Cystectomy (bladder cancer)

Cystectomy is the surgical procedure of removing the bladder. It is the reference treatment for certain bladder tumors when they can no longer be managed by simple endoscopic resections. The operation involves removing the bladder and the affected neighboring tissues, then reconstructing a urinary pathway. Depending on the situation, the surgeon either diverts the urine to the skin through a segment of intestine or, when possible, fashions a new bladder from an intestinal segment (neobladder), allowing urination through the natural passages to be preserved. This is major surgery, prepared with great care: a complete work-up, optimization of the patient's general condition and detailed information for the patient and their family. The decision and the reconstruction technique are discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting and tailored to each patient. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, cystectomy is managed by a surgical and anesthesia team experienced in major urological surgery, with a dedicated intensive care unit that secures the postoperative course and attentive support throughout the care pathway.