Bladder resection is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the bladder. Surgeons perform this operation to address various bladder conditions. The goal is to remove the diseased part while preserving healthy tissue to maintain bladder function and prevent the need for more extensive procedures.
Types and Reasons for Bladder Resection
Partial cystectomy, also known as bladder resection, involves removing only a segment of the bladder. This procedure is distinct from a radical cystectomy, which involves the complete removal of the entire bladder and often surrounding organs and lymph nodes. Radical cystectomy is a much more extensive operation typically reserved for advanced or widespread bladder conditions.
Partial bladder resection is performed for several specific reasons, often when a localized problem exists within the bladder. A common indication is early-stage bladder cancer, particularly when tumors are confined to a specific area of the bladder wall and have not spread.
Beyond cancer, benign (non-cancerous) bladder tumors or polyps may also require resection if symptomatic or potentially malignant. Bladder diverticula, pouches in the bladder wall, may need removal if they cause recurrent infections, stones, or tumor development.
Endometriosis of the bladder, where endometrial tissue grows on or within the bladder wall, causing pain and urinary symptoms, may also necessitate partial resection. Severe bladder injuries from trauma can also be treated with partial resection.
The Bladder Resection Procedure
Before a bladder resection, patients typically undergo medical evaluations, including imaging studies to locate the affected area. They also receive instructions regarding diet and fasting to prepare for surgery.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is asleep and pain-free. Surgeons employ different approaches for bladder resection based on the specific case.
Traditional open surgery involves a single, larger incision in the abdomen to access the bladder. Alternatively, minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, are often utilized. These methods involve several smaller incisions through which specialized instruments and a camera are inserted, potentially leading to less pain and a faster recovery.
During the operation, the surgeon identifies and removes the diseased portion of the bladder, ensuring clear margins. The remaining bladder edges are then sewn back together to reconstruct a functional bladder. A urinary catheter is typically placed to drain urine during the initial healing period, remaining in place for one to two weeks to facilitate bladder healing.
Recovery and Life After Resection
Following a bladder resection, patients typically remain in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. Pain management is provided to ensure comfort, often through prescribed medications or other methods like an epidural. The urinary catheter usually stays in place for approximately one to two weeks, facilitating bladder healing.
Patients may experience pelvic discomfort or pain as they recover. Temporary changes in urination, like increased frequency or urgency, are common as the bladder adjusts. Fatigue is also common during initial recovery.
While the bladder heals, potential considerations include the possibility of infection. Temporary urinary leakage can occur. Initial bladder capacity might be reduced, leading to more frequent urination, but this often improves as the tissue adapts.
Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon or urologist monitor healing and, for cancer patients, check for recurrence. Return to normal activities varies by individual and surgical approach, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.