Cystectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cystectomy?
Urologists, doctors for the bladder and urinary system, usually do this surgery. The surgeon should have experience in treating bladder cancer. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Cystectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the bladder. A partial cystectomy removes only part of the bladder. A radical cystectomy removes the entire bladder and nearby lymph nodes. In men, the prostate and seminal vesicles are also removed. In women, the uterus, the ovaries, and part of the vagina are also removed.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors may suggest a cystectomy when bladder cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the bladder wall. They may also suggest it when bladder cancer that has not grown into the muscle involves a large part of the bladder. Removing part of the bladder may work when a low-grade tumor is limited to one area of the bladder.
How to prepare
If sexual side effects matter to you, discuss them with your doctor before surgery.
What happens during it
General anesthesia, which puts you into a deep sleep, is used for both types of surgery. The surgery may be done through one long cut in the belly. It may also be done through several smaller cuts, which is called laparoscopic surgery. In this kind of surgery, the surgeon most often sits at a control panel and uses robotic arms.
When the bladder is removed, the surgeon does a urinary diversion. This makes another way for the body to store and pass urine.
- An ileal conduit uses a piece of intestine as a path for urine. The urine leaves through a stoma, an opening in the belly, into a small pouch.
- A continent diversion is a pouch made from intestine that you empty with a thin tube several times a day.
- A neobladder is a new bladder made from intestine and attached to the urethra, so you urinate on a schedule.
Recovery
You will probably need to stay in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. You can usually go back to your normal activities after several weeks. Most people have some pain after the operation. Pain medicines can usually control it. A nurse will teach you how to care for your urinary diversion. Care for your stoma every day. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you care for your urinary diversion. Tell your health care professional about skin changes or irritation near the stoma.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe belly pain, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Serious problems are not common. They include bleeding and infection. They also include reactions to anesthesia, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and damage to nearby organs. A urostomy can also lead to infections, urine leaks, and incontinence. It can also lead to pouch stones and blocked urine flow. After a radical cystectomy, men will no longer make semen. In women, the surgery often removes the front part of the vagina. This can make sex less comfortable for some women.
Who performs it
This surgery should be done by a skilled surgeon with experience in treating bladder cancer. If the surgery is not done well, the cancer is more likely to come back.
Common questions
What is the difference between a partial and a radical cystectomy?
A partial cystectomy removes part of the bladder. A radical cystectomy removes the entire bladder and nearby lymph nodes.
Will I still pass urine normally after a cystectomy?
If only part of the bladder is removed, you can urinate normally once you recover. If all of it is removed, you need a new way for urine to leave your body. With a neobladder, most people can urinate normally during the day. Wetting at night may be a problem.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. You and your cancer care team work together to decide your treatment plan. You can also discuss your feelings and concerns with your health care team.
Sources
- American Cancer Society - Bladder Cancer Surgery
- National Cancer Institute - Bladder Cancer Treatment
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Urinary Diversion
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
