Evaluation of Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients (>75 y.o.) Undergoing Minimally Invasive Radical Cystectomy with Single Stoma Ureterocutaneostomy vs. Bricker Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion

Background: Diversion after radical cystectomy (RC) is crucial when considering elderly subjects. Data on the quality of life (QoL) impact with different diversions is scarce. This study aims to compare complications and QoL in patients aged > 75 y.o., who underwent minimally invasive (MI) RC with Bricker intracorporeal urinary derivation and single stoma ureterocutaneostomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of elderly patients who underwent MIRC and intracorporeal diversion. The 78 subjects were divided into two groups: group A, ileal conduit, and group B, single stoma ureterocutaneostomy. We evaluated the bowel's recovery time and complications rate. We investigated QoL 3 and 6 months after surgery using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire. Results: Mean age was 77.2 in group A and 82.4 in group B. The mean ASA score and Charlson Comorbidity index were comparable between the two groups. Rates of complications were 57.6% and 37.4% in groups A and B, respectively. The mean postoperative Stoma-QoL score 3 months after surgery was 52.2 and 52.4 in groups A and B, respectively. At 6 months of follow-up the Stoma QoL mean score was 63.4, showing homogeneity between the groups. Conclusion: MIRC with single stoma ureterocutaneostomy represents an alternative to ileal conduit, with comparable QoL and ostomy management 6 months after surgery, reporting fewer complications.