By Dr. Anup Ramani

Robotic radical cystectomy, a minimal invasive procedure often performed for advanced urinary bladder cancer, involves the removal of the bladder, often followed by urinary reconstruction. Preparing for and recovering from such a significant surgery requires careful dietary planning to support healing, maintain nutritional health, and manage potential side effects.

Mumbai, with its cutting-edge hospitals and highly skilled specialists, including some of the best urinary bladder cancer surgeons in India, is a leading destination for this advanced treatment. This article explores essential dietary strategies to follow before and after robotic surgery for bladder removal, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

Understanding Robotic Radical Cystectomy and Its Impact on Diet

Robotic radical cystectomy is a preferred option for patients undergoing bladder cancer treatment in Mumbai and globally. The minimal invasive nature of the surgery, performed by some of the best urinary bladder cancer surgeons in Mumbai, reduces complications and ensures faster recovery. However, removing the bladder and reconstructing the urinary system impacts digestion and nutrient absorption, making dietary adjustments crucial.

Bladder Cancer

Dietary Goals Before Surgery

Preparing for bladder cancer surgery in Mumbai or elsewhere involves optimizing your body’s nutritional state to enhance recovery and minimize surgical risks. Here’s what to focus on:

  1. Boost Protein Intake
    Protein aids in wound healing and supports the immune system. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products in your diet.
  2. Increase Fiber Consumption
    To ensure smooth bowel movements and reduce constipation risks, eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  3. Hydrate Properly
    Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for kidney function, especially before surgery for bladder removal. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks.
  4. Reduce Processed Foods
    Limit consumption of salty, sugary, or highly processed foods to prevent unnecessary strain on the kidneys and overall system.
  5. Discuss Supplements
    If you have deficiencies, consult your bladder cancer surgeon about taking supplements like iron, vitamin C, or multivitamins to boost your nutritional reserves.

Dietary Adjustments After Surgery

Post-operative dietary changes play a significant role in managing recovery, addressing urinary system changes, and preventing complications such as infection or nutritional imbalances. Patients treated by bladder cancer surgeons in Mumbai often receive personalized dietary advice tailored to their medical needs.

Phase 1: Immediate Post-Surgery Diet

In the first few days after surgery, the focus is on allowing the digestive system to recover:

  • Clear Liquid Diet:
    Begin with clear liquids such as broth, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices to ease digestion.
  • Monitor Fluid Intake:
    Staying hydrated is critical, but limit excessive fluid intake to avoid strain on the reconstructed urinary system.
  • Avoid Solid Foods:
    Solid foods are generally avoided in the initial recovery phase to prevent gastrointestinal distress.

Phase 2: Transition to Soft Foods

As recovery progresses, a gradual shift to soft, easy-to-digest foods is recommended:

  • Include Low-Fiber Foods:
    White rice, mashed potatoes, bananas, and oatmeal can help ease the transition while preventing diarrhea or bloating.
  • Focus on Protein:
    Incorporate soft protein sources like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked fish to support tissue repair.
  • Avoid Spicy and Fatty Foods:
    These can irritate the digestive tract and delay recovery.

Phase 3: Balanced, Long-Term Diet

Once fully recovered, patients can adopt a balanced diet tailored to their new urinary and digestive system:

  • Maintain High Protein Intake:
    Essential for long-term healing and maintaining overall strength.
  • Monitor Fluid and Electrolytes:
    Regular hydration is crucial, but patients may need to avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sugary beverages.
  • Include Probiotics:
    Foods like yogurt or supplements can promote gut health and prevent digestive issues caused by antibiotics or surgery.
  • Incorporate Fiber Gradually:
    Adding fiber-rich foods slowly can help normalize bowel movements without causing discomfort.

