I am fortunate that I no longer have sighs of cancer after my bladder was removed However , I am now told that my urethra (waterpipe) must be removed. All of the papers seem to suggest that a catheter will be connected to a bladder (not possible in my case).
will the incision be open and will I be able to sit down after the operation.
Thanks
Hi lesco
Thanks for getting in touch. It’s good to read that there you have no evidence of cancer after the removal of your bladder (cystectomy), this must have been reassuring to hear after having had surgery. It’s not so good though, to see you will now be having further surgery. This unfortunately can happen to reduce the risk of the cancer returning in the future.
When the urethra is removed this is normally done through an incision in the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the back passage. After surgery there is likely to be bruising and swelling along the surgical site and the penis, but this is temporary and will gradually settle in the few weeks after the procedure. A temporary drain might be put in place to help prevent the build up of fluid from the surgery.
The surgical site will be closed over and this shouldn’t prevent you from being able to sit down.
This patient information leaflet from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) might be helpful to read to understand the procedure and aftercare.
Best wishes
Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref LM/DT
