Cystectomy

Robotic Surgery Options for Bladder Removal

If you have bladder cancer and your doctor recommends surgical removal of all (radical cystectomy) or part (partial cystectomy) of the bladder, robotic surgery may be a treatment option. At Scripps in San Diego, specially trained urologic surgeons have the expertise needed to perform these laparoscopic minimally invasive procedures.

In traditional open surgery for bladder cancer, a large incision is required to remove the bladder and portions of surrounding organs before a new urinary receptacle is created. Robot-assisted bladder removal is performed through small incisions using instruments with a much greater range of motion than the hand and wrist. Because of this approach, robotic cystectomy for bladder cancer can offer advantages over traditional open surgery.

Despite the potential advantages, robotic surgery for bladder removal may not be appropriate for every patient. Like all surgical procedures, robot-assisted surgeries have risks and benefits that should be weighed carefully with your physician.