Bladder cancer surgery for men

The operation offered depends on how deeply the tumour has grown, its position and features, whether it is confined to the bladder, previous treatment and the person's fitness and preferences. Before consenting, discuss urine control, sexual function, fertility and how the chosen urinary diversion will work.

A transurethral resection removes visible tumour using an instrument passed through the urethra, with no abdominal incision. It can establish the diagnosis and assess invasion, and may be the main local procedure for some cancers that have not grown into bladder muscle.

A radical cystectomy removes the bladder and nearby lymph nodes. In men, the prostate and seminal vesicles are commonly removed as part of this operation. Urine is then diverted through a stoma into an external bag, into an internal reservoir, or through a reconstructed bladder connected to the urethra when suitable. Nerve changes can affect erections, ejaculation and continence; likely effects differ by operation and anatomy.

Review all medicines with the surgical team, including blood thinners, supplements and diabetes treatment. Ask about smoking support, nutrition, activity before surgery and the expected hospital pathway. If a stoma is planned, meeting a specialist nurse beforehand helps select a practical site and builds confidence with equipment.

After discharge, follow instructions for wound or stoma care, fluids, lifting, walking and blood-clot prevention. Keep catheter and drainage tubing free of kinks. Pelvic-floor or sexual rehabilitation may be offered. Discuss sperm storage before treatment if future biological children matter, because some procedures and accompanying therapies can impair fertility.

Use the surgical team's urgent contact route for fever, shaking chills, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, a red or draining wound, new heavy bleeding, or urine that stops flowing through a catheter or stoma. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, collapse, or painful swelling in one leg requires emergency care.

Report persistent leakage, cloudy or foul-smelling urine with feeling unwell, worsening skin irritation around a stoma, or difficulty managing the appliance. Specialist nurses can often troubleshoot fitting, skin protection and drainage concerns before they lead to larger problems.

Ask which organs are expected to be removed, why this operation is recommended, and whether another approach is reasonable. Request a clear comparison of urinary diversion choices, including daily care and likely continence. Discuss the chance of nerve preservation, options for erectile rehabilitation, fertility planning, recovery support at home and the pathology findings that could influence treatment afterward.