What is Radical Cystectomy?

A radical cystectomy is a surgery to remove the bladder.

Reasons for a cystectomy include:

• Cancer of the bladder
• Problems with nerve-muscle control of the bladder
• Bladder damage from radiation or chemotherapy
• Bladder damage or bleeding from other conditions, treatments, or injuries

Possible Complications

Complications occur in 25%-35% of patients undergoing cystectomy. If you are planning to have a cystectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Loss of sexual function
• Fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity
• Damage to other organs
• Blockage of urine flow from the ureters to the bladder
• Nutritional problems (depending on the bowel segments used to create a way for urine to drain)
• Blood clots
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Urinary incontinence

Previous surgery in the abdomen or pelvis or radiation to the area increase your risk of complications.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of...