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Bladder augmentation (cystoplasty)
- Robotic-assisted surgery to increase bladder size and capacity
- Ideal for severe overactive bladders or incontinence
- Protects kidneys by reducing bladder pressure
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Bladder augmentation (cystoplasty) at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we understand how debilitating having a severe overactive bladder or incontinence can be. That’s why we offer fast access to our expert urologists, who’ll carry out a thorough assessment of your bladder to ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your symptoms.
If you require bladder augmentation, this will be carried out at one of our leading private hospitals by our specialist teams using the latest robotic-assisted technology. We’ll take care of you before, during and after your procedure, with comprehensive aftercare that includes self-catheterisation training, infection management and ongoing kidney monitoring and continence support.
If you require bladder augmentation, this will be carried out at one of our leading private hospitals by our specialist teams using the latest robotic-assisted technology. We’ll take care of you before, during and after your procedure, with comprehensive aftercare that includes self-catheterisation training, infection management and ongoing kidney monitoring and continence support.
Bladder augmentation, also known as cystoplasty, is surgery to make your bladder larger so it can hold more urine. It’s only recommended to people who have a severe overactive bladder or incontinence and when less invasive treatments haven’t improved symptoms.
Our consultants may also recommend bladder augmentation if you’ve had to self-catheterise for a long period. Self-catheterisation is when you insert a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) to empty your bladder.
Our consultants may also recommend bladder augmentation if you’ve had to self-catheterise for a long period. Self-catheterisation is when you insert a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) to empty your bladder.
The surgery involves cutting open the bladder and inserting a section of intestine (or bowel) between the two halves, which is then sewn into place. This increases the capacity of the bladder.
After a successful bladder augmentation, you’ll have a larger bladder. This means there is less pressure on your bladder and you won’t need to urinate as frequently. The aim of the procedure is to create a bladder large enough to hold (and not leak) urine for at least four hours between catheterisations. One of the major benefits of this surgery is that your quality of life will be improved.
Another benefit is that your kidneys will be protected from back pressure from your bladder.
Another benefit is that your kidneys will be protected from back pressure from your bladder.
The procedure is designed to be permanent and should last throughout your lifetime.
As we’re able to carry out a bladder augmentation as a minimally invasive procedure using robotic-assisted technology, recovery time is much quicker than for open surgery. Most people can go back to routine activities in two to three weeks. For open surgery, it can take three to four months. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s recovery is different and your consultant will be able to advise you on this.
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Speak to an expert urologist or urogynaecologist within 24 hours
Personalised care and support
At every stage, from initial consultation right through to recovery
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Comfortable, private facilities in London, Birmingham and Manchester
Your bladder augmentation at HCA UK
What to expect
From the moment you visit us for your urology appointment, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of the bladder augmentation process. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of the bladder augmentation process. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred or have a referral from a GP or one of our consultants, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our urology experts.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests. They’ll take the time to talk to you and understand your concerns, and you’ll be able to ask them any questions about the procedure.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests. They’ll take the time to talk to you and understand your concerns, and you’ll be able to ask them any questions about the procedure.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have a blood test, X-ray, cystoscopy or bladder function test (urodynamic testing). These will allow your consultant to carry out a thorough assessment of your bladder so they can make a diagnosis.
Your consultant will share your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your symptoms. If you need surgery, they’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you’re aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your robotic-assisted bladder augmentation surgery.
03
Before your operation
You’ll be asked to come into the hospital the day before your operation for bowel preparation. We use special laxatives and enemas to clear your bowel and reduce the risk of infection before your operation.
04
During surgery
We’ll give you a general anaesthetic before your robotic-assisted bladder augmentation surgery. You may also be given an epidural for post-surgery pain relief.
The surgery involves cutting open your bladder and taking a section of your bowel to create a patch. This is placed between the two halves of your bladder and sewn into place. Your surgeon will re-join the ends of the bowel from where the segment was taken.
During the operation, two catheters will be placed in your bladder. The first one is inserted via the urethra.
In some cases, a Mitrofanoff may be used instead. A Mitrofanoff is a tube that’s created from the appendix that connects the bladder to the surface of the skin. It acts like a valve and a catheter is only inserted into the tube when the bladder needs emptying.
The other catheter (called a suprapubic catheter) is inserted via a small incision in the skin over the bladder. This catheter will need to remain in place for around two to three weeks.
Your surgeon will also insert a drainage tube close to the wound to prevent any fluid from building up in the internal area where the operation was carried out. A tube will also be placed through your nose to drain stomach fluid.
