The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Robotic cystectomy
ROBOT-ASSISTED BLADDER CANCER SURGERY
Surgery to remove a cancerous bladder
About bladder surgery
This innovative procedure uses the advanced da Vinci® surgical robot to remove a bladder.
Having a cystectomy will change the way you pass urine. You may need a cystectomy for a number of reasons, including:
- high-grade bladder cancer
- bladder damage caused by cytoxic treatment
- uncontrollable bleeding.
Need to know
Your consultant surgeon will start by making several small cuts (keyholes) in an area of skin near your bladder. They'll then use the da Vinci® robot to find and remove your bladder.
Your consultant will be in the same room as you but they'll operate the robot from a console. This lets them perform more precise movements than traditional surgery and can make for a quicker procedure.
During the surgery, your consultant will create a new way for you to pass urine. This could be in the form of urinary diversion (a urostomy stoma) or a neobladder replacement. You'll be under general anaesthetic for the surgery.
Your consultant will be in the same room as you but they'll operate the robot from a console. This lets them perform more precise movements than traditional surgery and can make for a quicker procedure.
During the surgery, your consultant will create a new way for you to pass urine. This could be in the form of urinary diversion (a urostomy stoma) or a neobladder replacement. You'll be under general anaesthetic for the surgery.
You'll be asked to arrive at the hospital either on the day or morning before your robotic cystectomy. You won't be able to eat six hours before the procedure but you can drink clear, still water up to three hours before it.
Your consultant will explain what else to expect prior to the surgery. They will also explain what will happen during the surgery and outline any possible risks and side effects. If you're having a urostomy stoma fitted (a urine collection bag), a nurse specialist will explain how this works and how to care for it.
Your consultant will explain what else to expect prior to the surgery. They will also explain what will happen during the surgery and outline any possible risks and side effects. If you're having a urostomy stoma fitted (a urine collection bag), a nurse specialist will explain how this works and how to care for it.
After the operation, you'll be transferred to our intensive care for a recovery period of 24-48 hours. Once stable, you'll be taken to the main hospital.
Your consultant or nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital and if you should arrange for someone to take you home.
Our {{EntityName}} locations
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Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.