Cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the bladder, which is the organ that stores urine. This operation is often done to treat conditions affecting the bladder, especially bladder cancer.

Why is it Done?

Cystectomy may be recommended for several reasons, including:

    –Bladder cancer that is invasive or has not responded to other treatments.
    –Severe bladder damage from injury, infection, or chronic conditions.
    –Benign (non-cancerous) growths that cause problems, such as frequent urination or pain.

Symptoms That May Lead to Cystectomy
Symptoms prompting the need for cystectomy can include:
    –Blood in the urine (hematuria)
    –Frequent urination or urgent need to urinate
    –Pain during urination
    –Pelvic pain

Types of Cystectomy
There are two main types of cystectomy:
    1)Partial cystectomy: Only a part of the bladder is removed. This may be an option for some localized tumors.
    2)Radical cystectomy: The entire bladder is removed along with surrounding tissues and possibly nearby organs (like the prostate in men or the uterus in women).

Treatment and Recovery
After a cystectomy, patients may need to undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, especially if cancer was the reason for the surgery. Recovery can take several weeks, during which patients may experience changes in urination and need to adapt to new ways to store and eliminate urine (like using a urostomy bag if the entire bladder is removed). Medical professionals provide support and resources to help with this transition.