Urologist Explains Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Cystectomy is the surgical extraction of all or part of the bladder. It is utilized to treat bladder cancer that has spread into the bladder wall or cancer that has returned (recurred) after treatment, says the best uro oncologist in Kolkata. There are two types:

Partial cystectomy

It is the surgical removal of a portion of the bladder. It is utilized to treat cancer that has spread to only one area of the bladder wall. A partial cystectomy is an ideal option if the cancer is not near the openings through which urine enters or exits the bladder.

Radical cystectomy

It is the extraction of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the urethra and nearby organs that may have cancer cells.

In men, the prostate, the seminal vesicles and parts of the vas deferens can also be extracted during the surgery. The cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and a portion of the vagina can also be removed in women.

How is it done?

According to the uro oncologist in Kolkata, the surgery is performed through a cut (incision) made by the doctor in the lower belly. It is sometimes possible to perform it as laparoscopic surgery. Because only minor incisions are required during this method, it is sometimes referred to as “Band-Aid surgery.” A lighted tube or scope and other surgical instruments are inserted through the small cuts in the lower belly by the doctor to perform this type of surgery. 

The doctor will devise a new way for the patient to pass urine from the body after cystectomy. There are various ways to do this, such as:

• An ileal conduit is a tube made from a piece of the small intestine. The tube links the ureters to an opening in the stomach made by the doctor. The ureters are the two tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine flows from the ureters through the conduit and passes into a plastic bag attached to the skin after surgery, says the best urologist in Kolkata.
• A continent reservoir is a storage pouch attached inside the pelvis made from a piece of the bowel. There are two types. One can control when they urinate with either type. One could have a:

Bladder substitution reservoir (neobladder)

If the urethra were not removed during surgery, the continent reservoir would connect to the ureters on one end and the urethra on another. This allows one to pass urine in the same manner as before surgery, says the urologist in Kolkata.

Continent diversion reservoir with a stoma (urostomy)

If one’s urethra were removed entirely during surgery, their continent reservoir would connect their ureters to an opening in their belly made by the doctor. A thin plastic tube known as a catheter will be inserted through the opening to release the urine.

What to expect following surgery

A cystectomy usually necessitates a one-week hospital stay. One can expect some discomfort in the days following surgery. This discomfort is usually manageable with home remedies and medication. In most cases, full recovery takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Following a radical cystectomy, additional treatment may be required, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. For early-stage tumours, immunotherapy may be used after a partial cystectomy. Following initial bladder cancer treatment, it is essential to receive follow-up care. 

For more details, contact Medithics, says the best urologist in Kolkata.