant risk factor for developing this disease, and using appropriate precautions to limit occupational exposure to certain dyes, rubber and leather, which have been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer.