Cystectomy

What is Cystectomy

A cystectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of part or all of the bladder, either partially or entirely, due to bladder cancer or other serious bladder diseases. It can also refer to the removal of cysts from organs such as the ovaries through procedures like ovarian cystectomy or laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Surgery for bladder disorders can either be a partial cystectomy, removing only a portion of the bladder, or a radical cystectomy, removing the entire bladder along with other surrounding organs. For ovarian cysts, the procedure involves minimally invasive surgery that preserves the ovaries.

Types of Cystectomy procedures

Radical cystectomy: This surgical procedure removes the entire bladder. Generally, doctors use it to treat invasive bladder cancer. It may also include removing the prostate in men and reproductive parts in women.

Partial Cystectomy: This is partial removal of the bladder. Typically, if cancer or tumor growths are localized and non-invasive, only a portion of the bladder may undergo removal.

Ovarian cystectomy: This involves the removal of cysts that arise from the ovaries. Depending on the size and complexity of the cysts, we can perform either a minimally invasive laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy or an open cystectomy.

Laparoscopic cystectomy: This is another minimally invasive procedure that requires fewer incisions and specific instruments. Most ovarian cysts are not malignant.

Need for Cystectomy Procedures

Conventionally, doctors perform a cystectomy for the following medical conditions:

Bladder Cancer: For patients who have muscle-invasive or recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radical cystectomy is necessary.

Recurring Bladder Infections: Either a partial or complete cystectomy is necessary for patients with recurrent episodes of bladder infections that no other treatment can resolve.

Ovarian Cysts: An ovarian cystectomy or laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may be necessary to remove large or symptomatic ovarian cysts. These prevent further pain and complications, as well as rule out malignancy.

Bladder Trauma or Malformations: Congenital defects in the bladder or gross trauma may require surgery.

Preparing for Cystectomy

a. Evaluation of Patient
Before a cystectomy, the physician evaluates the overall status of the patient, the gravity of the disease, and the site of the cyst or tumor. The physician performs imaging tests, blood tests, and sometimes biopsies to confirm the need for surgery. Depending on the benign or non-cancerous nature of the cyst, doctors may recommend a laparoscopic or lap ovarian cystectomy for ovarian cysts.

b. Pre-procedure preparation
Patients are often advised to:
Abstain from food and fluid intake for several hours before surgery. Accept some drugs that interfere with blood clotting or reaction to anesthesia.
In particular, a radical cystectomy involves preoperative bowel preparation.

c. Testing and Scans
Preoperatively,
Typically, doctors perform CT or MRI scans to determine the size and extent of the cyst or cancer.
An ultrasound scan is done in the case of ovarian cysts to determine the size and nature of the cyst.
Blood tests indicate the overall general state of health and the patient's readiness for a surgical procedure.

Cystectomy procedure

Anesthesia: During surgery, we use general anesthesia to prevent pain.

Cutting: Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy involves several small cuts, whereas open cystectomy and radical cystectomy involve a single, larger cut.

Cyst removal: This involves carefully removing the bladder part and, in a radical cystectomy, any nearby organs.

Reconstitution: In cystectomy of the bladder, a surgeon can create a new conduit for urine by using bowel tissue.

Closing the incision: This step involves either stitches or staples, depending on the surgical method used.

Post-Cystectomy care

Recovery from cystectomy depends on the type of surgery;
- Laparoscopic cystectomy surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks to heal and leaves fewer scars.
- Radical cystectomy requires a longer recovery time, typically up to 6–8 weeks. Some patients may require care for a urostomy bag in the event of bladder removal.
- Following surgery, wounds must be managed by proper techniques to prevent infections and proper healing.

Medication and follow-up
- Following a cystectomy, some medication is required. In fact, doctors generally prescribe pain medication to ease the pain after the surgery. Antibiotics to prevent infection. The follow-up appointments are vital in monitoring healing, removal of stitches, and evaluation of potential complications such as infection or hemorrhage.

Lifestyle changes
Several lifestyle alterations need to be made following a cystectomy, some of which include the following:
- In the case of bladder cystectomy, bladder-diverted patients may need to learn how to care for stoma sites.
- We recommend dietary modifications to patients, advising them to steer clear of certain foods that can irritate their bladder or disrupt their bowel movements.
- Regular exercise, following doctor clearance, can also help strengthen the muscles and speed up recovery.

Risks and Complications

Cystectomy, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks.

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Damage to adjacent organs
• Urinary incontinence or the necessity of urinary diversion in radical cystectomy
• In laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, there is a risk of cyst recurrence if the cyst is not fully evacuated.

At Continental Hospitals, however, our expert surgeons take pains to ensure that there is minimal risk and a smooth recovery.

Success Rates and Outcomes

The success rate for cystectomy procedures is generally high, especially for benign conditions like ovarian cysts. Although the practice often occurs at the initial stage of the disease progression, radical cystectomy for bladder cancer also yields favorable outcomes. Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy result in quicker recovery time and fewer complications compared to open surgeries.

Conclusion

Why choose Continental Hospitals for Cystectomy

Continental Hospitals uphold the highest global standards for patient care and safety, with NABH and JCI accreditations. We perform our cystectomy procedures with a focus on excellence, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient well-being.

Our skilled urologists and surgeons perform minimally invasive cystectomies, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs for improved recovery and results.

Continental Hospitals performs cystectomy procedures with precision and safety, reducing risks and complications, thanks to its state-of-the-art surgical suites and advanced medical technologies.

Post-operative care is a priority at Continental Hospitals, with specialized nursing teams and enhanced recovery protocols designed to promote faster healing and patient comfort.

We provide compassionate, patient-centered care from pre-surgical evaluations through post-surgery recovery, supporting you physically and emotionally every step of the way.