Do I need to take medicine after bladder cancer surgery

Drug therapy is usually required after bladder cancer surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence and help the body recover. Specific medications include preventive anti-tumor drugs, restorative drugs, and symptomatic drugs, which need to be adjusted according to the individual's condition under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Why is drug treatment needed after bladder cancer surgery?

Surgery can remove cancerous tissue, but it cannot guarantee the complete removal of tiny cancer cells. Drug treatment can reduce the possibility of recurrence after surgery. Some types of bladder cancer, such as superficial bladder cancer, may require intravesical instillation of drugs after resection to prevent cancer cells from spreading or growing again. For invasive bladder cancer or advanced cases, adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be needed to further suppress residual cancer cells.

2. Common types of drugs and their effects

(1) Chemotherapy drugs: for example, anthracyclines such as doxorubicin or anti-metabolites such as gemcitabine. Intravesical chemotherapy can prevent the recurrence of superficial cancer; for invasive cancer, systemic intravenous chemotherapy can also be used to control the disease.

(2) Immunotherapy: such as intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which is used to stimulate local immune response in the bladder and effectively reduce the recurrence rate of early bladder cancer. This treatment is suitable for patients with superficial cancer without muscle invasion.

(3) Symptomatic treatment drugs: Symptoms such as frequent urination and painful urination may occur after surgery. The doctor may recommend the short-term use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve discomfort. Drugs that promote bladder function recovery can also be used according to the individual patient's condition.

3. Other suggestions for postoperative medication

(1) Diet adjustment: Eat more foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, and reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods. Green vegetables such as broccoli are rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals, which can assist postoperative recovery.

(2) Lifestyle: Maintain moderate exercise, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking is an important cause of bladder cancer. You need to quit smoking completely after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

(3) Regular follow-up: Perform cystoscopy or imaging assessment regularly as recommended by your doctor to detect signs of recurrence or metastasis in a timely manner.

Postoperative drug therapy is an important part of the long-term management of bladder cancer, and a personalized plan needs to be developed based on the condition and individual factors. It is recommended to have regular checkups and take medication as prescribed by the doctor to ensure better recovery and quality of life.