What Are The Complications After Bladder Cancer Surgery?

Bladder cancer surgery, depending on the stage and extent of the disease, usually involves a number of significant procedures such as transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, or urinary diversion. Like any surgical procedure, bladder cancer surgery can also have some potential risks and complications during the recovery period. However, the specific complications a patient may experience can vary depending on the type of surgery performed for bladder cancer. So, in today’s blog, brought to you by the best uro oncologist in Kolkata, let’s explore some of the most common complications after bladder cancer surgery –

Infections: After bladder cancer surgery, surgical sites, and the urinary tract are mostly susceptible to infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur after bladder cancer surgery and may require antibiotics for treatment as well.
Bleeding: Surgery may cause bleeding, both during and after the procedure. In some severe cases, blood transfusions or any additional surgery may be required to control or stop post-surgical bleeding.
Urinary problems: If you are about to undergo bladder cancer surgery, you must know that bladder cancer surgery can sometimes lead to some severe urinary issues such as difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence (inability to control urine flow), or urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder completely).
Bowel problems: For certain types of bladder cancer surgery, there is a risk of bowel-related complications, such as bowel obstruction or damage to the intestines.
Blood clots: After bladder cancer surgery, there is a potential risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Stoma complications: If urinary diversion is required, where urine needs to be redirected from the bladder to a stoma which is an opening in the abdomen, there can be issues with stoma function or infections due to the surgery.
Impotence and sexual dysfunction: In males, nerve damage during surgery can lead to difficulties with erections and sexual function. But this is a rare occurrence. Impotence after bladder cancer surgery can never take place if it is done by an experienced uro oncology specialist in Kolkata.
Anesthesia risks: Note that general anesthesia carries its own set of potential risks that include adverse reactions and complications just after the surgery is done.

However, it is very much essential to discuss the potential risks and complications with the best uro oncologist in Kolkata before undergoing bladder cancer surgery. This is because not all patients will experience these complications, and many of them can be managed or prevented with proper medical care and follow-ups.