Cystectomy

Cystectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the urinary bladder. It may also refer to the removal of a cyst. The most common condition warranting a cystectomy is bladder cancer.

Types of Cystectomy

There are three main types of cystectomy:

• Partial Cystectomy: This involves the removal of a part of the bladder. It is used for patients with a low-grade tumor that has invaded just a small portion of the bladder.

• Simple Cystectomy: In this procedure, the entire bladder is removed but the surrounding lymph nodes are left intact.

• Radical Cystectomy: This is the most common type of cystectomy performed for bladder cancer. It involves the removal of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra, and nearby organs that may contain cancer cells.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen and removes the bladder. If the bladder is being removed because of cancer, other organs may also be removed.

Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient will need a new way to store and pass urine. There are several options, including a urostomy, neobladder, or continent urinary reservoir.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a cystectomy. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to surrounding organs.

See Also

• Bladder Cancer
• Urostomy
• Neobladder
• Continent Urinary Reservoir

References

Cystectomy Resources
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