05
After surgery
We’ll monitor you closely after your procedure and keep you comfortable with pain relief medication. You’ll need to stay in hospital for around five days following your operation and we’ll take care of you for as long as your recovery requires.
During the first few days following your operation, you won’t be able to eat or drink. This is because your bowels may become temporarily paralysed following the surgery. This is normal and you’ll be fed through a drip (IV line). As your bowel regains function, we’ll start you on clear fluids as soon as possible, gradually moving you onto solid foods.
As you recover, our expert team will teach you how to self-catheterise and look after the catheters that were inserted during surgery. This includes flushing out mucus, which is produced from the section of your bowel that is now part of your bladder, to prevent infections.
About two or three weeks after your bladder augmentation, our team will scan your bladder to check it isn’t leaking urine. If your bladder isn’t leaking, our team will remove the suprapubic catheter and you’ll continue to self-catheterise using the urethra catheter or Mitrofanoff.
Recovery can take around two to three weeks. Your consultant will let you know what to expect and you’ll have a follow-up consultation after the procedure so they can check on your progress.
During the first few days following your operation, you won’t be able to eat or drink. This is because your bowels may become temporarily paralysed following the surgery. This is normal and you’ll be fed through a drip (IV line). As your bowel regains function, we’ll start you on clear fluids as soon as possible, gradually moving you onto solid foods.
As you recover, our expert team will teach you how to self-catheterise and look after the catheters that were inserted during surgery. This includes flushing out mucus, which is produced from the section of your bowel that is now part of your bladder, to prevent infections.
About two or three weeks after your bladder augmentation, our team will scan your bladder to check it isn’t leaking urine. If your bladder isn’t leaking, our team will remove the suprapubic catheter and you’ll continue to self-catheterise using the urethra catheter or Mitrofanoff.
Recovery can take around two to three weeks. Your consultant will let you know what to expect and you’ll have a follow-up consultation after the procedure so they can check on your progress.
Our locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Bladder augmentation FAQs
The alternatives to this procedure that we offer at HCA UK include:
- Bladder training
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Medication
- Injections for an overactive bladder
- Urinary diversion
- Sacral nerve stimulation
Our consultants will only recommend bladder augmentation when less-invasive alternatives have failed to help improve symptoms, or they believe that bladder augmentation is the best possible treatment for your symptoms.
Your consultant will be able to advise you on this, but most people have to self-catheterise for the rest of their lives following a bladder augmentation. This is because after bladder augmentation, part of your bowel is now in contact with your bladder. This section of the bowel continues to produce mucus, which mixes with your urine.
You’ll need to flush out this mucus regularly for the rest of your life using a catheter. If you don’t do this, the mucus may cause other conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones.
You’ll need to flush out this mucus regularly for the rest of your life using a catheter. If you don’t do this, the mucus may cause other conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones.
Yes, bowel function changes can occur. Immediately after surgery, your bowels may become temporarily paralysed. This is normal and means that you won’t be able to eat or drink in the first few days after surgery and you’ll be fed through a drip or IV line. As your bowel regains function, we’ll start you on clear fluids and gradually move you onto solid foods.
Other potential bowel changes include increased mucus production, which requires flushing out with a catheter, and constipation and diarrhoea, which can be caused by the changes in the bowel length.
Other potential bowel changes include increased mucus production, which requires flushing out with a catheter, and constipation and diarrhoea, which can be caused by the changes in the bowel length.
Like any surgery, bladder augmentation carries risks. Your consultant will explain these to you so you can decide whether you wish to go ahead with surgery.
Like all surgeries, bladder augmentation has some potential complications that may occur after surgery. These include:
- Revision surgery: Revision surgery may be needed if there are complications or if the original surgery wasn’t successful.
- Infections: Some people may experience recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and bladder stones. These can be caused by the mucus, which is produced by the section of bowel used to enlarge the bladder, not being flushed out regularly through the catheter.
- Incontinence: Some people may continue to experience incontinence or develop it later on.
- Inflammation: The bowel tissue used in the augmentation may become inflamed over time.
Your consultant will talk you through the potential risks and complications of the surgery, so you’re able to make an informed decision about the procedure and whether you wish to go ahead.
Your consultant will be able to advise you on this, as it depends whether you have a desk-bound or more physical job. Most people return to work in two to three weeks after surgery if they have an office job and their recovery is going well.
“I received first class nursing care from all of the urology nurses.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.