The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2009, approximately 70,980 new diagnoses of bladder cancer will be made in the United States. The bladder is the organ in the body that stores urine. Surgery is one of the standard treatments for this type of cancer, and there are various surgeries that may be performed. As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects.
Side Effects of a Transurethral Resection or Cystectomy
Transurethral resection (TUR) is typically done with early-stage bladder cancers, and involves removing the tumor with a small scope, according to the American Cancer Society. Side effects are mild and usually temporary, and can include pain, discomfort and bleeding. If TUR needs to be done numerous times, side effects can include scarring of the bladder, which can affect its ability to hold urine. This may cause frequent urination and incontinence. A cystectomy involves removal of part or all of the bladder, and the possible side effects are more serious than those of TUR. Possible side effects can include bleeding, blockage of urine flow, urinary tract infections and incontinence.
Reconstructive Surgery
For some bladder cancers, the whole bladder needs to be removed, and reconstructive surgery is needed to construct an alternate way to store and excrete urine.The American Cancer Society lists side effects of reconstructive surgery for bladder cancer as including infection, incontinence, stones and urine flow obstructions. Prior to reconstructive surgery, your surgeon will go over all of the risks and possible side effects, and ways to alleviate any problems you may face.
Sexual Side Effects
If radical bladder surgery is done, meaning the complete removal of the bladder and possibly nearby organs, the prostate is removed (in males), according to the American Cancer Society. Orgasm is still possible, but no semen is involved. Men may find that after bladder surgery there may be nerve damage that makes erections difficult, but this may subside over time. Men under the age of 60, and even more so those under 50, have a higher recovery rate than those who are older.
