Bladder Removal Surgery and Incontinence

What Is Bladder Removal Incontinence?

Bladder removal incontinence refers to urinary incontinence that can occur after a person has undergone bladder removal surgery, often due to conditions such as bladder cancer, severe trauma, or congenital abnormalities. This surgery, known as a cystectomy, involves removing the bladder completely, typically followed by creating a new pathway for urine to exit the body, either through a urostomy or a neobladder.

While bladder removal can be life-saving, it can also lead to significant changes in how the body manages urine storage and elimination. This change often results in incontinence, with individuals experiencing varying degrees of control over their urinary function. The extent of incontinence typically depends on the type of surgery performed and the individual’s overall health.

Causes of Incontinence After Bladder Removal

After a cystectomy, the body no longer has a bladder for urine storage, which requires alternative methods to handle urine. The type of surgery performed will influence the type of incontinence a person experiences.

For example, if a person has a urostomy, where an opening is created in the abdomen to collect urine in a pouch, they may experience leakage or have difficulty controlling the flow of urine. In cases where a neobladder is created from a piece of the intestine to replicate bladder function, individuals may face challenges in holding urine, especially immediately after surgery.

Another common issue is urinary urgency and frequency. After the bladder is removed, the body’s new system may not store urine as effectively, which results in needing to urinate more frequently and urgently.

Symptoms of Incontinence After Bladder Removal

The symptoms of incontinence after bladder removal vary, depending on how the individual adapts to their new urinary system. Common symptoms include:

Urgency: An overwhelming and sudden need to urinate, which can be difficult to control. Leakage: Unintentional leakage of urine from the urostomy or neobladder, often occurring due to lack of muscle control. Frequent trips to the bathroom: Due to the inability of the new system to store urine like the original bladder, people may need to urinate more frequently. Pain or discomfort: Some individuals may experience abdominal or pelvic discomfort after surgery, which could affect the management of incontinence.

These symptoms can be challenging, but they often improve over time with treatment and adaptation.

How Is Bladder Removal Incontinence Diagnosed?

Bladder removal incontinence is typically diagnosed based on a person's surgical history and their complaints regarding urinary control. Doctors will consider the type of bladder surgery performed and any complications that arose. A physical exam, urine tests, imaging studies, and urodynamic testing (which evaluates how the urinary system is functioning) may be used to understand the cause of incontinence.

If a neobladder was created, the doctor will assess how well it functions. If a urostomy was performed, the healthcare provider will review the function of the stoma and pouch system.

Treatment Options for Incontinence After Bladder Removal

Managing incontinence following bladder removal often requires a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and the use of appropriate incontinence supplies. Although surgery cannot reverse bladder removal, treatments can help reduce incontinence and improve quality of life.

Medical Treatments

Medications may be prescribed to help control incontinence symptoms, especially for urgency or an overactive bladder. Drugs like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists can reduce bladder spasms and the sensation of urgency, particularly helpful for those with a neobladder.

Botox injections are another treatment option for people with a neobladder, helping to control involuntary contractions of the bladder, which can lead to better control over urination.

Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can also help improve bladder control in people with a neobladder. Working with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health can aid individuals in regaining muscle strength and improving urinary control.

Use of Incontinence Products

Incontinence products, such as absorbent pads and urostomy pouches, are crucial for managing leakage and maintaining comfort. SPC quilted underpads, SPC reusable underwear, and SPC bladder control products are effective in ensuring protection against leakage, especially at night. These products provide high absorbency and help prevent leaks, offering peace of mind for those who need them most. Urostomy pouches are often used to collect urine from the stoma, and night drainage bags are typically used to manage urine output while sleeping.

Surgical Interventions

For some, additional surgery may be required if non-invasive treatments do not control incontinence effectively. One option is an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), a device that helps control the release of urine. This can be beneficial for individuals with a neobladder who have difficulty holding urine.

Another option for individuals with urostomies is urostomy revision surgery, which may improve the function of the stoma and pouch system, ensuring better protection against leakage and improving comfort.

Managing Daily Life with Incontinence After Bladder Removal

Living with incontinence after bladder removal surgery requires adjusting daily routines to accommodate the new way the body handles urine. This may involve planning frequent bathroom breaks to prevent accidents and maintaining comfort. Wearing protective incontinence underwear or using underpads can also provide additional security, particularly when out in public or during sleep.

Staying hydrated is important, but it's also helpful to time fluid intake to prevent excessive urgency or nighttime urination. Many people with bladder removal surgery benefit from joining support groups where they can share advice and gain emotional support from others who have undergone similar experiences.

Can Incontinence After Bladder Removal Be Prevented?

Incontinence after bladder removal is not always fully preventable, as it results from the loss of natural bladder function. However, managing incontinence can be achieved with the right combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and the use of appropriate incontinence supplies. Working closely with healthcare providers and using high-quality products like SPC incontinence products can make a significant difference in improving quality of life.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.