The surgical procedure to remove the bladder is known as a cystectomy and is usually performed because of cancer of the bladder.  Radiation treatments and chemotherapy also can be used to treat bladder cancer. If the bladder cancer has spread to the muscle surrounding the bladder, then surgery can be performed. 

Cystectomy is considered a very aggressive treatment option and may not be the best option for everyone. Those who have superficial tumors may respond better to a more conservative treatment. A cystectomy is considered a major surgical procedure and the patient is put under general anesthesia. There is a small incision made on the lower abdomen. The ureters are identified, tied, and cut. The ureters connect the bladder to the kidneys, so cutting them frees the bladder for the removal process. The bladder as well as other associated organs are then removed. In male patients, the prostate is removed along with the bladder. In women patients the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and part of the vagina are also removed along with the bladder. 

The bladder of a healthy person collects urine from the kidneys for elimination at a later time. When the bladder has been removed, doctors must devise a new method to remove urine from the body. In many cases, a small portion of the small intestine is removed, cleaned, and tied at one end to form a tube. The other end is then used to form a stoma, which is an opening through the abdominal wall outside the body. The patient is required to wear a bag to collect the urine.

Before the procedure is performed a member of the medical staff will discuss the entire procedure with the patient  describing the stoma and where it will be located where on their body. The patient will also receive information they need on caring for the stoma and bag.  After undergoing a successful operation the patient will be given fluids and nutritional drinks until the intestines begin to function normally. Antibiotics are also given to prevent infection around the surgical site.  Major lifestyle changes will occur with the removal of a major organ such as the bladder.  

After removal of the bladder,  women are infertile as a result of the ovaries and uterus also being removed.  However, most women who develop bladder cancer are postmenopausal and fertility is not a significant issue. Unfortunately, most males develop impotency because the nerves that control the male erection are cut during the removal of the bladder.

The patient must be fitted with an external bag that connects to the stoma and is used to collect urine. These bags are usually worn around the waist and are easily hidden under clothes.  Since the patient no longer has a bladder, the urine is continuously eliminated via the new intestinal devised tube through the stoma into the external bag, and this requires psychological adjustment by the patient.  However, many people continue to live healthy, productive lives once the entire area of bladder cancer has been surgically removed.