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A cystectomy is a procedure in which all or part of the bladder is surgically removed.
Reasons for a cystectomy include:
Prior surgery in the abdomen or pelvis, or radiation for pelvic malignancies, may put you at risk for complications such as bleeding or damage to the bowel or rectum. Physicians generally recommend quitting smoking before having a cystectomy. Generally, you are also required to take antibiotics and laxatives to help cleanse the bowels before the procedure. The night before a cystectomy, you may be instructed not to eat anything and only drink clear liquids. After midnight and on the morning of the procedure, do not eat or drink anything—not even clear liquids, coffee, tea, or water. General anesthetic
is administered before surgery, so you will be completely asleep and will not feel pain during the procedure.
An incision is made in the abdomen to expose the bladder. All blood vessels to the bladder are cut, and the bladder is removed. Depending on the reason for the procedure and gender of the patient, other tissues and organs may also be removed along with the bladder. The surgeon will also construct a new way for urine to be excreted. A new bladder may be constructed using pieces of intestine, or an external bag may be attached to the abdomen to collect urine. A stay in the intensive care unit for 2-3 days may be required. When you awake from surgery, you may have a tube running from the nose into the stomach. Strenuous activity should be avoided for four and six weeks following surgery. If a urine bag was attached during the surgery, you will need to learn how to dispose of urine. Between 1-5 hours, depending on the reason for and the type of surgery Recovery following cystectomy is usually painful.
Reaction to the general anesthesia is possible. Other possible complications from the surgery include:
- Infection in the body or at the incision site
may occur.
- Bleeding may occur.
- Loss of sexual function may occur.
- If cancer was the reason for the surgery, it is possible that not all of the cancer may have been removed during surgery, thus requiring additional treatment.
- Leaking fluid may pool in the abdominal cavity.
- The rectum may be injured and require surgery.
- The intestines could leak or narrow, requiring surgery.
- Blockages could prevent urine flow.
- Metabolic and nutritional complications may arise depending of the bowel segments used to create a urinary diversion.
- Clots in lower extremities.
Between 2-12 days, depending on the condition of the patient and the reason for surgery. Intravenous fluids are administered for several days following surgery, and a tube will be placed from the nose to the stomach for several days. Once released from the hospital, strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks following surgery. Patients should also avoid heavy lifting, straining, driving, and sexual activity for a period of time. Driving, showering, and climbing stairs is allowed. Prognosis is usually good following cystectomy, but varies based on the reason for the surgery. If bladder cancer was the cause, the risk exists for the cancer returning. Call your doctor immediately if you: - Have difficulty urinating or cannot urinate
- Are nauseous or vomiting
- Have a fever
Last reviewed May 2007 by Miguel Antelo, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
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