天美传媒

Bladder cancer surgery is a common treatment option that may be recommended for patients with bladder cancer, particularly for early-stage cancers. At Dana-Farber Brigham 天美传媒, our urologic surgeons are experts in the latest surgical techniques and have extensive experience in performing complex surgeries with the highest level of precision and care. When it comes to bladder cancer surgery, choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon can make a significant difference in your outcomes and overall quality of life. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing top-notch care and treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes.

We offer several surgical approaches for bladder cancer, including:

Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT):

This technique employs specialized instruments attached to a cystoscope to precisely cut and remove the tumor using an electrical cautery device or laser. Additionally, we have enhanced cystoscopic techniques with Blue Light Cystoscopy, which uses a special imaging agent and blue light to make bladder cancer cells glow bright pink, helping doctors detect them more clearly. This advanced approach improves visualization and makes it easier to find non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Partial cystectomy:

This procedure involves the removal of only the portion of the bladder affected by cancer while preserving the remaining healthy bladder tissue in carefully selected patients.

Radical cystectomy:

This surgical intervention entails the complete removal of the bladder, adjacent lymph nodes, and affected organs. In men, radical cystectomy includes the removal of the bladder, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles, while in women, it involves the removal of the bladder and typically the uterus, ovaries, and a portion of the vagina (female organ-sparing in selected patients).

Robotic Cystectomy:

Robotic cystectomies use minimally invasive methods to replicate traditional open surgery techniques, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and faster recoveries. During the procedure, specially trained urology surgeons utilize state-of-the-art technology, including high-definition 3D magnification, robotic assistance, and miniature instruments to remove the bladder and reconstruct the urinary tract. The robotic instruments are controlled by the surgeon, providing precise movements, and allowing for a steady and accurate operation. With robotic assistance, surgeons can perform delicate movements with precision, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and enabling quicker return to normal activities.

Reconstructive Surgery and Urinary Diversion

In the typical urinary system, kidneys produce urine, which passes through ureters into the bladder and exits the body through the urethra. However, if your bladder needs to be surgically removed, a new method for storing and releasing urine is necessary. (NOTE: this is only for people having cystectomy.)

Your surgical team will discuss the type of urinary diversion that will be implemented. The goal is to ensure safe urine storage and timely elimination, while also prioritizing your quality of life.

• Ileal Conduit: In an ileal urinary diversion, a portion of the small intestine (ileum) is removed and connected to the ureters, forming a new pathway (ileal conduit) for urine drainage. The end of the ileum is brought out through an abdominal opening (stoma), requiring the use of a small bag adhered to the skin of the lower abdomen for urine collection (ostomy).
• Indiana Pouch: this is a type of continent urinary diversion method, which eliminates the need for an external bag. Instead, a urinary pouch is constructed from intestinal tissue, connected to the urethra and abdominal wall to form a stoma (an opening in the abdomen connected to the urinary tract to allow urine to drain). Urine drainage from the pouch is achieved by periodically inserting a catheter into the stoma.
• Neobladder: After radical cystectomy, a neobladder—a new bladder—is created using intestinal tissue if kidney is normal and there is no urethral cancer. Positioned similarly to the original bladder, the neobladder receives urine from the kidneys, temporarily holding it until release. Many individuals can control urine release from the neobladder naturally, while others may need to use a catheter for emptying.

Learn more about .

Before Surgery

Preparing for surgery is an important part of your treatment. It’s helpful to arrange transportation to and from the hospital and organize support for daily tasks during your recovery. Before your procedure, your care team will provide specific instructions, which may include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking if possible.

You will also have a preoperative appointment either at the Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Center for Preoperative Evaluation or over the phone, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. A nurse practitioner will review your medical history, current medications, and may order lab tests or an to check your heart. This helps ensure you are medically ready for surgery. A social worker may also be involved to help plan for any support needed after surgery.

Day of surgery

On the day of surgery, you will be greeted by our compassionate and experienced staff who will ensure that you are comfortable and informed throughout the process. Our skilled surgeons will perform the necessary surgery to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgery typically lasts several hours, and you will be closely monitored by our team to ensure that you are safe and comfortable during the procedure.

After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where our nurses will monitor your vital signs and make sure that you are comfortable as you wake up from anesthesia. You will stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure that you are healing properly and to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience. Our team of nurses and pain management specialists will work with you to manage any pain or discomfort that you may experience after surgery.

We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery, including when to take any medications, how to care for your incisions, and what activities you should avoid during the healing process. Our goal is to ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable recovery so that you can return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

After Surgery

Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and your overall health. It is common to feel tired or have some pain in the days and weeks after surgery.  Strenuous activities should be avoided while your body heals. Your care team will let you know when it is safe to return to daily routines, including work. It is important to follow post-surgery instructions carefully and reach out to your team if you have any concerns or questions about your recovery.

Radical Cystectomy Patient Recovery

Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers one of the few dedicated Prehabilitation programs in the country to help patients prepare for cystectomy. This program is part of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, an evidence-based approach shown to shorten hospital stays and improve outcomes after surgery. The program emphasizes physical activity, good nutrition, smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol use to better prepare patients before surgery. These steps are designed to reduce complications—such as infections, fluid overload, or bowel issues—and support a smoother recovery following both open and robotic-assisted surgeries.

Learn more about Radical Cystectomy Patient Recovery.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

From chemotherapy and adaptive radiation therapy to immunotherapy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers the most advanced non-surgical treatments for bladder cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of experts works together to create a personalized care plan for each patient. Learn more about our approach to non-surgical bladder cancer treatment.