What is a partial cystectomy?

A partial cystectomy is a procedure in which the surgeon removes part of your bladder, leaving enough of it so it can still hold enough urine for you to urinate comfortably.

When is it used?

This procedure is used only when you have a cancerous tumor in your bladder that is not too large. A partial cystectomy is rarely performed because in most cases bladder cancer involves several sites in the bladder and the risk of the cancer returning is much higher when part rather than all of the bladder is removed.

Examples of alternatives to this procedure are:

• having radiation therapy or chemotherapy

• using a laser to remove the cancer

• choosing not to have treatment while recognizing the risks of your condition.

You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a partial cystectomy?

Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

For one week before your surgery, do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil), or any other nonprescription pain relievers except for acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). You may take acetaminophen for pain.

Follow any instructions your doctor may give you. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given general anesthesia. A general anesthetic will relax your muscles and make you feel as if you are in a deep sleep. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the operation.

The doctor will make a cut in the lower part of your abdomen to expose the bladder and tie off the blood supply to the area. He or she will remove the affected part of the bladder and sew the remaining part closed, then close the cut.

What happens after the procedure?

• You may be in the hospital for 1 to 5 days.

• A catheter will be used to allow urine to drain while the bladder heals.

• The cuts may drain for a few days.

• Your bladder may not hold as much urine as it used to, and you may need to urinate more often. Over time, though, the bladder may stretch and hold more urine.

Ask your doctor what steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

You may no longer have cancer and its side affects.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks when you have general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• Urine may leak from the cut in the bladder.

• The ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder) may be cut or damaged.

• One or both ureters may need to be reattached to the bladder.

• The intestines could be damaged and require surgical repair.

• The operation may not remove all the cancer, and the cancer may grow back.

• You may need further treatment.

• Bleeding and infection may occur.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.

• You develop nausea or vomiting.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.