Best Cystectomy Clinics in Spain

Why Should I Visit Spanish Hospitals for Cystectomy?

Spain is known for its excellent healthcare system, which boasts modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Here are some reasons you should consider visiting Spanish hospitals for cystectomy:

• Top-quality care: Spanish hospitals offer high-quality care on par with other Western countries. Many hospitals have received international accreditation, ensuring that they meet global standards for healthcare.
• Experienced doctors: Spanish doctors are highly trained and experienced in performing cystectomy surgeries. Many have trained in leading hospitals in Europe and the United States, bringing their expertise back to Spain.
• Advanced technology: Spanish hospitals have state-of-the-art technology like surgical robots, allowing for precise and minimally invasive surgeries. This can lead to faster recovery times and better outcomes for patients.
• Affordable prices: While healthcare costs can vary depending on the hospital and the procedure, Spain generally offers 30-40% more affordable medical procedures than other Western countries.

Best Cystectomy Clinics in Spain

Here are some of the best cystectomy clinics in Spain:

• Teknon Medical Center is a top-rated hospital known for its urology department. They offer advanced treatments for bladder cancer, including cystectomy surgeries.
• Quironsalud Valencia has a highly specialized urology department that offers a range of treatments for bladder cancer, including cystectomy surgeries.
• Navarra Hospital is known for its quality care and advanced technology. Their urology department offers cystectomy surgeries and other bladder cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Best Cystectomy Doctors in Spain

Here are some of the best cystectomy doctors in Spain:

• Dr. Salvador Esquena is a highly specialized uro oncologist with 15 years of experience. He is an expert in 3D laparoscopic surgery.
• Prof. Dr. Josep Tabernero has 30 years of experience in treating different types of cancers. He has also done fellowships at the world’s famous clinics.
• Dr. Antonio Maria De Lacy is the first Spanish surgeon to remove different abdominal cancers through the latest laparoscopic techniques.

Why is Cystectomy Done?

• Cystectomy is usually done to treat bladder cancer that has not responded to other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• It may also be performed for other conditions that affect the bladder, such as interstitial cystitis or neurogenic bladder.
• In some cases, a partial cystectomy may be performed to remove only a portion of the bladder rather than the entire organ.
• It may also be necessary for patients who have experienced trauma to the bladder, such as a severe injury or damage from radiation therapy.

Different Types of Cystectomy in Spain

• Radical cystectomy removes the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and other tissues if necessary. This is the most common type of cystectomy performed for bladder cancer.
• Partial cystectomy is done to remove only a portion of the bladder for small tumors or lesions.
• Pelvic exenteration: removes the bladder, nearby organs, and lymph nodes. This is a more extensive surgery typically reserved for advanced bladder cancer.

Examinations Before Cystectomy in Spain

Before a cystectomy can be performed in Spain, the patient will typically undergo several tests and examinations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. These may include:

• Blood tests to check for underlying health conditions, such as anemia or kidney disease.
• Urine tests to check for signs of infection or abnormalities in the urine.
• Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, to get a better look at the bladder and surrounding organs.
• Biopsy: In some cases, the patient may need a biopsy to determine whether cancer is present in the bladder.

How to Prepare for Cystectomy in Spain?

• You must consult your doctor to discuss your overall health, medical history, and any medications you may be taking.
• Undergo various pre-operative tests, including blood, imaging, and physical exams.
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for several weeks before surgery to help reduce the risk of complications.
• Follow any specific dietary or medication instructions provided by your medical team.
• Make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital and any necessary assistance during recovery.

How Do Spanish Doctors Perform Cystectomy?

Spanish doctors typically perform cystectomy using a few key steps:

• The patient is first given general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
• The surgeon will then make a surgical incision in the lower abdomen. The size of the incision depends on the type of cystectomy being performed.
• The surgeon will expose the bladder and surrounding organs after the incision. They will carefully separate the bladder from other tissues and structures, taking care not to damage any crucial nerves or blood vessels.
• The surgeon will remove the bladder from the body once the bladder has been separated. If the patient undergoes a partial cystectomy, only the affected portion of the bladder will be removed.
• If the entire bladder has been removed, the surgeon must create a new way for urine to leave the body. This is known as a urinary diversion, and several different types of diversion can be used. The surgeon will typically discuss the options with the patient before the surgery.
• After the bladder has been removed or repaired, the surgeon will close the incision using surgical staples or sutures. A sterile bandage will be placed over the incision to help protect it from infection. The whole procedure takes about 3-6 hours to complete.

What Happens After Cystectomy?

After cystectomy, you will need complete rest for about 2 weeks and adjust to the changes in your urinary system. Depending on the type of cystectomy performed, you may need to use a urinary diversion device or catheter to help manage urine output.

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of bladder cancer complications or recurrence. It requires about 8-12 months to recover from the surgery completely.

Risks of Cystectomy

As with any surgical procedure, cystectomy carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to surrounding organs or tissues
• Blood clots
• Difficulty urinating or urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction (in men)
• Bowel obstruction or blockage (in rare cases)

It's important to discuss these risks with your doctor and weigh them against the procedure's potential benefits before deciding to undergo a cystectomy.