About Bladder Cancer
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.
-
Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
-
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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform bladder cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 |
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.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore