What should you know about post cystectomy?

Cystectomy removes part or all of the bladder. If the whole bladder is removed, urine may leave through an ileal conduit into a pouch, or through another reconstructed route that you learn to empty. Early tiredness, appetite changes, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel function can occur after major surgery. Follow-up may include wound review, kidney checks, appliance teaching, and discussion of bladder cancer treatment or surveillance.

Keep the incision and diversion area clean and inspect the skin for soreness. Empty the pouch or follow your catheter plan as taught, and note urine colour, volume, and new odour. Walk regularly in short periods, rest between activities, and avoid heavy lifting until cleared. Take medicines as prescribed, drink as advised for your kidney and heart health, and keep appointments with the surgeon and stoma or continence nurse. Read more about [Bladder Removal Surgery].

Call your care team for fever, worsening wound redness, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, persistent vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, or much less urine than expected. Get urgent help for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A blocked diversion, infection, dehydration, or bleeding can become serious and should be assessed without delay.

Which urinary diversion do I have, and who teaches its care? How much fluid should I drink? What urine changes are concerning? When can I bathe, drive, work, and lift? What is the follow-up plan for my bladder cancer?