Overview

Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is a serious surgical procedure primarily performed to treat invasive bladder cancer or certain high-risk, recurrent bladder conditions. In this surgery, the surgeons remove the entire bladder (and often nearby organs/tissues), creating a new way for urine to exit the body through a urinary diversion. This procedure not only aims to eliminate cancer but also ensures the patient’s body can function properly without the natural bladder. Depending on the case, surgeons may perform:-

Radical cystectomy – Under this procedure, surgeons remove the entire bladder along with nearby lymph nodes. In men, it often includes the prostate and seminal vesicles. At the same time, in women, some organs such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and part of the vagina may easily go off.
Urinary diversion – Creation of a new passage for urine drainage, which can be:-
- Ileal conduit (urostomy): Such a procedure uses a piece of intestine to form a tube that drains urine into an external pouch.
- Continent cutaneous reservoir: A pouch made from the intestine that stores urine internally, emptied using a catheter through a small abdominal opening.
- Orthotopic neobladder: A new bladder constructed from the intestine and attached to the urethra, allowing near-normal urination.

Indications

Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion may be the best treatment option for:-

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
High-grade, recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer not responding to other therapies (e.g., BCG).
Certain advanced pelvic cancers.
Bladder dysfunction with life-threatening complications (rare).

Benefits

Cancer control: Provides the best chance of cure in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Improved survival outcomes: Especially when combined with lymph node dissection and multimodal therapy.
Restoration of urinary function: Through suitable diversion techniques tailored to the patient’s lifestyle and medical needs.

Risks & Complications

Just like any major operation/surgery, it bears risks such as:

Bleeding and infection.
Blood clots.
Bowel complications (due to intestinal involvement).
Urinary leakage or obstruction.
Erectile dysfunction or fertility issues.
Long-term metabolic changes (especially with intestinal urinary diversions).

Recovery

Hospital stay typically ranges from 7 to 10 days.
Catheters and drains are usually in place for initial healing.
The patient's full recovery may take 6–12 weeks, depending on the type of diversion and their health.
Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor kidney function, diversion health, and cancer recurrence.

Lifestyle After Surgery

Patients with ileal conduits need to wear a urostomy bag externally.
Those with continent reservoirs or neobladders may need to retrain bladder habits or use intermittent catheterization.
Regular monitoring, a nutritious diet, hydration, and pelvic rehabilitation help maintain quality of life.

FAQs

What is the difference between radical cystectomy and partial cystectomy?

Radical cystectomy removes the entire bladder and sometimes nearby organs, whereas partial cystectomy removes only a portion of the bladder. Radical cystectomy is more common in advanced cancers.

Will I need a urine bag permanently?

Not always. Some patients may receive a neobladder or continent reservoir that allows more natural urination. Others may require a stoma with an external urine collection pouch.

How long will it take to recover after a radical cystectomy?

Initial recovery takes about 6–8 weeks, though regaining strength and adapting to the urinary diversion can take longer.

Can I live a normal life after urinary diversion?

Yes. With proper training and support, most patients adapt well to lifestyle changes, continue working, traveling, and enjoying daily activities.

Does radical cystectomy guarantee that cancer won’t come back?

No surgery can guarantee zero recurrence, but radical cystectomy offers the best chance of long-term control in invasive bladder cancer. Regular follow-ups are crucial.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Radical Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Radical Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion in Lucknow, India. Our experienced uro-oncologists use advanced tools to give accurate results, quick diagnosis, and better long-term care. We offer the best evaluation and treatment support with effective and affordable pricing, making the Radical Cystectomy with Urinary Diversion cost suitable for patients seeking high quality urologic cancer treatment in Lucknow, India.