Bladder Cancer Treatment: Surgery vs. Immunotherapy – Which Is Right for You?
A bladder cancer diagnosis can leave patients and families feeling uncertain about what lies ahead. The two most widely discussed treatment options today are surgery and immunotherapy. Both can be life-saving—but they work differently, and choosing the right path depends on individual factors like cancer stage, health condition, and treatment goals.
Dr Dharmender Aggarwal, a leading uro-oncologist offering bladder cancer treatment in Mohali and Chandigarh, shares insights into how surgery and immunotherapy compare, and when each may be the most effective option.
Surgical Options for Bladder Cancer
Surgery continues to be one of the most effective ways to treat bladder cancer, particularly when the disease is detected at an early or localized stage.
Common Surgical Procedures
- TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor): A minimally invasive option used for early-stage tumors. A scope is inserted through the urethra to remove abnormal tissue without external incisions.
- Radical Cystectomy: Recommended for advanced cases. It involves removal of the entire bladder and nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, reconstructive procedures (like a neobladder) are performed to restore urinary function.
Thanks to urology robotic surgery, patients in Mohali and Chandigarh now benefit from:
✔ Smaller incisions
✔ Reduced pain and blood loss
✔ Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
✔ High precision in cancer removal
Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune System
Unlike surgery, immunotherapy doesn’t remove tumors directly. Instead, it empowers the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
How It Works
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors block certain proteins that help cancer hide from the immune system.
- Once unmasked, the immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
When It’s Used
- Advanced or metastatic bladder cancer
- Cases where surgery isn’t possible
- As an additional treatment after surgery to lower recurrence risk
Immunotherapy has significantly improved survival rates for patients with advanced bladder cancer and is less invasive compared to traditional approaches.
Comparing Surgery and Immunotherapy
| Factor | Surgery | Immunotherapy |
| Best for | Localized or early-stage cancer | Advanced/metastatic cancer |
| Approach | Physically removes tumors | Activates immune defense |
| Recovery | Hospital stay + weeks of healing | Outpatient treatment, gradual effect |
| Side Effects | Pain, infection, changes in urinary function | Fatigue, rashes, immune-related issues |
| Goal | Potential cure (if detected early) | Control disease, extend survival |
The choice between the two often depends on a careful balance of medical need, patient health, and lifestyle considerations.
A Holistic Approach to Care in Mohali & Chandigarh
Patients are offered a personalized plan that may combine both surgery and immunotherapy, depending on their case.
With expertise in urology cancer surgery and robotic surgery, Dr Aggarwal ensures that each patient receives world-class care backed by advanced technology and compassionate support.
There’s no single “best” treatment for bladder cancer—only the treatment that is best for you. Whether it’s advanced urology robotic surgery or breakthrough immunotherapy, the right decision requires expert guidance.
👉 If you or a loved one is seeking bladder cancer treatment in Mohali or Chandigarh, book a consultation with Dr Dharmender Aggarwal, an experienced uro-oncologist specializing in robotic and minimally invasive cancer surgeries. Early action can change the outcome.
FAQs on Bladder Cancer Treatment
Q1. Is bladder cancer always treated with surgery?
Not always. Early-stage bladder cancer may be treated with TURBT and intravesical therapy, while advanced cases may need immunotherapy or chemotherapy.
Q2. What is the advantage of robotic surgery in bladder cancer treatment?
Robotic surgery provides greater precision, minimal scarring, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Q3. Who is a candidate for immunotherapy in bladder cancer?
Patients with advanced or recurrent bladder cancer, especially those who cannot undergo surgery, are usually considered for immunotherapy.
Q4. Where can I find the best bladder cancer treatment in Mohali and Chandigarh?
Dr Dharmender Aggarwal is one of the leading uro-oncologists in the region, specializing in urology cancer surgery and robotic surgery for bladder cancer.