Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer in Charleston, SC

The physicians of Lowcountry Urology Clinics of Charleston SC are skilled in the treatment of bladder cancer by way of radical cystectomy. We invite referring physicians to consider us for their bladder cancer patients who may benefit from this procedure.

As a service to our referring physicians, Lowcountry Urology Clinics would like to present some basic information on radical cystectomy that you may wish to share with your patients.

Details of the Radical Cystectomy Procedure

Cystectomy is a surgical procedure where all or part of the bladder is removed. Cystectomy is often employed to treat bladder cancer that has spread into the bladder wall, or when cancer has returned after an initial treatment. Radical cystectomy is the removal of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra, and nearby organs that may contain cancer cells. For male patients the prostate, the seminal vesicles, and part of the vas deferens are also removed. For female patients the cervix, the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and part of the vagina are also removed.

As the patient’s bladder has been removed, an alternative bladder must be employed. External ostomy collection pouches, connected by tubing that passes through the patient’s skin to the ureters, are one option. Another option is the construction of an organic replacement bladder made from a section of the patient’s colon.

Recovering from a Radical Cystectomy

The patient will experience discomfort for the first few days after the radical cystectomy procedure, manageable with pain meds. Recovery typically requires a hospital stay of several days to one week. Full recovery may take six to eight weeks.

Radiation or chemotherapy may follow. Moving forward, the Urologist will closely monitor the patient for signs of cancer recurrence.

Risks of the Radical Cystectomy Procedure

Complications include urinary leaking, fertility issues, sexual dysfunction for men and women, and menopausal symptoms for women. We urge patients to discuss the potential risks of the radical cystectomy procedure with their physician.

Choose Lowcountry Urology Clinics for Your Patients

For your patients that may benefit from the radical cystectomy procedure for bladder cancer, Lowcountry Urology Clinics of Charleston SC is a referral you can make with confidence. Contact us today!