Title: The Remarkable Journey of Deion Sanders: From Bladder Cancer to Neobladder Reconstruction
In recent news, two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders has successfully undergone neobladder reconstruction surgery at the University of Colorado. This groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, to treat an aggressive form of bladder cancer discovered in Sanders this spring.
The neobladder reconstruction technique involves removing the old bladder and using a segment of the patient's own small intestine (ileum) to create a new one. The surgeon first cuts out about 18 inches from the end section of the small intestine, then flattens it like a sheet before folding it in half top-to-bottom and connecting the back part to the front. This results in an organ that resembles a volleyball covered in sutures, as described by Dr. Max Kates from Johns Hopkins University's Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute.
The neobladder is then sewn to the kidneys and urethra, allowing patients to recover quickly with minimal hospitalization time – usually just a few days. One of the most remarkable aspects of this surgery is that because it uses the patient's own tissue, there is no risk of rejection or need for immunosuppressant medications, unlike when using plastic materials which would be rejected by the urinary tract due to its foreign nature.
This innovative procedure not only offers hope and a potential cure for bladder cancer patients like Deion Sanders but also highlights the incredible advancements in surgical techniques over time. The fact that such complex surgeries can now be performed robotically, with minimal incisions required, speaks volumes about how far medicine has come since its early days.
As we continue to witness breakthroughs like these, it becomes increasingly clear that our understanding of the human body and its ability to adapt is truly astounding. The story of Deion Sanders serves as a testament to this, proving that even in the face of life-threatening illnesses, there are always new ways forward through science and technology.
In conclusion, neobladder reconstruction surgery represents a significant milestone in cancer treatment, offering patients like Deion Sanders renewed hope for recovery and improved quality of life post-surgery. As we move into an era where personalized medicine becomes more prevalent, it is exciting to consider what other groundbreaking advancements may lie ahead in the fight against disease.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/02/nx-s1-5490475/neobladder-bladder-reconstruction-deion-sanders-cancer) #surgeons
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