Surgery is by far the most widely used treatment for bladder cancer. It is used for all types and stages of bladder cancer. Several different types of surgery are used. Which type is used in any situation depends largely on the stage of the tumour. Many surgical procedures are available today and they can be difficult to perform.

Good outcomes are best achieved by those who perform many of these surgeries per year.

The types of surgery are as follows:

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour - TURBT

In this operation, an instrument (resectoscope) is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. A small wire loop on the end of the instrument then removes the tumor by cutting it or burning it with electrical current (fulguration). This is usually performed for superficial cancers that are limited in area and are not believed to have invaded deeply into the bladder wall.

Radical cystectomy: In this operation, the entire bladder is removed, as well as its surrounding lymph nodes and other structures that may contain cancer. This is usually performed for cancers that have invaded through the bladder wall or for superficial cancers that extend over much of the bladder. Occasionally, the bladder is removed to relieve severe urinary symptoms.

Click here to know more about laparoscopic cystectomy (keyhole surgery)

Click here to know more about cystectomy in a male patient

Click here to know more about cystectomy in a female patient

Click here to know more about bladder reconstruction