Bladder augmentation

Augmentation is the process of making something larger.

The bladder can be enlarged if it is not functioning normally. This is achieved by using part of the bowel to alter the bladder surgically. The bowel is a large organ, so a small part of it can be used without causing any problems.

The procedure is performed by a urologist and involves cutting open the bladder and attaching part of the bowel in the open space like a patch. The bowel is attached to its own blood supply.

The bowel normally produces mucous and this carries on after it is attached to the bladder. There will always be some amount of mucous in your urine after the procedure and you should discuss how to manage this with your urologist or urology nurse.

Complications

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and these should be discussed with your surgeon before you give consent.

Common complications include:

• Urine infection
• Mucous build-up which may cause bladder or kidney stones to form

There is also an increased risk of cancer after the procedure so your urologist might need to review your bladder function more often than usual. You should speak with your urologist about how often this needs to be done.