Radical cystectomy impacts on the gastro-intestinal tract in several ways. Clearly there is the need for bowel mobilisation, resection and anastamosis in order to create a urinary diversion, and the use of bowel preparation or antibiotics are controversial topics. Post-operatively ileus is common and there is debate about the routine use of NG tubes. Early enteral feeding is a modern concept but not yet proven. In the long-term there can be problems such as diarrhoea and B12 deficiency. All of these issues are discussed in this review using the latest available evidence.