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What Is Cystoplasty?

Cystoplasty is surgery to reconstruct the urinary bladder. The term commonly refers to augmentation cystoplasty, which makes the existing bladder larger. A surgeon usually attaches a section of intestine to the bladder to increase its capacity. The exact procedure and care afterward depend on the reason for surgery.

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What Is Cystoplasty?

Cystoplasty is surgery to reconstruct the urinary bladder. The term commonly refers to augmentation cystoplasty, which makes the existing bladder larger. A surgeon usually attaches a section of intestine to the bladder to increase its capacity. The exact procedure and care afterward depend on the reason for surgery.

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When Is Cystoplasty Considered?

Augmentation cystoplasty may be considered when a bladder holds too little urine or develops high pressure as it fills. High bladder pressure can threaten kidney health. A urologist assesses bladder function and treatments already tried before recommending surgery. The aim is to improve urine storage and reduce pressure.

How Is Augmentation Cystoplasty Performed?

The surgeon takes a section of small or large intestine and opens it into a patch. The patch is sewn to an opening in the existing bladder. Tubes drain the bladder while the repair heals. The operation may be performed through an abdominal incision or a minimally invasive approach.

What Happens After Cystoplasty?

A hospital stay is generally needed after bladder augmentation. The intestinal tissue continues to make mucus, which must be flushed from the bladder as directed. Some patients need to empty the bladder regularly with a catheter. Follow-up checks the bladder, kidneys, and any changes in body chemistry.

What Are the Risks of Cystoplasty?

Risks include bleeding, infection, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones. Mucus can block a catheter and interfere with drainage. The repaired bladder can also leak or develop other complications. Long-term care helps identify problems after the initial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cystoplasty

Is cystoplasty the same as bladder augmentation?

Augmentation cystoplasty is a type of cystoplasty that enlarges the bladder. The surgical plan should specify which reconstruction is intended.

Is the original bladder removed?

In augmentation cystoplasty, the existing bladder generally stays in place. Intestinal tissue is attached to make it larger.

Why might catheterization be needed afterward?

An enlarged bladder may not empty fully on its own. A catheter allows urine to drain on a regular schedule.

Does cystoplasty require ongoing care?

Yes, especially when bowel tissue is used. Care may include bladder irrigation, catheterization, and checks of kidney function.

References

Augmentation cystoplasty: Contemporary indications, techniques and complications. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3822349/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Bladder Augmentation (Cystoplasty): Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15846-augmentation-cystoplasty-bladder-augmentation. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Bladder augmentation and Mitrofanoff. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/procedures-and-treatments/bladder-augmentation-and-mitrofanoff/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Cystoplasty (Bladder Augmentation). Baylor Scott & White Health. https://www.bswhealth.com/treatments-and-procedures/cystoplasty. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Enlargement of the bladder using a segment of bowel (augmentation cystoplasty). Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/urology/urology-reconstruction-and-continence/enlargement-of-the-bladder-using-a-segment-of-bowel-augmentation-cystoplasty/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.