Removal of the bladder (cystectomy)

The main treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is surgery to remove the bladder, also known as a cystectomy.

Your doctor may suggest removing your bladder if:

• The cancer has spread into the bladder muscle.
• The cancer is aggressive, has spread to several areas in the bladder, or keeps coming back after treatment.
• Other treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation, haven’t worked, or the cancer has returned.
• You have symptoms like bleeding or pain that can’t be treated in other ways.

Your overall health matters. Things like age, heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure can make healing more difficult. People over 80 usually take longer to heal.

This chapter contains general information about cystectomy. If you have any specific questions about this condition you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: March 2025