Radical Cystectomy is a major surgery to remove the entire urinary bladder, usually to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer or high-risk non-muscle invasive cancer. In neobladder reconstruction, a new bladder is created from a segment of the intestine to allow the patient to urinate normally through the urethra.
Who Needs ?
- Patients have Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)
- High-grade, recurrent, or aggressive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
- Bladder damage from radiation, infection, or interstitial cystitis (rarely)
- Desire for continence-preserving reconstruction
How the Procedure Works:
- Radical Cystectomy (Bladder Removal)
- Lymph Node Dissection
- Neobladder Construction
- Urine Passage
Advantages:
- Urethral voiding – no external stoma or bag
- Better body image and quality of life
- Suitable for motivated and physically fit patients
Limitations / Risks:
- Urinary incontinence (especially at night) in the early months
- Need to retrain bladder emptying
- Risk of urinary retention or infection
- Possible metabolic disturbances (due to use of intestine)
- Longer surgery and recovery time than simpler diversions (like ileal conduit)
- Not suitable for patients with urethral involvement, poor kidney function, or poor overall health