A Radical Cystectomy (complete removal of the urinary bladder) is a major oncological procedure commonly performed for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and selected high-risk non–muscle invasive cases. It is a complex, life-altering surgery that requires careful post-operative planning.

For patients travelling from Dhaka, Chittagong, or Sylhet to India, the medical procedure is only the beginning. The recovery phase requires structured monitoring, wound care, nutritional support, and adaptation to a new urinary diversion.

Common concerns include:

• How long do I need to stay in Kolkata, Chennai, or Bangalore?
• How do I manage a stoma bag or a new Neobladder while travelling back to Bangladesh?
• What if a complication develops after discharge?

Recovering in a foreign country requires planning, but with appropriate coordination and medical follow-up, many patients complete this journey safely each year.

At Karetrip, we coordinate logistical support during the recovery phase. Below is a clinically balanced 2026 recovery roadmap.

1. Understanding Your Reconstruction (The Key to Recovery)

Recovery timeline and adaptation depend on the type of urinary diversion performed after bladder removal.

Type A: Ileal Conduit (Urostomy Bag)

• What It Is: A segment of intestine is used to create a conduit that brings urine to a small opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall. Urine drains continuously into an external collection bag.
• Recovery Focus: Learning proper stoma hygiene, bag emptying technique, skin care, and recognizing warning signs such as redness, leakage, or infection before travelling home. Type B: Neobladder Reconstruction
• What It Is: A segment of intestine is reshaped to form an internal reservoir (neobladder), allowing urination through the urethra in selected patients.
• Recovery Focus: Bladder training. A catheter typically remains in place for several weeks. Patients must learn timed voiding and pelvic floor coordination. Some patients may experience temporary urinary leakage during adaptation.

Not all patients are suitable candidates for a neobladder. Selection depends on cancer stage, kidney function, urethral involvement, and overall health.

2. The 30-Day Recovery Roadmap in India

Radical cystectomy is considered major abdominal surgery. Immediate return travel is not medically advisable.

Most international patients plan for approximately 3 to 4 weeks in India, depending on recovery and complications.

Phase 1: Hospital Stay (Approximately Days 1–10)

• Days 1–3: Managed in Surgical ICU. Patients typically have IV lines, drains, and a urinary catheter. Pain control and monitoring for bleeding or infection are priorities.

• Days 4–7: Transfer to ward (if stable). Early mobilization is encouraged to reduce risk of blood clots and stimulate bowel function.

• Days 8–10: Discharge planning if stable, tolerating oral diet, and ambulatory. Stoma training or catheter care education is provided before discharge. Hospital stay duration may extend if complications such as ileus, infection, or wound issues occur.

Phase 2: Recovery Accommodation (Approximately Days 11–21)

• Patients typically remain near the hospital in a serviced apartment or guest house.
• Focus: Light walking, wound hygiene, protein-rich diet, and hydration.
• Follow-up: Around Day 14–21, surgical staples may be removed. For neobladder patients, catheter removal and initial bladder training may begin if healing is adequate.

Phase 3: Travel Clearance (Approximately Days 22–30)

• Travel is considered only after surgeon evaluation confirms wound healing, stable blood parameters, adequate oral intake, and manageable stoma or neobladder function.
• A “Fit to Fly” or “Fit to Travel” certificate may be issued if clinically appropriate. Some patients, particularly those with complications, may require longer stays.

Conclusion: Recovery Requires Structured Planning

Life after bladder removal surgery involves adaptation, but many patients successfully return to daily life with appropriate support.

A carefully planned 3 4 week recovery roadmap allows:

• Proper wound healing
• Training in urinary diversion care
• Stabilisation before travel

Final fitness to travel depends entirely on the surgeon's assessment and individual recovery. Need a step-by-step treatment estimate?

Chat with Rua Securely upload your biopsy, imaging, or discharge summary. We can coordinate preliminary review with experienced uro-oncologists in India and assist with hospital-issued cost estimates and Visa Invitation Letters.

Medical Disclaimer The recovery timelines provided are general estimates for 2026. Individual healing varies depending on age, cancer stage, nutritional status, surgical method (open vs. robotic), and post-operative complications. Radical cystectomy is a major surgery with significant risks. All decisions regarding discharge and fitness to travel are made solely by the treating surgeon. Karetrip facilitates accommodation and travel logistics but does not issue medical clearances or guarantee medical outcomes.