Call: Bladder Augmentation Surgery and Catheterization
Bladder augmentation, also called augmentation cystoplasty, is reconstructive surgery that increases how much urine the bladder can safely hold and helps lower pressure inside the bladder. A urologist may recommend bladder augmentation when severe bladder dysfunction has not improved with medications or other treatments.
The procedure may be considered when the bladder cannot safely store enough urine, does not stretch properly as it fills, or maintains pressure that could affect the kidneys. Because bladder augmentation is a major surgery, it is typically considered after less invasive treatments have not been successful.
Why Might Someone Need Bladder Augmentation?
A urologist may consider bladder augmentation if you have:
- A low-capacity bladder that cannot hold enough urine
- A bladder that does not stretch properly as it fills
- High bladder pressure that may affect kidney function
- Severe urinary incontinence that has not responded to other treatments
- Neurogenic bladder related to a spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, or another neurological condition
- Bladder damage caused by radiation, surgery, or certain medical conditions
Having one of these symptoms or conditions does not necessarily mean you will need bladder augmentation. Your urologist will review your medical history and may perform tests, including urodynamic testing, to evaluate how well your bladder stores and releases urine.
How Does Bladder Augmentation Work?
The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ in the urinary tract that stores urine. A healthy bladder expands as it fills, holds urine at a safe pressure, and empties when it is time to urinate.
Some bladder conditions can reduce how much urine the bladder can hold or prevent it from stretching properly. This may lead to urinary urgency, frequent urination, leakage, or high pressure inside the bladder. Over time, high bladder pressure may interfere with urine drainage and potentially affect the kidneys.
Bladder augmentation increases the bladder’s storage capacity and helps it hold urine at a lower pressure. The results of the procedure will depend on your underlying condition, bladder function, and overall health.
How Is Bladder Augmentation Performed?
During bladder augmentation surgery, the surgeon enlarges the bladder using a section of tissue, most commonly a portion of the small intestine. The surgeon opens the bladder and attaches the intestinal tissue to create a larger area for storing urine.
The exact surgical approach will depend on your anatomy, medical history, bladder function, and other health considerations. In some cases, bladder augmentation may be performed along with another procedure to improve continence or make catheterization easier.
Will You Need to Use a Catheter After Bladder Augmentation?
Many people need to use catheter supplies after bladder augmentation because the enlarged bladder may not empty completely on its own. This is often done through clean intermittent catheterization, also called intermittent self-catheterization or self-cathing.
During intermittent catheterization, a thin, flexible catheter is gently inserted into the bladder to drain urine. The catheter is then removed after the bladder has emptied.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to catheterize and explain how often it should be done. They can also help determine which catheter size and style are best for your needs.
Why Is Bladder Irrigation Needed After Bladder Augmentation?
When intestinal tissue is used to enlarge the bladder, that tissue continues to produce mucus. Mucus can collect inside the bladder and may contribute to catheter blockage, incomplete drainage, infection, or bladder stones.
Some people are instructed to perform bladder irrigation, also called bladder flushing, to help remove mucus and keep the bladder and catheterization channel clear.
Your doctor or nurse will show you:
- How to irrigate your bladder
- How often irrigation should be performed
- Which catheter and irrigation supplies to use
- How much irrigation solution to use
- What to do if mucus blocks the catheter
Only perform bladder irrigation as directed by your healthcare provider. Contact your care team if you cannot insert the catheter, cannot drain urine, cannot flush the bladder, or notice a significant change in mucus or urine output.
What Are the Possible Risks of Bladder Augmentation?
Bladder augmentation may improve bladder storage and reduce pressure, but it can also have short-term and long-term complications.
Possible risks may include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- The need for long-term intermittent catheterization
- Mucus buildup or catheter blockage
- Bladder or kidney stones
People who have bladder augmentation generally need ongoing follow-up with a urologist. Your urologist will explain which symptoms require medical attention and which tests may be needed to monitor your bladder and kidneys.
What Is Recovery Like After Bladder Augmentation?
The length of your hospital stay and recovery period will vary based on the surgical approach, your overall health, and whether additional procedures were performed.
During recovery, you may temporarily have one or more tubes or catheters in place to drain urine and support healing. Your healthcare team will provide instructions for caring for these devices and let you know when you can return to work, school, exercise, and other daily activities.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, and contact your healthcare team if you have questions or experience symptoms that concern you.
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
Follow the specific instructions provided by your urologist. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Difficulty inserting or removing your catheter
- Little or no urine drainage during catheterization
- A catheter that appears to be blocked by mucus
- Fever, chills, or other possible signs of infection
- New or severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Significant blood in the urine
- Unexpected urine leakage between catheterizations
- Vomiting, abdominal swelling, or a sudden change in bladder function
Sudden or severe symptoms may require urgent medical attention.
Getting Catheter and Bladder-Irrigation Supplies After Bladder Augmentation
If your healthcare provider has prescribed intermittent catheters or bladder-irrigation supplies after bladder augmentation, 180 Medical is here to help make the ordering process easier.
We offer a wide selection of catheter products from leading manufacturers. Our friendly, highly trained Catheter Specialists can help you explore prescribed product options based on your needs, routine, and lifestyle.
We can also work with your healthcare provider to gather the required prescription and documentation, verify your insurance coverage, and help coordinate your ongoing supply orders.
Have questions about getting catheter or bladder-irrigation supplies? Contact 180 Medical to speak with one of our Catheter Specialists.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
