An overview of Cystectomy
A cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the urinary bladder. There are different types of cystectomy, including radical cystectomy, partial cystectomy, and simple cystectomy. Radical cystectomy involves the removal of the entire bladder, along with other surrounding organs such as the prostate and seminal vesicles in men, and the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part of the vagina in women. Partial cystectomy is used to remove a cancerous tumor in an isolated portion of the bladder, while a simple cystectomy involves the removal of only the bladder and may be performed for noncancerous conditions. After removing the bladder, the surgeon creates a new way to store urine and have it leave the body, which is called urinary diversion. Cystectomy may be recommended to treat various conditions such as cancer, irregularities in the urinary system present at birth, or neurological or inflammatory disorders that affect the urinary system. The type of cystectomy and reconstruction performed depends on the reason for surgery, overall health, and patient preferences and care needs. The surgery carries risks such as bleeding, blood clots in the legs, and may require the use of devices like tubes or urine collecting bags that need to be used and cleaned correctly. The surgery can be performed using open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, or robotic surgery. Patients should discuss their medical history, drug allergies, and other factors that may affect the surgery with their surgeon and anesthesiologist before the procedure.
What is Cystectomy used for?
A cystectomy is used to remove the urinary bladder, typically performed to treat cancer that has invaded the muscle tissue of the bladder or recurrent noninvasive bladder cancer. In some cases, it may be used to treat irregularities in the urinary system present at birth, neurological or inflammatory disorders affecting the urinary system, or noncancerous (benign) conditions. The type of cystectomy and reconstruction depends on various factors such as the reason for surgery, overall health, and patient preferences and care needs.
How to prepare for Cystectomy?
Patients undergoing a cystectomy need to prepare by discussing their health and any factors that may affect the surgery with their surgeon and anesthesiologist. They should also review their use of prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, herbal medicines, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, and caffeinated beverages. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about their smoking habits and receive help quitting if necessary, as smoking can affect recovery from anesthesia and surgery. Patients should also be trained on how to use and care for any devices that may be necessary after the surgery, such as tubes or urine collecting bags. Additionally, patients should expect different recovery times based on the type of surgery, with open procedures having a longer recovery time in the hospital. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the function of the neobladder or other urinary diversion, and patients will need to restrict certain activities for about six weeks after surgery.
How are Cystectomy results reported?
After a cystectomy, the results are typically reported in terms of the success of the surgery, the creation of a new urinary diversion, and the initial recovery process. The surgery is considered life-extending, but it does cause long-term changes in urinary and sexual function that may affect the patient's quality of life. The healthcare team will provide guidance on managing these changes and support for any adjustments that may be needed. The patient will have follow-up appointments to monitor the function of the neobladder or other urinary diversion, and regular check-ups to screen for cancer recurrence if the surgery was performed as a treatment for bladder cancer.
Understanding the report
Cystectomy results can be interpreted in terms of the success of the surgery in treating the underlying condition, such as cancer or noncancerous conditions, and the impact of the surgery on the patient's quality of life. The surgery is considered life-extending, as it can remove cancerous growths or address issues with the urinary system. However, it may also cause significant lifelong changes in both urinary and sexual function, which can affect the patient's quality of life. The follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider are crucial in monitoring the patient's recovery, ensuring adequate urinary tract function, and detecting any potential cancer recurrence. The patient's ability to return to normal activities, such as lifting, driving, and working or going to school, may be restricted in the initial recovery period, typically lasting around six weeks. Patients should discuss community resources or support groups with their healthcare team to help manage the changes resulting from the cystectomy.