I'm just curious, why can't people get bladder transplants?

[green_the_fish]

I don't want to get one or anything, I'm only curious about why so many other organs can be transplanted but not the bladder. Sorry if this is a frivolous or stupid question. I know that even if it could be done it might not cure IC, but I'm just wondering why it can never be done. :hmm:

[jen_dahling]

No questions are stupid questions! This subject was brought up a few months ago and I think the bladder transplant can't be done due to tissue problems and infection. There is some research being done with labratory bladder organs and dogs. Right now the only options for the bladder, if removed, are using part of the intestines or a bag for drainage. I really wish I knew more about this. Hopefully someone else will chime in soon for ya!

[Judith56]

They have tried to do it, but not successfully. I think also since there are other options, such as an ileal conduit (urostomy) or an internal pouch using intrestine, it is not high priority. People can easily live without thier bladders- I know since I am one of them. I had my bladder out 18 years ago!

[Am2974]

People can easily live without thier bladders- I know since I am one of them. I had my bladder out 18 years ago!

What did they do to you to replace the bladder?

I wish Bladder's where like tonsilles. If they start bothering ya, and you have infections,irritations, ect... Remove it and go on with your life. I'd be 1st in line! :lmao:

[tigger_gal]

good question!! I often wondered why they cant... I understand that a bladder can be removed without an otstomy... but I honestly don't know what it means
via this artical:

Dr. Peters has demonstrated expertise in bladder cancer and is currently investigating several new therapeutic approaches to this disease. He has worked closely with Professor Hautmann in Ulm, Germany, an internationally renowned urologist who originated bladder replacement surgery, an operation which allows the bladder to be removed without the need for an ostomy.


Replacing a bladder with a pigs bladder was once considered, many years ago, but I never knew the out come of that either......
Brat

[Dixiefireball]

i don't remember the whole story but i have asked that question to my doctor and was told that it was done a while back they took our bladders out and replaced them with a pigs bladder and it seems like it was a cure for a while then the women started coming back having more problems then they did before they had there bladders out.
i'm sorry i don't know the whole story but there is another ladie on here that knows about this and hopefully she will see the post and explain it better.
sending you hugs and prayers

Rhonda

[Jeanne D.]

Bladders can be repaired or enlarged using part of the large intestine -- usually the cecum. They cannot be transplated due to their nerve supply. The pelvic nerves carry the impulses generated by a filling bladder to the sacral spinal cord, these sensations are then carried to the cerebral cortex (both are part of the central nervous system), which makes us conscious of the urge to urinate. If these nerves are severed or damaged, voluntary urination cannot take place.

Transplanted bladders would need to be catheterized -- no voluntary voiding due to the interrupted nerve supply. Other risks associated with transplanted organs are infection and rejection. In the case of IC, a transplanted bladder may also develop IC.

If complete surgical removal of the bladder is warranted, a cystectomy with urinary diversion is the procedure that is done. This surgery has it's own set of complications but at least the patient would not run the risk of organ rejection or need to take strong anti-rejection drugs for the remainder of their lives.

Jeanne

[tigger_gal]

Jeanne,
thanks for the info, its greatly appricated :)
Brat

[ICLori]

Thank you so much! Now I can have an answer for my MIL who wonders why I can't just have my bladder transplanted.

Blessings, Lori

[Judith56]

I think when the doctor was talking about removing the bladder and not an ostomy, I bet he meant that they make a new bladder out of iintestine and hook it up to the urethra, thus no stoma is created. This would be termed a neo-bladder. Many times though the patient still needs to catheterize, but at least they do not need to wear an external pouch. Also remember that this is for bladder cancer. When dealing with an IC bladder it is best (in my opinion) that the urethra be removed along with the bladder. For a lot of patients who keep the urethra who have IC, they tend to need to go back into surgery at a later date to have it removed as it can still cause symptoms of IC.This has been my experience in talking with other IC patients who have had the cystectomy. My urethra was taken out at the same as my bladder since I have horrible pain in my urethra. Immeadiatly after surgery the pain was gone and I rmeember actually throwing things on the floor iin my hosptial room so I could experience picking them up without pain! The nurses must have thought I was crazy! Judith

[mayray518]

Yeah it is a good question and so I asked my uro and he said something about nerve hookup and a host of other problems that were addressed by Jeanne D. And I dont know how many times people said "Oh stop complaining and get a bladder transplant." so there are a lot of people out there who are not aware that, at this time, it is not done.