Radical Cystectomy Surgery for Bladder Cancer

Radical cystectomy surgery for bladder cancer is primarily performed for patients with advanced bladder cancer or those at high risk of progression.

In men, the surgery involves removal of the bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles, and lymphatic tissues. In women, it involves the removal of the bladder, uterus, part of the vagina, and ovaries. However, since the bladder, which functions to store and discharge urine, is removed, a new pathway must be created.

This procedure, known as diversion, can be performed using different techniques. One method involves directing the ureters through the skin, while the more commonly used method involves placing a small piece of bowel between the ureters and the skin, allowing the bowel to be diverted to the skin.

Additionally, the new bladder can be reconnected to the urethra, enabling the patient to urinate naturally. The decision for this procedure is made based on the views of the surgeon and relevant specialists.

Radical cystectomy is primarily performed when cancer in the bladder has spread deeply into the muscle tissue, or in cases where tumors have not yet infiltrated the muscle but have progressed to the point of posing a high risk for invasion into muscle and surrounding tissues. Early detection and surgery can provide healthier outcomes for patients with such tumors.

After surgery, men will not be able to ejaculate but will retain the ability to experience orgasm. Women may experience difficulties with sexual intercourse in the first few months post-surgery.

Due to the long, exhausting, and risky nature of the surgery, patients must be well-informed about how to use their new bladder, when to contact their doctor, and how to follow post-operative instructions. Patients will remain under observation for an extended period after surgery. Although the decision to undergo surgery can be difficult for patients, it is important to remember that it is a form of cancer treatment, and with the guidance of the doctor, a healthy life can be achieved.

When is Radical Cystectomy Performed? Treatment Details:

• Operation: Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
• Procedure: When bladder tumors have reached a point where they cannot be treated with closed methods, the entire bladder is removed, and a new bladder is made using the small intestine.
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Hospital Stay: 7-10 days
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Recovery Time: 7-10 days
• Return to Work (School): 30 days
• Scarring: Yes
• Pain Duration: 48-72 hours

Radical cystectomy is an important procedure used to remove the entire bladder along with nearby tissues and lymph nodes. It is typically performed on patients with muscle-invasive or recurrent bladder cancer who do not respond to other treatments. The procedure can be performed open, laparoscopic, or robotic.

In addition to removing the bladder, the procedure may also involve removing the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina in women, or the prostate and seminal vesicles in men.

Before the surgery, the patient must undergo tests to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure and to discuss potential risks, benefits, and alternatives with the surgical team. After the surgery, the patient will typically require urinary diversion through the use of a new bladder or ileal conduit.

Who Should Undergo Radical Cystectomy Surgery? Radical cystectomy is performed when the bladder cancer has progressed into the bladder muscle, if the tumor is too large to be treated with closed methods, or if the tumor has not yet invaded the muscle but has a high risk of recurrence despite medication.

During the radical cystectomy, the entire bladder and surrounding lymph nodes are removed. In both men and women, genital organs may sometimes be preserved, but in standard procedures, the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed in men, while the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina are removed in women. Afterward, a new bladder is usually constructed using the small intestine, and it may be diverted to the skin around the belly button. In some cases, it can also be connected to the normal urinary tract, although this method may result in night-time leakage and the patient may need to empty their bladder using a catheter. Therefore, patients must be well-informed before the surgery.

Radical cystectomy is often performed through an incision below the navel. After the surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for approximately 7-10 days. They can generally return to normal activities after a few weeks. In some cases, minimally invasive surgeries, also known as laparoscopic or robotic techniques, may be used. These surgeries require significant expertise and may take longer. These techniques typically involve smaller incisions, which result in less pain and faster recovery, but the body will still need to be cut to remove the bladder.

How Much Does Radical Cystectomy Surgery for Bladder Cancer Cost in Izmir? Cystectomy is a surgery performed to remove the bladder. In men, the entire bladder removal generally includes the removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles.

In women, radical cystectomy also includes the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina.

Since the bladder is removed during the surgery, a new urinary diversion must be created to store and eliminate urine.

If you want information about the costs of radical cystectomy surgery for bladder cancer in Izmir, you can consult specialized doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Radical Cystectomy Performed? This surgery is performed on both men and women. In men, the prostate, seminal vesicles, and in some cases, the entire urethra are removed. In women, the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part or all of the vagina are removed. Lymph nodes in the pelvic cavity are also removed during the procedure. The surgery ends after these procedures.

How Long Does Radical Cystectomy Surgery Take? This surgery is performed on both men and women. During the procedure, in men, the bladder, prostate, part of the lower urinary tract, seminal vesicles, and surrounding large blood vessels and lymph nodes are removed. When fully performed, the surgery lasts between 6 and 8 hours. After the procedure, the patient may need to be placed in the intensive care unit if necessary, and then transferred to their room. Typically, the patient is discharged from the hospital 10-14 days after the surgery.

What is Removed During Radical Cystectomy? Radical cystectomy is performed on both men and women, and the organs removed differ between the genders. In men, the prostate, seminal vesicles, and, if necessary, the entire urethra are removed. In women, the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part or all of the vagina are removed. Lymph nodes in the pelvic cavity are also removed during the procedure.