Health A-Z

Cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the urinary bladder. It is typically performed to treat bladder cancer or other conditions that affect the bladder. Here's how it relates to symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing.

1. Bladder cancer symptoms: Symptoms of bladder cancer may include:
   • Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may be visible or detected on urine tests
   • Frequent urination
   • Pain or burning during urination
   • Pelvic or lower back pain
   • Urinary urgency or hesitancy
   • Changes in bladder habits, such as increased frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder

1. Pre-operative evaluation: Patients undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation to assess the extent of bladder cancer, evaluate candidacy for surgery, and address any comorbidities or risk factors that may affect treatment planning.
2. Surgical procedure: There are different types of cystectomy procedures, including:
   • Partial cystectomy: Removal of part of the bladder while preserving bladder function.
   • Radical cystectomy: Removal of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and other surrounding structures, such as the prostate in men or the uterus and ovaries in women.
3. Urinary diversion: After radical cystectomy, patients require reconstruction of the urinary tract to allow for urine drainage. This may involve creating a new bladder (neobladder), diverting urine to a stoma (urostomy), or constructing a pouch from part of the intestine to collect urine (ileal conduit).
4. Post-operative care: After surgery, patients receive post-operative care instructions and may require pain management, antibiotics, and close monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, or urinary leakage.

1. Medical history and physical examination: A detailed history of symptoms, medical conditions, and risk factors for bladder cancer is obtained, followed by a physical examination to assess the abdomen and pelvis.
2. Urine tests: Urine tests, including urinalysis and urine cytology, may be performed to detect the presence of blood, cancer cells, or other abnormalities in the urine.
3. Imaging studies: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be used to visualize the bladder and assess the extent of tumor involvement, as well as to evaluate nearby structures and lymph nodes for signs of spread.
4. Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to visualize the inside of the bladder and obtain tissue samples (biopsy) for further evaluation.