Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal

Cystectomy

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What is Cystectomy?

Cystectomy is a surgery to remove the urinary bladder. During radical cystectomy in men, prostate and seminal vesicles are also removed along with the entire bladder. In women, uterus, ovaries and part of the vagina are removed along with bladder.
Cystectomy is often performed to treat invasive or recurrent bladder cancer, other pelvic tumors, birth defects or neurological disorders that affect the urinary system.

What happens before the procedure?

Before surgery, Dr. Raghunath will enquire about any medicines that you take. To help in faster recovery and avoid complications, you will be asked to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, if you do and doctor will also do some adjustment to your medications. Doctor will suggest open surgery, minimally invasive surgery or robotic surgery depending on your condition.

What happens during Cystectomy?

The cystectomy procedure typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Surgeons may utilize either an open approach or robotic-assisted techniques to enhance precision and recovery. Throughout the surgery, care is taken to preserve surrounding organs as much as possible while ensuring that all cancerous tissues are completely removed.

What to expect after surgery?

Post-operative recovery from cystectomy can take several weeks. Patients will initially stay in the hospital for monitoring, often for 3 to 7 days, during which they will receive pain management and education on new urinary functions, especially if a urinary diversion is created. Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor recovery and any potential complications.

What are the risks associated?

As with any major surgery, cystectomy carries certain risks. These can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and changes in bladder function, particularly if the bladder is completely removed. Patients may also experience emotional challenges due to significant changes in body image and urinary function.

FAQ

Patient Information

Hospital stays typically range from a few days to a week, depending on individual recovery.

Symptoms may include fever, increased pain, swelling, or drainage from the surgical site.

Most patients will require a catheter for a period post-surgery, especially if a urinary diversion is created.

Adjustments may include changes in urinary habits and managing any urinary diversions.

Depending on the surgical outcome, patients may use catheterization or other methods to manage urine flow.

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