Media Release

Mangaluru, July 29: A team of dedicated urologists at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Deralakatte — Dr Mujeeb, Dr Altaf Khan, Dr Nischith, Dr Sharath, and Dr Rehan — has achieved a remarkable milestone in the fight against bladder cancer. Utilizing the latest robotic surgical technology, they successfully performed a radical cystectomy with intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction on a patient diagnosed with muscle-invasive carcinoma of the bladder.

This innovative procedure not only showcases the advances in modern medicine but also offers renewed hope for patients battling this challenging condition.

a

Bladder cancer begins in the cells of the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the type treated in this case, is particularly aggressive, as it penetrates the bladder wall. Traditionally, treatment involves a radical cystectomy — surgical removal of the bladder — followed by the creation of an alternative urinary pathway using an ileal conduit and a collection bag attached to the abdomen.

Taking a groundbreaking approach, the Yenepoya team employed robotic assistance for the procedure. Robotic surgery uses tiny instruments and a high-definition 3D camera controlled by the surgeon from a console. This minimally invasive technique ensures unmatched precision, smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

In this case, the surgeons removed the cancerous bladder and created a neobladder using a segment of the patient’s intestine. Notably, the neobladder was constructed intracorporeally — entirely within the body — further reducing surgical trauma and enhancing recovery.

Post-surgery, the patient is doing exceptionally well — a testament to both the surgical team’s expertise and the advantages of robotic surgery. More than a technical achievement, this success reflects a profound improvement in the patient’s quality of life. With a neobladder reconstruction, the patient can maintain near-normal urinary function without an external bag.

This achievement at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital exemplifies how technology and medical expertise can transform outcomes in urological surgery. Robotic-assisted procedures like this one lead the way in offering safer, more effective, and patient-centric care.

As robotic techniques continue to evolve and expand across hospitals, patients diagnosed with complex conditions like bladder cancer can look ahead with greater optimism. Stories like this are not only inspiring but also set a benchmark for excellence in healthcare.

By successfully completing this complex surgery, the Yenepoya urology team has not only changed one life but also raised the bar for what is possible in urological care. Their accomplishment is a beacon of hope and a model of progress in Indian healthcare.