Shall we simply talk about bladder surgery?

When you hear the word 'bladder surgery', you may be a little scared. That's normal. But, once you know exactly what it is, why it's done, and how it happens, your fears and concerns will be greatly reduced. So, today we'll talk about this clearly and simply, as if we were talking to a friend.

First, let's see, what is bladder surgery?

Simply put, the bladder is a sac-like organ in our body that temporarily collects and stores urine ( urine ) that is filtered by the kidneys. We call this surgery a bladder surgery.

The type of surgery you need will depend on the condition affecting your bladder, so the surgery may vary from person to person.

When is bladder surgery necessary?

Doctors may recommend these surgeries for several main reasons.

• Bladder cancer: This is the main and most common reason for bladder surgery.
• Fallen bladder / Bladder prolapse / Cystocele: A condition that is especially common among women.
• Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine during coughing or laughing.

What are the most common types of bladder surgeries?

There are many types of bladder surgeries. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones. The names of these are a bit complicated, but they are easy to understand once you know what they involve.

How should you prepare before surgery?

Your doctor will meet with you before the surgery. During this time, the following things will happen:

• Talk about your complete health history.
• A physical examination will be performed to see if you are healthy enough to withstand surgery.
• Things like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are measured.
• A blood and urine test (urinalysis) is performed to check for infections.

Also, tell us about any allergies you have. For example,

• Allergies to medications
• Allergies to skin cleansers (such as iodine)
• Latex allergy
• Food allergies

If you smoke, your doctor may also advise you to quit, as smoking can delay healing after surgery.

You will also be given special instructions about what to eat and drink before surgery. You may be asked to eat only liquids (non-acidic soups, fruit juices, jelly) for 8-12 hours before surgery.

What happens on the day of the surgery?

Bladder surgery can be performed in three main ways.

1. Minimally Invasive / Robotic Surgery

This is the most commonly used method today. The surgeon makes a few very small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a robotic arm-like device through them to perform the surgery. This method has a shorter recovery time, less scarring, and fewer risks.

2. Open Surgery

In this, the surgeon makes a single long incision in the abdomen to reach the bladder. This method is now used less frequently.

3. Endoscopic Surgery

In this, no external incision is made. The surgery is performed by passing a device with a camera along the urethra. The surgery called `(TURBT)` that we talked about above is a good example of this.

Will I be conscious during the surgery?

No. Before the surgery, an anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia. This means you will be completely asleep during the surgery. You will not feel any pain.

What can you expect after surgery?

When the surgery is over, the doctors will stitch up your incisions and bandage them. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will gradually regain consciousness. You will feel a little drowsy at first. When you are fully awake, you will be given medication to control the pain.

The following things can commonly happen after surgery:

• Needing to urinate frequently.
• Sudden need to urinate.
• A small amount of blood mixed in the urine (Hematuria).

Your doctor will tell you about these things in advance.

Let's learn about recovery time.

The time it takes to fully recover will vary depending on the surgery you had. It usually takes a few weeks. It may take a month or two to regain full strength.

• Activities: Avoid exercising or lifting anything heavier than 4 kilograms (about the weight of a gallon of water) for several weeks after surgery.
• Food: Drink plenty of water, otherwise you will be at increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is also a good idea to eat nutritious foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats) to help with the healing process.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms after your surgery, notify your doctor immediately or go to the hospital.

What if the bladder is completely removed?

This is a big problem for many people. Yes, it is possible to live without a bladder. If a doctor completely removes your bladder, they will create a new way for your body to store and release urine. There are three main ways to do this.

• Ileal Conduit: This involves taking a section of the small intestine and connecting it to the urinary tract from the kidneys at one end and a small opening (stoma) in the abdomen at the other end. Urine is then collected in a bag (ostomy bag) that is attached to the outside of the opening.
• Neobladder: Again, a part of the small intestine is used to create a new bladder-like pouch and attach it to the same place as the old bladder. With this procedure, you can urinate normally through the urethra.
• Continent Cutaneous Diversion: This also involves creating a bag inside the abdomen to collect urine. However, it is emptied several times a day using a thin tube (catheter) that you insert yourself through an opening (stoma) in the abdomen.

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