Cystectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the bladder, a hollow organ that stores urine before it is expelled from the body. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as bladder cancer, severe bladder infections, or other serious bladder disorders that do not respond to less invasive treatments. Cystectomy can be partial, where only a portion of the bladder is removed, or radical, where the entire bladder is excised along with surrounding tissues, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. When the entire bladder is removed, a new way to collect and expel urine must be established. This often involves constructing a urinary diversion, such as a continent urinary reservoir or an ileal conduit, where a segment of the intestine is used to create a new passage for urine to exit the body through a stoma (an opening in the abdominal wall).
Complications of cystectomy can include infection, bleeding, and issues related to the urinary diversion, such as obstruction or leakage. Other potential complications involve injury to nearby organs, such as the intestines or reproductive organs, and the possibility of blood clots. Patients may also experience changes in bowel habits or sexual function. The surgery can have significant effects on quality of life, including alterations in body image and the need for ongoing management of the urinary diversion. Despite these risks, cystectomy can be a critical intervention for managing severe or life-threatening bladder conditions and can significantly improve patient outcomes when other treatments have failed.