Foods to Avoid Post-Surgery

Patients recovering from robotic surgery for bladder removal in Mumbai or elsewhere should avoid certain foods to minimize complications:

  • Spicy Foods:
    These can irritate the urinary tract and cause discomfort.
  • High-Sodium Foods:
    Excess salt can lead to dehydration and strain the kidneys.
  • Acidic Foods:
    Citrus fruits and tomatoes may cause irritation, especially in the early stages of recovery.
  • Fried or Fatty Foods:
    These are harder to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

The Role of Mumbai in Post-Surgical Recovery

Mumbai is a leading hub for bladder cancer treatment in India, offering world-class facilities and access to some of the best urinary bladder cancer surgeons. Hospitals in Mumbai provide personalized care, including dietary counseling for international patients recovering from robotic bladder removal surgery. Here’s how Mumbai supports patients:

  • Expert Guidance:
    Mumbai’s bladder cancer surgeons collaborate with dietitians to develop customized dietary plans based on individual needs.
  • Advanced Facilities:
    Top hospitals ensure state-of-the-art care, from robotic surgical systems to nutritional support for enhanced recovery.
  • Comprehensive Medical Tourism Support:
    International patients benefit from assistance with accommodations, language support, and dietary preferences during their stay.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery for Bladder Removal

Choosing robotic surgery for bladder removal in Mumbai offers several advantages:

  • Minimal Invasive Nature:
    Robotic surgery results in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
  • Enhanced Precision:
    The advanced robotic systems used by Mumbai’s top surgeons ensure greater accuracy, minimizing complications.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay:
    Patients can resume a normal diet and lifestyle more quickly, reducing the overall cost and inconvenience.

How to Prepare for Robotic Radical Cystectomy in Mumbai

Patients traveling to Mumbai for bladder cancer surgery should keep the following tips in mind:

  • Consult Early:
    Schedule pre-operative consultations with the best urinary bladder cancer surgeon in Mumbai to discuss dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Plan Your Stay:
    Ensure you have access to post-surgical care and dietary support during recovery.
  • Ask About Post-Surgery Support:
    Many hospitals in Mumbai offer remote follow-up consultations, including dietary guidance for international patients.

Long-Term Dietary Management

Adopting a long-term dietary plan post-surgery is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing complications. Patients treated in Mumbai often benefit from continuous support, including:

  • Regular Nutritional Assessments:
    Monitoring for deficiencies in vitamins or minerals caused by urinary reconstruction.
  • Specialized Diet Plans:
    Tailored plans to meet individual health goals and address any ongoing digestive concerns.
  • Hydration Strategies:
    Tips to balance fluid intake without overloading the urinary system.

Conclusion

Dietary changes before and after robotic radical cystectomy play a pivotal role in ensuring successful recovery and long-term health. Patients undergoing bladder cancer treatment in Mumbai benefit from world-class surgical expertise, advanced robotic techniques, and comprehensive dietary counseling.

By following personalized nutritional strategies, patients can optimize their recovery journey, paving the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life post-surgery. With Mumbai’s unparalleled medical infrastructure and access to the best urinary bladder cancer surgeons in India, patients are assured of excellent care and outcomes.

FAQs About Robotic Radical Cystectomy

Proper nutrition strengthens the body, enhances immunity, and minimizes surgical risks, ensuring smoother recovery.

Patients should avoid spicy, fatty, and high-sodium foods, as well as acidic beverages, to prevent irritation and digestive discomfort.

Mumbai offers personalized care, including dietary counseling, advanced facilities, and comprehensive medical tourism support for international patients.

Robotic surgery offers minimal invasiveness, enhanced precision, shorter recovery times, and reduced post-surgical complications.

Yes, Mumbai’s hospitals have dedicated dietitians who provide customized dietary plans to aid recovery and maintain long-term health.

Read More Articles on Robotic Radical Cystectomy

PARTIAL PENECTOMY
  • Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma. 
  • Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
  • Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
  • This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
  • This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
  • The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
  • The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes. 
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
  • Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
  • Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
  • This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
  • The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
  • The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
  • Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.

  • Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.

  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).

  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.

  • On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.

  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.

  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.

  • A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.

  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.

  • The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.

  • The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.

  • Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).

  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.

RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.

  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month

FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
    Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.

ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
  • Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
  • Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
  • The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.

  • Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.

  • If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.

ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
  • Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
  • relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
  • The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient. 
  • They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. 
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
  • Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report. 
  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.