What should you know about surgery to remove bladder cancer?

A partial cystectomy removes a selected part of the bladder when the tumour’s position and depth make that approach appropriate. A radical cystectomy removes the bladder and may include nearby structures or lymph nodes, depending on the person’s anatomy and the cancer’s spread.

Because urine can no longer leave through the usual bladder route after total removal, the surgeon creates a urinary diversion. Options can include a conduit leading to a stoma or an internal reservoir; the choice depends on health, anatomy, treatment goals, and ability to manage it.

Before surgery, ask to meet the team that will teach stoma or diversion care. Discuss eating, drinking, medicines, movement, wound care, catheter use, sexual function, and support at home. A cystoscopy and tissue results help define the operation, while chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be considered around surgery.

Learn which supplies you will need and how to record urine output or other changes if your team requests it. Recovery is gradual; follow lifting and activity advice and attend appointments so wounds, kidney function, and the diversion can be checked.

Call the surgical team for fever, worsening abdominal or flank pain, wound redness, new drainage, repeated vomiting, or a sudden change in urine output. Seek urgent care for no urine, severe bleeding or clots, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether partial or radical cystectomy is planned, which nearby structures may be affected, and what diversion best fits your circumstances. Ask how the stoma or reservoir works, what supplies and training are provided, how treatment affects sex and fertility, and when further cancer treatment may start.