Introduction
Cystectomy is a surgery to get rid of the bladder. In men, removal of the entire bladder (radical cystectomy) usually necessitates removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles.
In women, the uterus, ovaries and part of the vagina are eliminated in radical cystectomy.
After removing the bladder, your surgeon has to create a urinary diversion which means a new way to keep urine and have it leave your body.
The urine can be stored in various ways and eliminated after bladder removal. The doctor can assist you in choosing the best method for you.
Invasive or recurrent noninvasive bladder cancer can be treated through cystectomy.
It aims at treating not only pelvic tumors such as advanced colon, prostate, or endometrial cancer, but also non cancerous conditions like interstitial cystitis or congenital abnormalities.
Why is this operation done?
Your doctor may recommend cystectomy to treat:
- Cancer that starts growing in the bladder.
- the urinary system is affected by some birth defects
- Neurological or inflammatory afflictions that affect the urinary system
Several factors such as the reason for your surgery, your overall health, and preferences determine the type of cystectomy.
What are the risks?
Many internal organs are manipulated in your abdomen which makes cystectomy a complex surgery that carries certain risks, including:
Bleeding
Blood clots
Heart attack
Infection
Pneumonia
Rarely, death can happen after surgery
This surgery includes removing the bladder along with creating a urinary diversion which leads to some additional risks like:
Dehydration
Electrolyte abnormalities
Urinary tract infection
A blockage that hinders food or liquid from passing through your intestines.
A blockage in one of the tubes that carries urine from the kidneys.
What can you expect?
The bladder and part of the urethra, along with nearby lymph nodes are removed during cystectomy.
Your surgeon may recommend one of these methods for your surgery:
Open surgery: a single incision is made on your abdomen to access the pelvis and bladder.
Minimally invasive surgery: special surgical tools are placed on your abdomen in order to access the abdominal cavity.
Robotic surgery: your surgeon operates the surgical tools through a console.
What are side effects that may appear?
After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to five or six days in order to allow your body to recover. In addition, your surgeon should make sure that your intestines are ready once again to absorb fluids and nutrients.
Side effects such as sort throat, shivering, sleepiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting may appear after general anesthesia. But, don't worry, you will be better after few days.
With Turquie Santé, we help our patients to pay cheaper prices but not at the expense of quality thanks to our network of more than 70 clinics present in Izmir, Istanbul or Antalya.
Last update : 22/09/2019
