Bladder Cancer
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Bladder cancer treatment varies significantly based on the stage and type of cancer, but it typically involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. The most common treatments include transurethral resection (TUR), radical cystectomy, and intravesical therapies. TUR is often the first approach for non-invasive tumors. During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon removes the tumor using a cystoscope inserted through the urethra. This technique is ideal for early-stage cancers and helps avoid removing the entire bladder.
For more advanced cases, a radical cystectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves the removal of the bladder, surrounding lymph nodes, and sometimes nearby organs depending on the cancer's spread. Radical cystectomy is commonly followed by reconstructive surgery, which either creates a new way for urine to be stored and removed from the body or builds an internal pouch for patients to urinate through a stoma. For less invasive alternatives, intravesical therapies involve directly delivering chemotherapy or immunotherapy into the bladder through a catheter. This method targets cancer cells while minimizing the impact on surrounding tissues.
Chemotherapy and radiation may be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or kill remaining cancer cells. Advanced bladder cancer treatments increasingly incorporate immunotherapy, which leverages the body’s immune system to target cancer cells. This approach has been especially beneficial in cases where cancer has spread beyond the bladder or recurred despite other treatments.
Procedure Duration
The duration of bladder cancer treatment varies depending on the procedure selected and the patient's health status. For non-invasive cancers treated with TUR, the procedure itself typically lasts about an hour. Patients can usually go home the same day or after a short hospital stay, with recovery ranging from a few days to a week.
For more extensive surgeries like radical cystectomy, the timeline is more complex. The surgery usually takes several hours, followed by a hospital stay of around 7 to 10 days. Patients require significant recovery time to regain mobility and adjust to the changes post-surgery. Recovery from a cystectomy may take several weeks to months, depending on factors such as the patient's age, physical fitness, and the success of reconstructive surgery.
Non-surgical treatments, such as intravesical therapy, are often administered over multiple weeks. Chemotherapy sessions for bladder cancer usually occur in cycles, lasting several weeks, with breaks in between to allow the body to recover. For instance, a typical chemotherapy cycle may involve weekly sessions over a two-month period. Similarly, radiation therapy, if chosen, involves short daily sessions spread over a period of weeks. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation may need additional time to fully recover from side effects like fatigue, digestive issues, and immune system suppression.
Benefits
- Targeted Treatment Options: Bladder cancer treatment offers tailored approaches based on cancer stage and type, increasing the chances of effective outcomes.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Options like transurethral resection minimize hospital time, reducing recovery periods and associated risks.
- Improved Quality of Life: Advanced reconstruction techniques following radical cystectomy help patients maintain control over urination.
- Innovative Immunotherapy Options: Immunotherapy provides new hope for advanced cases, boosting the immune response against cancer cells.
- High Success Rates in Early Stages: Early detection and treatment have excellent success rates, especially with intravesical and minimally invasive treatments.
Potential Destinations
- Germany
Germany is renowned for its advanced medical technologies and highly trained specialists in oncology. Hospitals in Germany often use cutting-edge approaches in immunotherapy and minimally invasive surgeries, making it a top choice for bladder cancer treatment.
- South Korea
Known for its affordable healthcare and high-quality services, South Korea attracts medical tourists seeking specialized cancer treatments. South Korean hospitals offer comprehensive cancer care, including advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
- Turkey
Turkey has gained prominence in medical tourism due to its cost-effective treatments and quality of care. The country is equipped with modern facilities and experienced oncologists, offering competitive prices for bladder cancer surgeries and therapies.
- India
India is recognized for its skilled healthcare professionals and affordable treatment options, drawing international patients seeking cancer care. Major hospitals in India are known for providing personalized cancer treatments using state-of-the-art technologies.
- Thailand
Thailand has a reputation for delivering high-quality cancer care in a patient-friendly environment. Its hospitals provide holistic support services alongside modern bladder cancer treatments, including advanced immunotherapy and radiation options.
Risks & Considerations
- Infection: Bladder cancer procedures, especially those involving catheters, can increase infection risk. Post-surgery infections may require antibiotic treatment or further hospitalization.
- Bleeding: Surgical treatments, particularly TUR and cystectomy, can lead to bleeding. While it’s often manageable, significant blood loss may require transfusions.
- Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia used in surgery carries potential complications, particularly for older patients or those with underlying health conditions.
- Recovery and Lifestyle Changes: After a cystectomy, patients might need time to adapt to new urination methods. Emotional and physical adjustments can take months.
- Recurrence Risk: Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, requiring frequent follow-ups. Patients need to undergo regular cystoscopies to monitor for new tumors or cancer cells.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting the right doctor and hospital is essential for successful bladder cancer treatment. Prospective patients should look for a specialist in oncology, ideally with a focus on urologic cancers and experience in the latest treatment modalities, including immunotherapy and advanced surgical techniques. Credentials, board certifications, and years of practice are crucial indicators of expertise.
Patients should also evaluate the hospital’s reputation in cancer care, including factors like accreditation, the availability of multidisciplinary teams, and post-operative support services. For medical tourists, considering hospitals with strong international patient programs can help ensure a smoother treatment process and comprehensive aftercare.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
