Quality of life after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in men with an ileal conduit or continent urinary diversion: a comparative study

To investigate quality of life [QoL] domains with three forms of urinary diversions, including ileal conduit, MAINZ pouch, and orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in men with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In a prospective study, 149 men underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion [70 ileal conduit, 16 MAINZ pouch, and 63 orthotopic ileal neobladder]. Different domains of QoL, including general and physical conditions, psychological status, social status, sexual life, diversion-related symptoms, and satisfaction with the treatment were assessed using an author constructed questionnaire. Assessment was performed at three months postoperatively. In questions addressing psychological status, social status, and sexual life, patients with continent diversion had a more favorable outcome [P = 0.002, P = 0.01, and P = 0.002, respectively]. The rate of erectile dysfunction did not differ significantly between the three groups [P = 0.21]. The rate and global satisfaction was higher with the MAINZ pouch [68.7%] and ileal neobladder [76.2%] as compared with the ileal conduit group [52.8%] [P = 0.002]. Continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy provides better results in terms of QoL as compared with ileal conduit diversion.