Bladder Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Risk & Recovery

How should I prepare for bladder surgery?

You’ll meet with a healthcare provider before bladder surgery, where they’ll:

• Review your health history.
• Perform a physical examination to make sure you’re healthy enough to have surgery.
• Take your vitals (temperature, pulse and blood pressure).
• Conduct a blood test and pee test (urinalysis) to rule out infection.

Tell your provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you’re taking, including herbal supplements. They may recommend that you stop taking any medications that increase your risk of bleeding during your bladder surgery, including:

Don’t stop taking any medications unless the provider tells you.

Tell the provider about all your allergies, as well. These include:

• Drug allergies.
• Skin cleaner allergies, like iodine or isopropyl alcohol.
• Latex allergy.
• Food allergies.

A provider may also ask you to stop smoking and using tobacco products. Tobacco use increases health risks during and after surgery, including slowing down the healing process and decreasing your immune system’s effectiveness.

You’ll likely receive specific directions on eating and drinking before bladder surgery. This may include following a clear liquid eating pattern eight to 12 hours before your surgery. Clear liquids include juices without pulp, soup broth and gelatin (Jell-O®).

What kind of surgeon performs bladder surgery?

Urologists perform bladder surgeries. Urologists specialize in treating conditions affecting the urinary system and the male and female reproductive systems.

Is bladder surgery inpatient or outpatient?

It depends on the type of surgery you need. Outpatient means you can go home the same day as your surgery. Inpatient means you need to spend at least a day in the hospital. Ask a healthcare provider if you’ll need to stay in the hospital and, if so, for how long. You may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week.

What happens during bladder surgery?

There are two different approaches to bladder surgery:

• Minimally invasive surgery (robotic surgery). Robotic surgery is the most common surgical approach to bladder surgery. A surgeon will make a small number of incisions and then place implanted ports in the incisions that allow them to use robotic arms to perform the procedure. Robotic surgery reduces healing time, scarring and other risk factors.
• Open surgery. A surgeon will use a sharp knife (scalpel) to make one long cut (incision) in your abdomen (belly) to access your bladder. They’ll insert their hands through the incision to perform the procedure. Open surgery is rare.
• Endoscopic surgery. A surgeon will use a long camera (endoscope) through your urethra to access to your bladder. There are no incisions with this surgery.

When you talk to a healthcare provider about bladder surgery, feel free to ask lots of questions. Make sure you understand and feel comfortable with what the provider explains to you.

Will I be asleep during the bladder surgery?

Yes. An anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia before surgery. General anesthesia puts you to sleep. You won’t feel pain or experience any other sensations during bladder surgery.

How long does bladder surgery take?

It depends on the procedure. Some procedures may take up to six hours or longer. Talk to a healthcare provider to better understand what to expect.

What happens after bladder surgery?

Healthcare providers will stitch your incisions and cover them with bandages. You’ll also stop receiving anesthesia. After a few minutes, you’ll be conscious (awake) but will likely feel groggy.

Providers will continue to monitor your health. Once you wake up fully, they’ll treat your pain.

You may have side effects after surgery, including:

• Urinary frequency.
• Urinary urgency.
• Blood in your pee (hematuria).

Healthcare providers will talk to you about what to expect after surgery.