About Cystectomy
Key Highlights
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Primary curative treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (robotic or laparoscopic) for potentially faster recovery.Removes the primary tumor and, in radical procedures, surrounding tissues to reduce recurrence risk.Various urinary diversion options (ileal conduit, neobladder) allow for customized post-surgery management.Performed by a specialized Uro Oncologist with focused expertise in urologic cancers.
Who is this surgery for?
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (stages T2-T4).
- High-risk, recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to intravesical therapy.
- Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or other rare bladder cancer types.
- Severe, intractable benign bladder conditions like chronic interstitial cystitis or radiation cystitis (less common).
- Bladder involvement from adjacent cancers (e.g., colorectal, cervical).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including imaging (CT/MRI), cystoscopy, and biopsies.
- Complete medical history review and optimization of chronic conditions (heart, lung, diabetes).
- Bowel preparation may be required, especially for urinary diversion involving the intestines.
- Pre-operative counseling with an Enterostomal Therapist (ET nurse) to discuss and mark stoma site if needed.
- Discontinuation of blood thinners and certain supplements as advised by the surgical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Urinary complications: urine leakage, urinary tract infections, or strictures in the new urinary tract.
- Bowel complications: ileus (temporary bowel paralysis), obstruction, or leakage from intestinal anastomosis.
- Erectile dysfunction in men and potential vaginal shortening or sexual dysfunction in women.
- Long-term risks: metabolic changes (with continent diversions), kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease.
- Risk of recurrence of cancer.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay involves pain management, IV fluids, and monitoring of surgical drains and new urinary system.
- Gradual advancement of diet as bowel function returns.
- Intensive education on caring for a stoma and appliance (for ileal conduit) or catheterizing a neobladder.
- Activity restrictions: no heavy lifting (over 10 lbs) for 6-8 weeks to prevent hernia.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check, stent/drain removal, and long-term surveillance with imaging and lab tests.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be recommended to improve urinary control.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cystectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with uro 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 cystectomy. MediFyr helps you compare uro 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 cystectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Olivia Das, a 58-year-old former school...
Olivia Das, a 58-year-old former school librarian, had been managing recurrent bladder infections for years, attributing them to stress. When she began passing small blood clots in her urine, her primary care physician referred her to a urologist. A cystoscopy revealed multiple high-grade tumors throughout her bladder. The uro-oncologist, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the extent and aggressiveness of the cancer, a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) with a neobladder reconstruction was the only curative option. Olivia was terrified, mourning the loss of a body part and fearing a life tethered to a bag. The surgery was complex but successful. Her initial recovery in the hospital was challenging, learning to catheterize her new neobladder. Six months later, she has regained good daytime continence and is back to her book club and gentle gardening. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from shock and profound grief at diagnosis, through the anxiety of surgery, to a gradual, hard-won acceptance and resilience. She now sees herself not as a victim, but as a survivor who has adapted, valuing her health and the support of her family more deeply than ever.
Uro Oncologists for Cystectomy
Explore experienced uro oncologists who regularly perform cystectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 6 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata