Recovery time for cystectomy

A cystectomy removes part or all of the bladder. If the whole bladder is removed, urine needs a new route, such as a stoma with a pouch or an internal reservoir connected to the urethra. The hospital team checks urine drainage, bowel function, hydration, pain, and the surgical wound before discharge.

Early tiredness, abdominal discomfort, appetite changes, and altered bowel habits are common after major pelvic surgery. Recovery can take longer when there are other health conditions, complications, or additional cancer treatment. A stoma or urinary diversion nurse can make daily care more manageable.

Learn how to empty, change, and protect the pouch or manage the catheter before leaving hospital. Follow fluid and nutrition advice, walk regularly at an easy pace, and avoid heavy lifting until cleared. Keep the incision and appliance area clean as instructed, and take medicines on schedule.

Watch urine output and colour within the limits your team describes. Keep follow-up appointments for wound review, diversion teaching, pathology, and kidney or electrolyte monitoring when arranged. Ask for help with bathing, shopping, and meals while stamina returns.

Contact your team for fever, worsening abdominal pain, a leaking or blocked catheter, reduced urine output, wound discharge, increasing redness, or a stoma that becomes unusually dark or stops draining with discomfort. Seek emergency care for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or serious breathing difficulty.

Ask what type of urinary diversion you have and how to protect its skin. Ask which urine changes are expected, how much activity is appropriate, and when driving, lifting, work, and sexual activity may resume. Confirm whom to call day or night for drainage, wound, or hydration concerns.