What to expect from bladder removal surgery for bladder cancer

A partial cystectomy removes a selected part of the bladder. A radical cystectomy removes the bladder and may include nearby tissues or lymph nodes, depending on the tumour and treatment plan. The surgeon then makes a urinary diversion: an ileal conduit drains urine through a small opening into an external pouch, while a bladder substitute or continent reservoir stores urine inside the body for selected patients. The choice depends on your health, cancer location, kidney function, and personal preferences.

Before surgery, you may meet a stoma nurse, have blood and urine tests, and receive instructions about eating, medicines, bowel preparation, and breathing exercises. Hospital recovery includes pain control, walking, monitoring the bowel, and learning how to manage the diversion.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list and tell the team about blood thinners, allergies, constipation, and previous abdominal operations. Arrange help at home for meals, bathing, transport, and pouch care. After discharge, follow wound and catheter instructions, walk regularly as advised, drink according to your clinician’s plan, and avoid lifting until cleared. Fatigue and changes in bowel habits can occur while your body heals; keep follow-up appointments so drains, tubes, wounds, and urinary function can be reviewed.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a wound that becomes red or opens, very little urine, a blocked catheter, or a stoma that changes colour. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or sudden confusion. Ask before taking over-the-counter medicines because some can affect bleeding, kidney function, or bowel movement.

Ask which type of cystectomy is planned, what urinary diversion suits your situation, whether lymph nodes will be removed, how the operation may affect sexual function or fertility, how long tubes or a pouch may be needed, and who to contact after discharge.