Learn about Bladder Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Bladder Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer surgery, performed by a surgical oncologist, is a specialized procedure to remove cancerous tumors from the bladder. The specific surgical approach depends on the cancer's stage and grade, ranging from minimally invasive Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) for early-stage cancers to more extensive procedures like a radical cystectomy, which involves removing the entire bladder and surrounding lymph nodes. For men, this may include the prostate and seminal vesicles, and for women, the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina. Following bladder removal, the surgeon creates a new way for urine to exit the body, such as a urostomy or a neobladder. This complex surgery aims to eradicate cancer, prevent recurrence, and preserve urinary function and quality of life whenever possible.

Key Highlights

    Curative intent for localized bladder cancer, aiming for complete tumor removal.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced pain and faster recovery.Precise removal of cancerous tissue while striving to preserve bladder function in eligible patients.Lymph node dissection during surgery provides critical staging information to guide further treatment.Offers the potential for urinary diversion reconstruction (neobladder) to maintain a more natural urinary function post-surgery.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cancer that has grown into the bladder wall muscle).
  • High-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that has not responded to intravesical therapy (BCG or chemotherapy).
  • Extensive carcinoma in situ (CIS) that is unresponsive to treatment.
  • Recurrent, large, or multiple tumors that cannot be managed with TURBT alone.
  • Bladder cancer that is causing severe symptoms like bleeding, pain, or urinary obstruction.

How to prepare

  • Complete pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and cardiac/pulmonary clearance.
  • Bowel preparation may be required, especially for procedures involving urinary diversion.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon and cardiologist.
  • Pre-operative counseling with an ostomy nurse if a urostomy is planned.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per hospital protocol.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
  • Injury to nearby organs such as the intestines, blood vessels, or ureters.
  • Urinary complications: leakage, strictures (narrowing), or incontinence.
  • Erectile dysfunction in men and sexual dysfunction in women post-radical cystectomy.
  • Long-term risks include metabolic changes, kidney stones, and vitamin B12 deficiency (with certain diversions).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay involves pain management, monitoring of drains/catheters, and early mobilization.
  • Patients with a urostomy will receive training on stoma and appliance care from a specialized nurse.
  • Gradual resumption of a normal diet and light activities over several weeks; heavy lifting is restricted for 6-8 weeks.
  • Regular follow-up appointments for wound checks, removal of stents/catheters, and surveillance cystoscopies.
  • Long-term recovery includes adapting to new urinary habits, possible pelvic floor exercises, and ongoing cancer surveillance.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full recovery and adaptation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering bladder cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for bladder cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand 7-14 days ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full recovery and adaptation Know More
Turkey TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million 7-14 days ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full recovery and adaptation Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Michael Johnson, a 68-year-old retired auto...

Michael Johnson, a 68-year-old retired auto mechanic and grandfather of five, had been a smoker for over 40 years. He began noticing painless blood in his urine, which he initially dismissed as a possible kidney stone. When the symptom persisted for several weeks, his primary care physician referred him to a urologist. A cystoscopy revealed a suspicious tumor in his bladder. The surgical oncologist, Dr. Reynolds, recommended a Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) to remove the growth for biopsy and staging. Michael was terrified, fearing cancer and the potential loss of his bladder. The procedure itself was done under spinal anesthesia, and he was relieved to be awake but numb. The pathology confirmed a high-grade, non-muscle-invasive cancer. Post-procedure, he recovered quickly from the surgery but faced a daunting schedule of BCG immunotherapy instillations to prevent recurrence. Emotionally, he swung from initial shock and fear to a determined, pragmatic focus on treatment. The successful TURBT and clear follow-up cystoscopies gave him immense relief and a renewed commitment to his health, though he lives with the anxiety of ongoing surveillance.

Surgical Oncologists for Bladder Cancer

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform bladder cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated