Radical Cystectomy

Radical Cystectomy

Radical cystectomy is carried out for muscle invasive or high-risk non-invasive bladder cancer. The operation involves removal of the bladder with its surrounding structures. In the male, these include prostate, membranous urethra, seminal vesicles, and the lower ends of the vasa deferens and ureters, as well as their lymph nodes. The entire urethra can be included if necessary. In the female, radical cystectomy includes removal of the urethra, adjacent vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and their lymph nodes.

For urinary drainage, bowel is used to construct a urinary conduit to the abdominal wall over which an external bag is worn. Alternatively, a neo-bladder can be reconstructed as an internal urinary reservoir. Radiotherapy may be an alternative to surgery in some situations, thereby avoiding an operation and enabling the bladder to be preserved. Sometimes chemotherapy is given, either before or after these treatments, for additional cancer control.

For further advice on bladder cancer treatment, please call us on +44 (0)20 3651 6065 to book an appointment, with Mr. Mark Feneley at The London Clinic, 120 Harley Street, London, W1G 7JW