Husband having bladder removed

Whatever diversion he chooses, the most important thing is the experience of the surgeon and the team doing the surgery. They should do MANY of these....100 a year or so...or they are "practicing" on you.

Why was the ileal conduit chosen? Were the other options discussed? Sometimes, due to the location of the tumors, this may be the only choice. Or sometimes it is the only one the surgeon feels confident doing.

This is an important decision, particularly at your husband's age.

Sara Anne

Amandah,

I have not had to have a cystectomy but, have bookmarked a wonderful summary site covering the three options in case I do in the future: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments_and_procedures/hic_Urinary_Reconstruction_and_Diversion

Many on this board that have had one say they are happy with whatever decision they chose.

It is a hard decision for most of us. I can not speak of the ileal conduit as I have a Indiana Pouch. I was 49 when I had my Radical Cystectomy and decided against the ileal conduit as I am allergic to glue a band aide will take the skin off in as little as an hour with me so I worried about contact dermatitis from the appliance. I also felt the Pouch would fit better with an active life style and be better for my body image, I was able to have the stoma placed in my naval so you can not see it.
I have never been sorry I had the Pouch as it has worked well for me. It takes some training at first but once it was I can honestly say it works well and my life is very normal.
If your husband has any questions I would be happy to answer them if I can.