Surgery for Bladder Cancer: Patient Care Resources

1Getting Started In Your Care

2Getting Your Diagnosis

3Planning Your Treatment

4Undergoing Treatment & Follow-Up

 

 


close Before

close During

close After

Your Doctors

Surgeon

Also known as a surgical oncologist, your cancer surgeon specializes in surgical procedures to diagnose and treat cancer. Your surgeon serves as your attending physician, the doctor who directs your care team.

Surgical oncologists perform biopsies (taking samples of tissue) to test for bladder cancer and confirm a diagnosis. They help you choose the best type of surgery for your cancer. Potential options include traditional (open) approaches or minimally invasive (robotic) techniques to remove the bladder cancer and surrounding tissue.

View All {0} Surgeons »

Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in using medications to block pain during surgery. These medications also help you relax during the procedure or ease you into unconsciousness. After giving medication, your anesthesiologist monitors vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout your surgery and immediate recovery.

Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may need local (small area), regional (larger area), or general (overall) anesthesia. You will meet your anesthesiologist before surgery to review your case in detail. For patients with complex medical problems, the anesthesiology team may ask to meet with you one or more days before your surgery.

View All {0} Anesthesiologists »

Pathologist

Working closely with your oncologist, your pathologist performs and reads laboratory tests to determine the type and stage of your bladder cancer. Our pathologists have special training to detect and diagnose bladder cancer. They use a microscope to examine tissue samples removed during TURBT or bladder removal surgery. As with radiologists, you may not meet your pathologist while he/she works with your oncologist to diagnose your cancer.

View All {0} Pathologists »

Extended Care Team

Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
Nurse coordinator (NC)
Clinical administrative assistance (CAA)
Clinical nurse
Patient Access Representative (PAS)
Surgery scheduler

Support Services

PATHWELL SUPPORT SERVICES

PathWell is your connection to personalized support services before, during, and after your treatment. Our teams of doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers, nutrition experts, financial counselors, and more work with your oncology team to provide comprehensive specialized care to you and to your family.

Stanford Health Library

For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers, access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.

  • 875 Blake Wilbur, Palo Alto: 1st floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960

Email us your questions: healthlibrary@stanfordhealthcare.org

 

Learn More About Surgery for Bladder Cancer