A cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the urinary bladder. Undergoing a cystectomy can bring about a lot of feelings and emotions. AHN is here to help you navigate those with a comprehensive treatment plan and a care team who sees your unique needs and responds to them. From surgery prep to recovery, we are with you to help you achieve the best care outcome.
There are two different types of cystectomies. Understanding the differences between the two provides you with knowledge that will aid in your care plan and recovery. The two types of cystectomies are:
The reasons that you may need a cystectomy include:
Choosing AHN for your bladder cancer and urologic needs means you are choosing health care providers who work in tandem with you to determine the best treatment plan that considers your whole health and your specific needs. AHN provides the latest technological advancements with the most minimally invasive procedures and combines those with compassionate medical professionals who understand the intricacies of cancer care.
Facing a cystectomy can be overwhelming. But, with clear, concise information about this surgical procedure, you can feel more informed and prepared. Your AHN care team will be with you every step of the way to help you prepare, and we’ve also provided an overview to help you get an idea of what the cystectomy may include.
A cystectomy is a surgical procedure, performed in a hospital, to remove all or part of your bladder. This is typically done to treat bladder cancer, but may also be necessary for other conditions affecting the bladder. The extent of the surgery depends on the diagnosis and the individual patient's circumstances. This can range from removing only the cancerous part of the bladder (partial cystectomy) to removing the entire bladder (radical cystectomy). In a radical cystectomy, nearby lymph nodes and sometimes other organs (like the prostate or uterus) may also be removed.
Before your cystectomy, your surgical team will conduct a thorough assessment, including blood tests, urine tests, imaging scans (like CT scans or MRI), and possibly a cystoscopy (examination of the bladder using a thin, flexible tube). Your doctor will discuss any necessary preoperative preparations with you, which may include dietary restrictions, bowel preparation, or medications to take or avoid. You will also be given specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
On the day of your surgery, the care team will review everything with you, and you will receive anesthesia. The procedure typically lasts four to eight hours. The exact duration will depend on the type of cystectomy and any other procedures being performed simultaneously. While you're under anesthesia, your surgeon will carefully remove the bladder and any other affected tissue.
After surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery room for monitoring before being transferred to a hospital room.
After removing the bladder, the surgeon will create a new way for the body to store and eliminate urine. This is called urinary diversion, and there are several different methods:
Recovery from a cystectomy is a gradual process, typically involving several days in the hospital for monitoring and pain management. Patients can expect some pain and discomfort, often managed with medication. The length of your hospital stay, and the time needed for a full recovery, vary greatly depending on individual factors and the extent of the surgery. Rehabilitation may involve physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, and dietary changes may also be necessary. Ultimately, a complete return to normal activities might take several weeks or months.
Given the extent of a cystectomy surgery, you likely have questions. Your AHN surgeon and care team will be available to provide specific details, but these FAQs may help you get an idea of what questions to bring to your consultation.
Yes, it's possible to live a relatively normal life without a bladder after a cystectomy. However, "normal" will look different than it did before the surgery. The specifics depend largely on the type of urinary diversion created during the cystectomy. Most people require some form of urinary diversion, which creates a new way for urine to exit the body. This might involve a urostomy (where urine drains into a bag attached to the abdomen) or a continent urinary diversion (where a pouch is surgically created inside the body to store urine, requiring self-catheterization). While these diversions allow for normal bodily functions, they require adjustments in daily routines, including managing the appliance or catheterization. With proper medical care, education, and support, most individuals adapt and maintain an active and fulfilling life.
After bladder removal (cystectomy), urination is redirected through a surgical procedure called urinary diversion. There are several types of urinary diversions, each with its own method of eliminating urine:
The choice of urinary diversion depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, the extent of the surgery, and personal preferences. A urologist will thoroughly discuss these options with the patient before the cystectomy to determine the best course of action.
The survival rate after a cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder) varies greatly depending on several factors, including:
Because of these many variables, providing a single survival rate is misleading and inaccurate. Instead of a single number, survival rates are typically presented as 5-year or 10-year survival probabilities for different stages of the disease. These statistics are usually found in medical journals and reports from organizations like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Please call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to schedule a cystectomy.
