"Neo bladder" for incontinence sufferers

Australians suffering incontinence after cancer treatment and accidents are being given back their freedom, thanks to a radical surgery.

The operation creates a bladder from the wall of the bowel, allowing patients to regain control and normal functioning.

Lisa Cornish was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 18, but has never let her health troubles stop her from living life.

Despite being incontinent, Lisa is a competitive cyclist, has hiked to Everest base camp, and walked the Kokoda Track.

“That was a pretty major achievement for me to be able to do all that," said Ms Cornish.

But now an incredible surgical innovation has given Lisa her life back.

Her urologist built what he calls a "neo bladder" using the wall of her upper bowel.

The surgery isn’t just for bowel cancer patients either, with sufferers of spina bifida, bladder cancer and even spinal chord injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents being helped by the new technology.

To find out more visit: http://www.donatelife.gov.au