Keyhole bladder surgery is a major step change in patient care

7th October 2008

Consultant Urologist Alan Doherty of The Birmingham Prostate Clinic is one of the first surgeons in the country to remove a cancerous bladder using keyhole surgery.

This procedure, known as a radical cystectomy, has previously been carried out as open surgery, which has a high risk of complications.

Mr Doherty, Clinical Director of The Birmingham Prostate Clinic said: “This is a breakthrough which will revolutionise the surgical treatment of bladder cancer.

“A cystectomy is the biggest and most complex urological procedure that we do. With the open procedure it involves opening up the lower body, removing the bladder and creating either a stoma (bag) on the abdomen or a new bladder, known as a neobladder.

‘We use part of the intestine to make the new bladder and connect this to the urethra.

"An open cystectomy carries the same mortality rate as open heart surgery. This is because of the risks and complications associated with the open procedure, such as significant blood loss, bowel, lung and metabolic problems.

“The patient normally requires intensive care following the procedure, will stay in hospital for three weeks and become vulnerable to infections such as MRSA.”

Keyhole surgery will be suitable for nearly all patients who need to have their bladder removed.

By accessing the bladder through five keyhole-sized holes in the abdomen, the damage to tissue and nerves is minimised and blood loss is much reduced.

Following keyhole surgery, patients are not likely to require intensive care and are expected to be fit to return home a week later.

The new keyhole procedure has previously only been performed in a handful of other hospitals in the country until now.

Mr Doherty has performed keyhole cystectomies in both his NHS hospital, The Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham and privately for The Birmingham Prostate Clinic at The Priory Hospital.

Mr Doherty concludes: “The difference is quite dramatic. I am really excited about what this means for our patients.

"It's fantastic to be able to offer such a step change in improved care.”