Medically known as cystectomy, bladder removal is usually done for bladder cancer to prevent cancer cells from spreading. According to Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, women who undergo cystectomy may not just undergo bladder removal. In fact, other pelvic organs may also be removed during the process. As for men, the Christie NHS Foundation Trust states that aside from the bladder, the prostate gland and even the urethra may also be removed. Hence, there are many concerns as to the removal of these organs.
Passing Urine After The Operation
One of the main concerns of both parties after removal of the bladder is how to pass urine. For both men and women, the NHS Foundation Trust reports that the surgeon will perform a procedure known as urinary diversion. In this procedure, the ureters, tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder, are disconnected from the bladder and are connected to the bowels. This connection is placed in an isolated segment of the bowel, usually at the right side. It goes right through the skin surface at the right side of the abdomen, hence creating a stoma or urostomy. This urostomy is where urine will pass out and is connected to a urostomy bag that needs to be emptied regularly.
Effects on Sexual Activity
According to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, the nerves supplying the penis will definitely be affected during bladder removal since, the organs and nerves in the pelvis are close together. The ability to have and to sustain an erection is lost permanently in most men. For some men, this may be treated using injections and tablets, but these do not work for everyone. For women, the ability to have sex and eventually have children is also diminished. According to Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, the vagina is shortened or even wholly removed during cystectomy, making it impossible for penetrative sexual intercourse to take place in the future. Sometimes, the ovaries and uterus are also removed, making childbirth impossible as well.
Bowel Functions
Since a small part of the bowel is used to make a stoma or a urostomy, the NHS Foundation Trust tells that bowel function will also be affected. The parts of the bowel used for food digestion and absorption will be shortened; hence, bowel movements may become loose. The person who has undergone cystectomy may notice that he may need to go to the bathroom more often, though this condition usually improves a few months after the surgery.
