Description

This series of four slides illustrates the creation of a neobladder, a procedure typically performed for bladder cancer. The surgery is done laparoscopically using the da Vinci robotic system.

In this procedure, the bladder is removed, along with the prostate in male patients. A new bladder is then created from a portion of the small intestine, and the remaining bowel is repaired. The goal is to allow the patient to urinate through the natural orifice with a degree of continence.

These illustrations were created for use in slide and video formats, and are featured in a video abstract. The illustratred slides show the main steps of neobladder creation and ureter implantation.

Illustrating the Surgery

I had the opportunity to observe several intracorporeal neobladder creation procedures at Johns Hopkins Hospital, performed by Dr. Patel and Dr. Kates. During these surgeries, I was able to sketch the process and gain a deeper understanding of the technique. Afterward, I reviewed my observations, surgical notes, and relevant literature to accurately map out the procedure and create my initial series of sketches.

Dr. Kates generously reviewed my sketches for accuracy, which helped refine my work. I then continued to illustrate each step of the neobladder creation process.