What is Cystectomy?
Cystectomy is a major surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the urinary bladder. It is most commonly performed for muscle-invasive bladder cancer or recurrent, high-risk non-muscle-invasive cancer that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It is also indicated for certain benign but severe bladder conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, or congenital anomalies when other options fail.
There are three main types of cystectomy:
- Partial cystectomy – only the affected portion of the bladder is removed
- Simple cystectomy – the entire bladder is removed without adjacent organs
- Radical cystectomy – the entire bladder plus nearby organs (e.g., prostate in men, uterus in women) and lymph nodes are removed
Surgical techniques include:
- Open surgery – traditional method with a larger incision
- Laparoscopic cystectomy – minimally invasive, uses small incisions
- Robotic-assisted cystectomy – offers enhanced precision, faster recovery, and less blood loss
After bladder removal, urinary diversion techniques such as ileal conduit or neobladder construction are used to reroute urine flow. Recovery typically involves 6–8 weeks of healing.
Why Choose India for Cystectomy?
India is a trusted destination for high-quality and affordable cystectomy, especially at Tier 1 hospitals in Delhi like Apollo Hospitals, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Saket), BLK-Max Hospital, and Fortis Healthcare. These hospitals provide:
- Highly experienced urologic surgeons, including experts in robotic and laparoscopic cystectomy
- Advanced surgical technologies and comprehensive cancer care infrastructure
- Specialized bladder cancer programs with multidisciplinary teams
- Robotic-assisted cystectomy options, reducing recovery time and improving surgical outcomes
- International patient support, including visa assistance, coordinators, and rehabilitation programs
India’s combination of top-tier expertise, modern infrastructure, and cost savings (70–80% less than the US/UK) makes it a leading hub for complex urologic surgeries like cystectomy.
Cost & Duration Summary
Average Cost in India: USD 7,000 – 12,000
Hospital Stay Required: 5 – 14 days (based on type and recovery speed)
Post-Treatment Stay in India: 2 – 4 weeks (for follow-up, monitoring, healing)