Most individuals with bladder cancer have superficial and non-invasive tumors. Treatment for these tumors is often very effective with an excellent prognosis.

The remainder of bladder cancers invade deep into the bladder wall and muscle and the risk is greater for the cancer to spread to other areas of the body. Depending on the type of bladder cancer, treatment may include a cystectomy, or bladder removal, through robotic assisted surgery.

A cystectomy is the removal of all or part of the bladder and possibly the removal of nearby lymph nodes and organs that may contain cancer. If the bladder is removed, the surgeon creates a new way or path for urine to be stored and to leave the body.

Cystectomy is traditionally performed as an open surgery and requires a large abdominal incision. Another approach, conventional laparoscopy, is less invasive but due to the surgical instruments used can limit the surgeon's dexterity, field of vision and control compared to open surgery.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery is the most recent surgical technique for cystectomy.  Inova's state-of-the-art da Vinci® surgical system provides your doctor with enhanced vision, dexterity, control and precision. Surgery is performed through a few tiny incisions and avoids the need for a large incision and extended recovery.

Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery over open surgery include:

• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less occurrence of major complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery of bowel function

Talk with your surgeon about whether robotic assisted surgery is an option for you. Or call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) for a referral to one of our da Vinci robotic surgical specialists.