During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia. Dr Singh will make one large incision for open surgery, in the lower abdomen, which will allow him access to the bladder as well as any other organs that have been affected by cancer. Dr Singh may remove organs that are near the bladder such as the urethra, prostate and seminal vesicles in men and the urethra, uterus, ovaries and part of the vagina in a woman.

Once the bladder has been removed, Dr Singh will work to reconstruct the urinary tract. He will create a new waste removal path, either by creating a tube with part of the intestine or by creating a pouch inside the pelvis.

After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for approximately a week so that your body can recover. You also need to be hospitalised until your intestines are ready to absorb fluids and nutrients.

You may be required to go back to Dr Singh for follow up care a few weeks after the surgery and again after a few months. He will check to make sure that your urinary tract drains perfectly and that you are not having any complications. For six to eight weeks after surgery, you must refrain from doing heavy lifting and strenuous activities or exercises.