A urologist carries out laparoscopic radical cystectomy to treat bladder cancer. It is usually done as an alternative treatment to open radical cystectomy for high-risk and muscle-invasive superficial bladder cancer. Reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay and quick recovery of patients are the advantages of laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
There is a tendency in bladder cancer to spread quickly. The removal of cancer from the bladder and the nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra and the surrounding organs is possible by this procedure. Curing cancer that has invaded the walls of the bladder by preventing the coming back and the spread of cancer is the goal of laparoscopic radical cystectomy. You have to undergo a few preparations before the procedure.
Before the treatment
You should consult with your urologist in Kolkata regarding your health conditions, any particular concern/concerns, the types of medicines you are taking, etc.
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medicines like aspirins and blood thinners. You can have to take some new medicines before the surgery as par the advice of the doctor. Get the information about the type of anaesthetics the anesthesiologist will use during the surgery and its effect on your health condition. You need to clear your bowel before the surgery.
The procedure
According to the urology doctors in Kolkata, the duration of the operation is about 4-8 hours. The surgeon will create six incisions in your abdomen after you go to sleep under the effect of anaesthesia. He/she inserts laparoscopic instruments through some of the cuts. The surgeon inserts special instruments for removing the lymph nodes and the bladder through the other cuts. A camera attached to a tube is also inserted through one of the cuts to help the surgeon view the inside of the patient’s body. The surgeon uses the robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique for this procedure. There is the removal of the bladder and the surrounding lymph nodes in men and the surgeon removes parts of the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and uterus in women. For diverting the flow of urine, the surgeon uses a portion of your intestine to create a tube for connecting it to the ureters through an opening in the skin into a pouch.
Recovery
It takes some time to recover from laparoscopic radical cystectomy. However, the recovery can be fast if you follow all postoperative instructions by your doctor. You have to normally stay for 6-8 days in the hospital before your discharge from there. You will be taken to the recovery unity immediately after the operation. The doctor will give you an epidural to give relief from the pain. As you start to recover, you can have small sips of water and soft foods. For after-care appointments, you need to visit the clinic a number of times. You should also immediately contact your urologist if you have any physical problems after the surgery.
