About Genitourinary Cancer
Key Highlights
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Precision removal of cancerous tumors from the kidneys, bladder, prostate, or testes.Utilization of advanced techniques like robotic-assisted surgery for enhanced precision and smaller incisions.Focus on organ preservation and functional outcomes, such as continence and sexual function, where possible.Performed by a specialist (Surgical Oncologist) with focused expertise in cancer surgery.Often a curative treatment, especially for localized cancers.Integral part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care plan./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a malignant tumor in the kidney (renal cell carcinoma), bladder, prostate, testicles, or ureters.
- Localized cancer that has not widely metastasized (spread) to distant organs.
- As a curative treatment for early-stage cancers.
- To relieve symptoms (palliation) in advanced cancer, such as bleeding or obstruction.
- When other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy are not the preferred primary option.
- For diagnostic purposes (biopsy) or staging when less invasive methods are inconclusive.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and cardiac clearance.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes with the surgical team.
- Management of current medications; may need to stop blood thinners or certain supplements.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as instructed.
- Bowel preparation may be required for some pelvic surgeries.
- Pre-operative counseling regarding potential impacts on urinary and sexual function.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Injury to nearby organs or structures (e.g., intestines, blood vessels, nerves).
- Changes in urinary function, including incontinence or difficulty urinating.
- For prostate or testicular surgery: potential impact on sexual function (erectile dysfunction).
- For kidney surgery: reduced kidney function in the remaining kidney.
- Need for additional procedures or cancer recurrence.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring basic bodily functions return.
- Management of surgical drains or catheters, which may remain for days to weeks.
- Gradual increase in physical activity; heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
- Follow a specific diet and fluid intake plan as advised, especially after bladder or kidney surgery.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for wound checks, catheter removal, and monitoring recovery.
- Long-term follow-up with imaging and blood tests to monitor for cancer recurrence and manage any functional side effects.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering genitourinary cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform genitourinary cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for genitourinary cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Ananya Verma, a 58-year-old former school...
Ananya Verma, a 58-year-old former school principal from Kolkata, had always been active and health-conscious. For months, she dismissed occasional, painless blood in her urine as a possible urinary tract infection. When it became persistent, her GP referred her to a urologist. A cystoscopy revealed a tumor in her bladder. The surgical oncologist, Dr. Rao, explained that while the cancer appeared confined to the bladder lining, a Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) was necessary for definitive diagnosis and potential cure. Ananya was terrified, fearing the loss of her bladder and a permanent stoma. The procedure itself, under spinal anesthesia, was physically straightforward. The emotional toll was heavier; the wait for pathology results was agonizing. The news was good: it was a non-muscle-invasive cancer, completely removed. She requires regular surveillance cystoscopies, which bring anxiety each time, but she has returned to her volunteer work and gardening. Her journey shifted from a fear of mortality to learning to live with vigilant hope, finding strength in her family's support and a renewed appreciation for her health.
Surgical Oncologists for Genitourinary Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform genitourinary cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore