This information is for people who have been advised by their Urologist that they need to have a
cystectomy (removal of the bladder) and who may be suitable to have a new bladder
reconstructed out of bowel tissue. The advantage of this operation is that, in the long term, you
will not need to wear a bag on your abdomen to collect urine. Instead, the neo (new) bladder is
connected onto the urethra (the water pipe) and urine is passed naturally. Some people may
need to use a small disposable catheter once or twice a day to empty the new bladder.
The procedure has several names. This type of bladder reconstruction is sometimes called an
orthotopic reconstruction or neo bladder.
This procedure is not possible for everyone who has a cystectomy, especially if you have had
previous radiotherapy to the pelvis or if you have a history of bowel abnormalities.