When bladder cancer is diagnosed, surgery often becomes a key part of the treatment plan. Depending on how far the cancer has spread and how aggressive it is, patients may need different types of surgical procedures. A bladder cancer operation can range from removing small tumors to removing the entire bladder, and it is crucial to understand the options available to make informed decisions.

What Is a Bladder Cancer Operation?

A bladder cancer operation refers to the surgical procedures used to remove cancerous tissue from the bladder. Surgery may be the main treatment or part of a broader plan that includes chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. There are three primary types of bladder cancer surgeries:

• Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
• Partial Cystectomy
• Radical Cystectomy

Each of these surgeries has its own purpose and recovery requirements.

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)

TURBT is the most common first step for early-stage bladder cancers, especially when the cancer is confined to the inner lining of the bladder.

How it works:

• A thin, lighted tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra.
• Small surgical tools attached to the scope remove tumors from the bladder wall.
• The removed tissue is sent for lab analysis to determine the grade and stage.

Who it’s for:

• Patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
• Suitable for low- or intermediate-risk tumors.

Partial Cystectomy

In this procedure, only a portion of the bladder containing the tumor is removed. This option is only viable when the cancer is localized and has not spread extensively.

Key features:

• Involves removing the tumor and surrounding bladder tissue.
• The rest of the bladder is preserved.
• Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed and examined.

Benefits:

• Preserves bladder function.
• Shorter recovery time compared to total removal.

Radical Cystectomy

This is the most comprehensive form of surgery for bladder cancer. The entire bladder is removed along with nearby lymph nodes and, in some cases, surrounding organs.

In males:

• Prostate and seminal vesicles may also be removed.

In females:

• The uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a portion of the vaginal wall may be removed.

When it is used:

• For muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
• This is for high-grade tumors with a high risk of spreading.
• When other treatments have failed, or cancer recurs.

Final Thoughts

A bladder cancer operation can be life-saving and life-changing. Understanding the different types of surgery and what each one entails helps patients and families prepare for the road ahead. The choice of procedure depends on the stage of the cancer, general health, and personal preferences about quality of life and recovery.

By discussing all available options with the healthcare team, patients can make choices that align with their goals and expectations. Whether it’s a small tumor removed with TURBT or a full cystectomy with reconstruction, surgical treatment is a powerful tool in the fight against bladder cancer.