19/06/2026
A patient-focused panel discussion titled “Life after Bladder Removal” brought together senior specialists from uro-oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and psychiatry to address the physical, emotional and social challenges faced by bladder cancer patients after treatment.
The discussion focused especially on life after cystectomy, a major surgery that may involve bladder removal and urinary diversion. For many patients and caregivers, the journey after cystectomy includes adapting to a stoma or urine bag, managing changes in body image and intimacy, understanding follow-up care, dealing with recurrence anxiety, and rebuilding day-to-day confidence.
Moderated by Vivek Sharma, Patient Advocate and founder of social impact organization – Uhapo, the session was designed to make complex medical and survivorship issues easier for patients and families to understand. The conversation also highlighted the importance of pre-treatment counselling, shared decision-making, caregiver support, mental health care, multidisciplinary coordination and patient navigation.
The panel included Dr S P Kataria, Medical Oncologist; Dr Puneet Ahluwalia, Senior Uro Oncologist; Dr Kunjahari Medhi, Medical Oncologist; Dr Gagandeep Talwar, Uro Oncologist; Dr Karandeep Paul, Psychiatrist; and Dr Susovan Bannerjee, Radiation Oncologist.