Neobladder reconstruction

About Neobladder Surgery

To create a neobladder, your surgeon first removes your cancerous bladder (cystectomy) and then takes a section of your intestine that is isolated and reshaped into a new bladder. Your surgeon may perform cystectomy with bladder reconstruction either through a traditional abdominal incision or with a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach.

Your surgeon places the new bladder — neobladder — in the same location inside your body as your original bladder. The neobladder is attached to your ureters so that urine can drain from your kidneys to your new bladder. The other end of the neobladder is attached to your urethra. This reconstruction allows you to maintain a functional urinary tract.

As with any bladder substitute, it may take some time until the neobladder functions best. Soon after surgery, many people may have difficulties with urinary incontinence until the neobladder stretches to a normal bladder size.