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Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly encountered types of cancer that affects the urinary bladder. It is estimated that over 80,000 + new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed each year. Advances in research and treatment have led to improved outcomes for patients with bladder cancer.
Early Detection
One of the most significant advances in bladder cancer is the development of early detection methods. Regular screenings, such as urine cytology, can detect bladder cancer in its earliest stages when it can be treated curatively. Additionally, newer tests such as urinary biomarkers and liquid biopsies have the potential to improve the accuracy of bladder cancer detection.
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Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system fight cancer, has shown promising results in bladder cancer treatment. Drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors and oncolytic viruses are now being used to treat advanced bladder cancer and improve patient outcomes.
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Bladder Preservation
In the past, the standard treatment for bladder cancer was a radical cystectomy, which involved removing the entire bladder. However, recent advances in bladder-sparing techniques, such as transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT) and intravesical therapy, have allowed for the preservation of the bladder in many cases. These techniques have led to an improved quality of life.
One of the latest advances in the treatment of bladder cancer is holmium laser en bloc enucleation (HoLEE), a minimally invasive surgical technique for removing bladder tumours.
What is HoLEE?
Holmium laser en bloc enucleation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses holmium laser to remove tumours from the bladder. The procedure is performed through the urethra and does not require an incision. The holmium laser emits a high-energy beam that can precisely cut through the bladder wall and remove the tumours while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits of HoLEE
HoLEE has several benefits over traditional surgical techniques for removing bladder tumours. These include:
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Minimal Invasiveness
HoLEE is a minimally invasive surgical technique, which means that the surgical incisions are smaller and there is less tissue damage compared to traditional surgical techniques.
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Improved Accuracy
The holmium laser allows for precise cutting and removal of the tumours, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Faster recovery: Patients who undergo HoLEE often have a faster recovery time compared to those who undergo traditional surgical techniques, as the surgical incisions are smaller and there is less tissue damage.
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Reduced Risk of Recurrence
By removing the tumours en bloc, HoLEE reduces the risk of tumour recurrence compared to traditional surgical techniques.
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Improved Quality of Life
Patients who undergo HoLEE often experience a better quality of life compared to those who undergo traditional surgical techniques, as the recovery time is faster and there is less tissue damage.
Another advantage of holmium laser en bloc enucleation is its ability to precisely control bleeding during the procedure, reducing the risk of blood loss and the need for blood transfusions. The procedure is also less painful than traditional surgical techniques and has a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.
In conclusion, holmium laser en bloc enucleation (HoLEE) is a cutting-edge surgical technique for removing bladder tumours. Its minimally invasive approach, improved accuracy, faster recovery time, reduced risk of recurrence, and improved quality of life make it an attractive option for patients with bladder cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, be sure to discuss all of your treatment options, including HoLEE, with an urologist in sarjapur road.
