Purpose of review: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is an important outcome measure following radical cystectomy. Understanding HRQOL issues related to continent urinary diversion is crucial in the care and counseling of patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The goals of this review are to give a broad overview of the major types of continent urinary diversions and to review recent literature examining HRQOL in patients undergoing orthotopic neobladders and continent catheterizable urinary reservoirs following radical cystectomy.
Recent findings: Generic questionnaires that broadly address physical, social, and mental functioning and bladder cancer-specific questionnaires that more specifically address urinary, bowel, and sexual function have been utilized to measure HRQOL following radical cystectomy. Although existing studies indicate that overall quality of life may be similar in patients with continent and noncontinent urinary diversions, more specific comparisons of urinary and sexual function are conflicting and complicated by sex-specific concerns. Uterine preservation may improve urinary function in women with continent urinary diversions.
Summary: Although the development of disease-specific validated questionnaires has improved our understanding of HRQOL following radical cystectomy, a lack of prospective studies limits conclusions regarding the superiority of diversion type. Appropriate preoperative consultation may facilitate realistic expectations, thereby optimizing outcomes.