The Native Bladder refers to the original, natural urinary bladder that a person is born with. It plays a critical role in the body’s urinary system by storing and expelling urine. In some medical cases, such as bladder cancer, neurogenic bladder, or severe trauma, the native bladder may need to be removed or bypassed, making it a term commonly contrasted with surgical alternatives like neobladders or urostomies.
Understanding the anatomy, function, and potential issues associated with the native bladder can help patients and caregivers navigate treatment decisions and long-term care. In this article, we explore the role of the native bladder, common health conditions that affect it, surgical interventions, and life after bladder surgery.
Anatomy and Function of the Native Bladder
The native bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis. It stores urine produced by the kidneys until the body is ready to eliminate it. Urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder, which can typically hold between 300 to 500 milliliters of urine. When the bladder is full, nerve signals prompt the urge to urinate, and urine exits the body through the urethra.The bladder’s wall is composed of several layers:
- Urothelium (inner lining)
- Lamina propria (connective tissue)
- Detrusor muscle (muscle layer responsible for contraction during urination)
Common Conditions That Affect the Native Bladder
Several medical conditions can impair the function or structure of the native bladder. These may be benign or life-threatening, and treatment varies accordingly.1. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the most serious conditions affecting the native bladder. It often begins in the urothelial cells lining the bladder and can invade deeper layers if untreated. Symptoms include:- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination or urgency
2. Neurogenic Bladder
A neurogenic bladder occurs when there is a problem in the nervous system that affects bladder control. This condition is often seen in patients with:- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
3. Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)
IC/BPS is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, and frequent urination. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure, but therapies such as dietary changes, bladder instillations, or medications may help manage symptoms.4. Bladder Stones and Infections
Bladder stones form when urine remains stagnant in the bladder, often due to retention. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also damage the bladder lining and impact function.When Is the Native Bladder Removed?
The removal of the Native Bladder, known as cystectomy, is generally reserved for severe cases. Some indications for bladder removal include:- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
- Radiation-induced bladder damage
- Severe neurogenic bladder with kidney risk
- Intractable interstitial cystitis
- Partial cystectomy: Only a portion of the native bladder is removed.
- Radical cystectomy: The entire bladder is removed, along with nearby lymph nodes and sometimes reproductive organs (depending on sex and disease).
Urinary Diversion After Bladder Removal
After the native bladder is removed, surgeons create a urinary diversion to allow the body to expel urine. Options include:1. Neobladder
A neobladder is a surgically constructed bladder made from a segment of the small intestine. It is connected to the urethra, allowing for relatively normal urination. It’s the option most similar to the native bladder in terms of function.Pros:
- Allows voiding through the urethra
- No external appliance
- Potential for incontinence or retention
- Requires pelvic nerve integrity
- Higher complication risk than some alternatives
2. Ileal Conduit
This is the most common type of urostomy, where a piece of the intestine redirects urine from the ureters to a stoma on the abdominal wall, requiring an external bag.Pros:
- Simpler surgery
- Lower risk of some complications
- External appliance required
- Body image issues for some patients
3. Continent Cutaneous Reservoir
This is a pouch made from bowel tissue that stores urine inside the body and is drained by catheterizing through a stoma.Managing a Native Bladder After Surgery or Radiation
In patients who retain their native bladder after cancer treatments (like chemotherapy or bladder-sparing radiation), ongoing care is critical.Surveillance:
- Regular cystoscopies
- Urine cytology
- Imaging scans (CT urogram or MRI)
Potential Risks:
- Recurrence of bladder cancer
- Reduced bladder capacity or fibrosis
- Hematuria or infections
Quality of Life: Native Bladder vs Alternatives
Patients who retain their native bladder often report higher satisfaction compared to those who undergo complete removal. However, this is highly dependent on the condition and treatment success.Factors influencing quality of life include:
- Continence (daytime and nighttime)
- Ease of urination
- Freedom from appliances
- Sexual function
- Self-image
Native Bladder Preservation: Is It Always Better?
Preserving the native bladder isn’t always the Native Bladder best choice. In cases of high-grade or muscle-invasive cancer, trying to preserve a diseased bladder may increase the risk of recurrence or progression.A multidisciplinary team will consider:
- Cancer staging and grading
- Overall health
- Patient preference
- Likelihood of bladder function recovery
Conclusion
The native bladder is a vital organ, but in some circumstances—such as bladder cancer, neurogenic bladder, or severe trauma—it may become dysfunctional or require removal. Fortunately, advances in urologic surgery offer several alternatives, including neobladder reconstruction, that can closely mimic natural bladder function.Patients facing bladder disease or surgery should have informed discussions with their healthcare team about:
- The status of their native bladder
- Risks and benefits of preservation vs removal
- Long-term lifestyle implications
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