After 6 TURBTs and a kidney removal I have just finished a second round of 'Initial BCG treatment. I also recnetly had a Perineal prostate biopsy. I find out later this month whether I have cancer in either or both locations and if so, I am told it's time they removed my bladder. As a very fit 70-something with a young dog who gets 3-10 mile walks daily, I am not at all happy with having an external bag (ileal conduit) which leave a choice - if I'm given one! - of either a
- continent urinary diversion or
- a new bladder (bladder reconstruction or neobladder)
It seems the latter may be the easiest to live with (carrying catherers on a 10mike hike across Dartmoor, for example, is less than ideai!), but I gather it is far more prone to leakages internally and indeed failure. I gather if that happens one cannot revert to an comntient urinary diversion but are obliged to go for an ileal conduit. (Presumeably the sphincter taken from the bowel for both ops. cannot be reused a second time...) That would be very disappointing if that happened after only a year or two after the prolongued recovery necessary from the operation for a neobladder. So is this a common problem with that op.? (Percentages, please, if possible.)
I do realise that every operation is different, and indeed every patient is too, so there can be no guarantees, but for a very fit and able man in what is really no more than late middle age, what are the FACTS I need to consider about these two potential options? Without more information I will be unable to make an "Informed Choice" when the time comes...
(Mtia)
