About Radical Cystectomy
Key Highlights
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Curative treatment for invasive bladder cancer, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Removes the primary tumor and potentially affected surrounding tissues and lymph nodes in one procedure.Performed by specialized uro-oncologists with expertise in cancer surgery and urinary tract reconstruction.Multiple urinary diversion options (ileal conduit, neobladder) allow for personalized post-surgery management.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (robotic or laparoscopic) in suitable candidates, leading to less blood loss and faster initial recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cancer that has grown into the muscle layer of the bladder wall).
- High-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that recurs or progresses despite intravesical therapy (BCG or chemotherapy).
- Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder that is extensive or does not respond to treatment.
- Certain rare bladder tumors or cancers that have spread locally but are still considered resectable.
- Severe, refractory benign bladder conditions (very rare, e.g., chronic painful bladder conditions unresponsive to all other treatments).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT/MRI), and cardiac/pulmonary clearance.
- Bowel preparation to clean the intestines, often required for urinary diversion reconstruction.
- Consultation with an enterostomal therapist to discuss and mark the potential stoma site if an ileal conduit is planned.
- Pre-operative counseling on the different types of urinary diversion and their lifelong management.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Bowel-related complications: ileus (temporary bowel paralysis), leakage, or obstruction at the intestinal anastomosis site.
- Urinary complications: leakage from the new connections, stricture (narrowing), or urinary tract infections.
- Erectile dysfunction in men and potential changes in sexual function for women.
- Long-term risks: metabolic changes (due to bowel segment use), vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney stones, or chronic kidney disease.
- Hernia at the incision or stoma site.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay involves monitoring in the ICU or surgical ward, with pain management and early mobilization.
- Multiple tubes will be in place temporarily: urinary catheters, abdominal drains, and a nasogastric tube.
- Diet is advanced slowly from liquids to solids as bowel function returns.
- Intensive education on caring for a stoma (if applicable) or training to void with a neobladder.
- Activity restrictions include no heavy lifting (more than 10-15 lbs) for 6-8 weeks to allow abdominal healing.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor recovery, manage complications, and schedule surveillance for cancer recurrence.
- Full recovery and adaptation to the new urinary system may take several months.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering radical 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 radical 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 radical cystectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 900 Thousand | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 3.15 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for basic activities; 3-6 months for full adaptation | Know More |
Angel Reddy, a 58-year-old high school...
Angel Reddy, a 58-year-old high school biology teacher and avid gardener, first noticed blood in her urine six months ago. Initially dismissing it as a possible UTI, the painless hematuria persisted. A cystoscopy revealed a large, high-grade tumor in her bladder. As a lifelong educator, Angel was terrified but approached her diagnosis with a scientist's curiosity. Her uro-oncologist, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the muscle-invasive nature of the cancer, a radical cystectomy with a neobladder reconstruction was the best curative option. Angel underwent the complex 8-hour surgery. The initial recovery in the hospital was challenging, managing pain and learning to catheterize her new neobladder. At home, her recovery was slow but steady, supported by her husband and students who sent cards. Emotionally, she grappled with loss of bodily autonomy and fear of recurrence. A year later, Angel is back teaching part-time. While she deals with occasional incontinence at night and adjusts to new bathroom routines, she is cancer-free. She channels her experience into a school health awareness project, transforming her fear into purpose. The journey left her with profound gratitude for her care team and a reshaped perspective on resilience.
Uro Oncologists for Radical Cystectomy
Explore experienced uro oncologists who regularly perform radical 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