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Surgical Procedures for Bladder Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Surgical Procedures for Bladder Cancer

Surgery is mainly used to treat bladder cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer and save how the bladder works. The impact on how the bladder works depends on the stage of cancer. It also depends on which surgery is needed.

Earlier Stages of Bladder Cancer

Transurethral Resection

This type treats forms of bladder cancer that have not spread to deeper muscle. A transurethral resection (TUR) is done with a cystoscopy . A tube is passed through the urethra and into the bladder. The scope allows the doctor to see inside the bladder. Tools and lights can also be passed through the tube. Tumors are removed with a wire loop, chemicals, or by laser. Tissue samples are also taken and tested in a lab.

TUR can cure cancer in those with very early stage bladder cancer. Other treatments may still be needed.

It is common for bladder cancer to return, even after treatment. TUR may need to be repeated many times.

Cystectomy

This surgery is done if cancer has spread into the bladder muscle. A cystectomy is the removal of part or all of the bladder. Early stage bladder cancer may only need a partial cystectomy. This leaves a smaller, but still working bladder.

Bladder tissue is removed through a cut in the belly. The doctor may also take and test nearby lymph nodes—to see if cancer has spread.

Earlier Stages of Bladder Cancer

Transurethral Resection

This type treats forms of bladder cancer that have not spread to deeper muscle. A transurethral resection (TUR) is done with a cystoscopy . A tube is passed through the urethra and into the bladder. The scope allows the doctor to see inside the bladder. Tools and lights can also be passed through the tube. Tumors are removed with a wire loop, chemicals, or by laser. Tissue samples are also taken and tested in a lab.

TUR can cure cancer in those with very early stage bladder cancer. Other treatments may still be needed.

It is common for bladder cancer to return, even after treatment. TUR may need to be repeated many times.

Cystectomy

This surgery is done if cancer has spread into the bladder muscle. A cystectomy is the removal of part or all of the bladder. Early stage bladder cancer may only need a partial cystectomy. This leaves a smaller, but still working bladder.

Bladder tissue is removed through a cut in the belly. The doctor may also take and test nearby lymph nodes—to see if cancer has spread.

Later Stages of Bladder Cancer

Radical Cystectomy

This surgery involves removing the bladder and nearby lymph nodes. In men, the prostate gland is removed. In women, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and part of the vagina may be removed. Cystectomy may offer a cure for some types of bladder cancer. But, some may need more treatment.

Since the bladder is removed, there is no way to store or pass urine from the body. A urinary diversion will allow the urine to leave the body. The types are:

  • Conduit diversion —The ureter (tube from the kidney to the bladder) will be linked to part of the small intestine. This is so urine can drain into the intestine. It is then linked to an opening in the belly wall. This is called a stoma. Wastes pass into a bag outside of the body.
  • Continent diversion —The ureters are linked to a pouch made from the intestines. It is then linked to a stoma. Wastes can pass into a bag outside of the body.
  • Neo-bladder —This method saves some of the working bladder. A pouch is made using the intestines. Both the ureters and urethra (tube where urine leaves the body) are linked to this pouch. This way urine can pass out of the body. Sometimes, a tube is used. This type can also be done if the cancer blocks urine flow and a cystectomy is not possible.

References

  • Bladder cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bladder-cancer. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  • Bladder cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/genitourinary-cancer/bladder-cancer. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  • Bladder cancer surgery. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  • Bladder cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/patient/bladder-treatment-pdq. Accessed April 1, 2022.
  • Cystectomy. Encyclopedia of Surgery website. Available at: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Ce-Fi/Cystectomy.html. Accessed August 3, 2018.

Contributors

  • Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2021-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.