A cystectomy is an operation to remove the bladder. If an ileal conduit is being performed then this also involves removing the urethra.
A cystectomy is performed when the bladder is cancerous. Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in males.
Before the operation
You will come into hospital a day before the operation for preparation for surgery.
The following will be done on admission:
- Admitted to hospital, seen and consented by consultant and anaesthetist.
- With ileal conduit formation, the area around where the stoma is to be sited will need to be marked by the stoma CNS. The surgical incision site may need to be shaved.
- A course of phosphate enema is administered per rectum to ensure that the bowel is completely empty before surgery.
- Once bowel preparation has been completed you will have nothing to eat, but can continue drinking clear fluids up until six hours before the operation.
- Intravenous access is in place to start rehydrating you before the operation.
- Pre-operative blood specimen and urine culture should be sent for analysis as per local protocol, if patient is not pre-assessed.
- An ECG and a chest x-ray will be required depending on age, medical history and physical fitness.
- If on anticoagulants, ensure have stopped taking these several days before surgery, as per local protocol.
What happens during the operation?
- The surgeon marks a site over the site of the bladder where the bladder is removed.
- Once the bladder is removed, a Robinson drain is inserted and left in place to drain off any bleeding from the operation site. The drain is removed when the drainage output is less than 50 mls in 24 hours.
