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 Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey 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.
Dr. Vishal Jalan provided exceptional care...
Dr. Vishal Jalan provided exceptional care for my uro-oncology condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.