Cystectomy

Cystectomy causes

This surgery may be needed for:

• Bladder cancer
• Injury or damage to the bladder
• Ongoing bladder infections or inflammation
• Severe bladder control problems
• Birth defects that affect how the bladder works

Cystectomy risk factors

You may need a cystectomy if you:

• Have been diagnosed with bladder cancer
• Have had radiation therapy in the pelvic area
• Have long-term bladder problems
• Were born with bladder or nerve issues
• Have had bladder cancer come back after treatment

Cystectomy symptoms

Symptoms that might lead to this surgery include:

• Blood in the urine
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Urinating often or feeling the need to go urgently
• Trouble emptying the bladder
• Urine leaking or pelvic pain

Cystectomy diagnosis

Doctors may use the following to decide if you need this surgery:

• Urine tests for signs of infection or cancer
• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs
• Cystoscopy to look inside the bladder
• Biopsy to confirm cancer or other serious problems

Cystectomy treatment

There are two types of cystectomy:

• Partial cystectomy – removes only the affected part of the bladder
• Radical cystectomy – removes the whole bladder and sometimes nearby tissue

Other treatment details:

• The doctor will create a new way for urine to leave the body (like a neobladder or urostomy)
• Hospital recovery usually takes about a week, followed by several weeks of healing at home
• You may need to learn how to care for a urinary pouch or adjust to a new way of urinating

When to seek care

Talk to your doctor if you:

• Have blood in your urine or constant bladder problems
• Were told you have bladder cancer or may need bladder surgery
• Want to know more about bladder cancer treatment or urinary reconstruction options
• Have trouble going to the bathroom or controlling your bladder