The mental and emotional status after radical cystectomy and different urinary diversion orthotopic bladder substitution versus external urinary diversion after radical cystectomy: A propensity score-matched study

Objectives: The quality of life in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is gaining importance. Nowadays a broad consensus about the best urinary diversion does not exist. This study presents an all-round analysis of the impact of two types of urinary diversion on life's psycho-social aspects in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Methods: This is an observational, single-centre, prospective study. Eligible participants underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer in our department from January 2020 and February 2024. Of 130 included patients, 90 (45 with Bricker's ureteroileocutaneostomy and 45 received orthotopic bladder replacement) patients were matched and the study groups were well balanced for the baseline-matched variables. Patients completed 4 questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, PGWBI, HADS, PSQI) at three different times: before the surgical procedure, and at 3 and 12 months. Results: Time shows a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0005) on four of the five functional scales explored (Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, Emotional Functioning, Social Functioning), and for all the nine symptoms/items' scales (p < 0.0005) and the Global Health Status (p = 0.003) in EORTC QLQ-C30. Neobladder's group shows a statistically significant improvement on the scales of Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, and Social Functioning, and for symptoms of nausea (p = 0.0027), pain (p = 0.0005), dyspnea (p = 0.012), insomnia (p = 0.004), constipation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: We do not find a better urinary diversion in absolute terms. Neobladder obtained better results only for specific items and features. The urinary diversion's choice must be made in concert by the patient, the caregiver, and health professionals with adequate counseling.