Cystectomy :Procedure, Recovery, and Post-procedure Care
Preparation for Bladder Removal
Before any patient can undergo a cystectomy, their health condition is evaluated by the surgeon while determining if bladder removal is necessary. Assessment tests may be required of some patients before the right approach is decided by the surgeon.
During Cystectomy
A general anesthetic keeps the person unconscious during surgery. The surgeon opens up the belly to take out the bladder and related structures like lymph nodes, making an ileal conduit, a continuous urinary reservoir, or rebuilding a neobladder in place of it. To drain urine from the new bladder, on occasion, a catheter is needed by the specialist.
After the surgery
The stitches are put on the cuts after cystectomy, and bandages are used to cover them over. In general, following laparoscopic or robotic cystectomy, patients are likely to remain in hospital for several days, while their open cystectomy counterparts may take up to one week.
Recovery From Cystectomy
Time taken to recover from bladder removal surgery differs with individuals who undergo partial cystectomy; partial cystectomy recovery time is shorter than radical cystectomies, which can take from weeks to months.
Post-procedure care
After-surgical care includes
- Maintaining a proper diet as well as fluid intake.
- The discussion of resuming sexual activity with a physician is fundamental.
- Pain medications are recommended in order to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Incision care as well as catheter placement for drainage of urine from the bladder point towards greater efforts such as avoidance of heavy activities for several weeks.
- Catheter to stay for some days or weeks in order to drain urine from the bladder.
- Begin with liquid diets, making progress to regular ones using physicians’s suggestions as a guide.
| Procedure Name |
Cystectomy |
| Type of Surgery |
Open or laparoscopic |
| Type of Anesthesia |
General anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration |
3 – 6 hours |
| Recovery Duration |
Few weeks to a few months |
Benefits of Cystectomy Surgery
- For initial bladder cancer, it gives a high treatment success rate.
- By removing localized cancer cells, metastasizing is prevented.
- It reduces pain associated with bladder cancer and manifestations of the disease itself.
- It offers respite for uncontrollable severe incontinence.
- This operation can be done for sufferers of interstitial cystitis.
- Improves quality of life by reducing pain and urinary problems.