Cystectomy – Urinary Bladder Removal Surgery
What is a Cystectomy?
Cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the urinary bladder. It is most commonly performed to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but may also be used for other severe bladder conditions. Depending on the extent of the disease, the surgery can be:
- Radical Cystectomy – complete removal of the bladder, often with nearby lymph nodes and organs
- Partial Cystectomy – removal of only the diseased portion of the bladder
- Simple Cystectomy – removal of the bladder without surrounding tissues (rare)
After bladder removal, surgeons create a urinary diversion to allow urine to exit the body.
Why is a Cystectomy Performed?
Common reasons for cystectomy include:
- Bladder cancer (especially muscle-invasive or recurrent)
- Severe interstitial cystitis
- Bladder dysfunction due to neurological conditions
- Trauma or radiation damage
- Birth defects affecting bladder structure
Types of Cystectomy
- Open Cystectomy – Traditional surgery using a larger abdominal incision
- Laparoscopic Cystectomy – Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera
- Robotic-Assisted Cystectomy – Advanced minimally invasive surgery for greater precision and faster recovery
Urinary Diversion Options
After bladder removal, the surgeon creates a new way for urine to leave the body:
- Ileal Conduit (Urostomy): Uses a piece of intestine to create a stoma (opening) on the abdomen for urine to drain into a bag
- Neobladder: A new bladder is constructed from intestinal tissue, allowing urination through the urethra
- Continent Reservoir: Internal pouch created from intestine, drained using a catheter
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Surgery typically lasts 4–6 hours
- In radical cystectomy for men: the prostate and seminal vesicles may also be removed
- In women: the uterus, ovaries, part of the vagina, and fallopian tubes may be removed depending on the spread
Recovery after Cystectomy
- Hospital stay: 5–10 days
- Initial recovery: 4–6 weeks
- Learning to manage urinary diversion is part of post-op care
- Gradual return to eating and physical activity
- Ongoing support from a urologist, stoma therapist, and nursing team
Potential Risks and Complications
- Bleeding or infection
- Urine leakage or blockage
- Blood clots or bowel complications
- Sexual dysfunction
- Changes in body image or lifestyle (with stoma)
Why Choose Dr. Harish NL for Cystectomy?
- Highly Skilled Cancer Surgeon
- Advanced Robotic & Minimally Invasive Options
- Personalized Treatment for Bladder Cancer & Complex Conditions
- Dedicated Support for Stoma Care & Recovery
- Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Approach