Learn about Radical Cystectomy 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 Radical Cystectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Radical Cystectomy

A radical cystectomy is a major surgical procedure performed by a uro-oncologist to treat invasive bladder cancer. It involves the complete removal of the bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and, in men, the prostate and seminal vesicles, or in women, the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vagina. Following removal, the surgeon must create a new way for urine to leave the body, known as urinary diversion. This can be done via an ileal conduit (using a segment of intestine to create a stoma on the abdomen) or a neobladder (constructing a new bladder from intestinal tissue). As a curative-intent surgery, it is a cornerstone treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and high-risk non-muscle-invasive cancers that have not responded to other therapies.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked 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.

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
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Gourab Goel
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Uro Oncologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Jalan
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Uro Oncologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhay Kumar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Uro Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated