Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

After a radical cystectomy, many patients are curious about how they will urinate. The good news is that there are several options to help manage this change. Our team is dedicated to supporting you through this transition. We provide the care and guidance you need to adapt to your new circumstances. After removal of bladder operation, how do patients urinate? We explain urinary diversion procedures like neobladder and conduits.

Understanding Radical Cystectomy

Radical cystectomy is a complex surgery. It involves removing the bladder. This is often done to treat bladder cancer that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Reasons for the Procedure

The main reason for this surgery is to remove cancer cells from the bladder. This helps stop the cancer from spreading.

Patients should get ready for a long recovery. They will need to manage their urinary diversion or ostomy during this time.

The Removal of Bladder Operation: Surgical Process

Radical cystectomy is a complex surgery that removes the bladder. It’s often done to treat bladder cancer or other bladder issues.

Preoperative Preparation

Before the surgery, patients are told to stop smoking and avoid certain medicines. They also have blood tests and imaging studies. This is to make sure they’re ready for the surgery.

The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to reach the bladder and nearby tissues. The bladder and affected lymph nodes are then removed.

Patients are under general anesthesia during the surgery. It usually takes several hours to finish.

Types of Urinary Diversion Methods

After a cystectomy, patients have several options for urinary diversion. The choice of diversion method depends on various factors, including overall health and personal preferences.

Ideal Conduit

A ileal conduit is a common method. It uses a segment of intestine to divert urine from the kidneys to an external collection device.

Neobladder Reconstruction

Neobladder reconstruction creates a new bladder from a segment of intestine. This allows for more natural urination.

Continent Urinary Diversion

Continent urinary diversion involves creating a reservoir to store urine. It is then drained through a catheterizable stoma.

Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. The choice of diversion method depends on individual patient needs.

Daily Life with an Ileal Conduit

Living with an ileal conduit means making some changes. But with the right care, people can live active and happy lives. After surgery, it’s key to learn how to take care of the ostomy site and manage the appliance.

First, patients need to know how to change and clean their ostomy appliance. This includes removing the old one, cleaning the skin around the stoma with mild soap and water, and putting on a new one. It’s also important to regularly check the stoma and skin for any problems.

People should also know about possible complications like skin irritation or appliance issues. By being proactive and preventing these problems, individuals can live a normal life.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, individuals with an ileal conduit can manage their condition well. This helps them maintain a good quality of life.

Urinating with a Neobladder

Learning to urinate with a neobladder is a skill. It involves using your abdominal pressure. This helps you to urinate effectively.

To start, you need to relax and then contract your abdominal muscles. This technique is key to using your neobladder correctly. It’s important to practice regularly to get better at it.

Self-Catheterization Techniques

After bladder removal surgery, a new way to handle urine is needed. Self-catheterization is key for this. Patients with surgical removal of the bladder due to cancer must learn this skill.

Catheter Types and Selection

There are many catheter types, each suited for different needs. Common ones include:

• Intermittent catheters, used several times a day and thrown away after each use.
• Indwelling catheters, used for longer but not for self-catheterization.
• Hydrophilic catheters, designed for comfort and less friction.

Doctors will help pick the best catheter for each patient’s situation and lifestyle.

Step-by-Step Catheterization Process

Self-catheterization involves several steps for safety and cleanliness:

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
2. Get ready the catheter and any needed supplies.
3. Choose a comfortable position, sitting or standing.
4. Put the catheter in the urethra or stoma until urine flows.
5. Let the bladder drain fully.
6. Take out the catheter and clean it as the maker says.

Hygiene and Infection Prevention

Keeping clean is key to avoid infections during self-catheterization. Patients should:

• Wash hands before and after touching the catheter.
• Clean the catheter after each use.
• Store catheters in a clean, dry spot.

Good hygiene lowers the risk of urinary tract infections, a risk after bladder removal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Patients might face problems like hard catheter insertion or pain. It’s important to:

• Ask healthcare providers for help with these issues.
• Keep a record of catheter use to spot patterns or problems.

Learning self-catheterization and keeping clean can help patients manage their urine after remove bladder surgery. This way, they can live well despite their surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery after a radical cystectomy has several stages. First, patients are watched closely in the hospital to handle any quick issues. Once they go home, they follow a care plan that includes looking after their wound and managing pain. As they get better, they will see improvements in their health and happiness.

It’s key to know about the recovery process for a good outcome. Patients must follow their doctor’s advice and keep a healthy lifestyle. This helps ensure a smooth recovery.

Lifelong Follow-up Care

After bladder removal surgery, lifelong follow-up care is key. It helps keep you healthy and catches problems early. Regular visits to your healthcare provider are essential.

Follow-up care includes regular check-ups and watching for any complications. It also means changing treatment plans if needed. This approach helps you stay healthy and live better.

Conclusion

Remember, your healthcare team is always there to support you. They will help you through every step of bladder removal surgery. Together, you can overcome challenges and improve your life quality.

FAQ

References:

Radical cystectomy: a review of techniques, developments and controversies, ncbi –  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7807330/