Lifestyle After Bladder Removal

Bladder removal is sometimes required for people with stage 2 or stage 3 bladder cancer. The procedure, known as radical cystectomy, is usually accompanied by chemotherapy. Following the removal of the bladder, there are two methods that can be implemented to create an alternate route for urine storage and removal.

Ileal Conduit

• An ileal conduit is created by making a place for urine storage out of bowel tissue. The surgeon will then attach one of the ureters that take urine out of the kidneys to this new segment in the bowel. An opening will then be created in the skin called a stoma where the patient then collects and removes urine. This patient will be required to wear a device outside the body to collect urine for the rest of his life. Though generally safe, people with an ileal conduit are at higher risk for urinary tract infections, blood clots and pneumonia.

Continent Urinary Reservoir

• Another method of urine storage is a procedure called continent urinary reservoir, where a section of the colon is manipulated to form a pocket to store urine. Rather than wear a permanent device as those with an ileal conduit, people with continent urinary reservoir are able to insert a catheter into a stoma from time to time to drain out the collected urine. Once again, these people are at a greater risk for blood clots, pneumonia and chronic urinary infections.

After the Surgery

• People who undergo a bladder removal will likely remain in the hospital for three to seven days following the procedure. Patients will usually experience pain for a few days as they heal. Using a combination of rest and medication, the pain can usually be managed. Recovery from bladder removal takes some time, six to eight weeks for complete recovery, so patience is important. According to HealthLink British Columbia, about 75 percent of people with bladder removal are disease-free after five years.