Life satisfaction in patients with continent versus incontinent urinary diversion

To investigate quality of life and health in patients with incontinent and continent urinary diversions, in correlation with the initial diagnosis, diversion-related symptoms, psychological status and employment status. 81 patients (64% male and 36% female) with a mean age of 55 (18-65 years) were included in this retrospective study. A total of 27 had an incontinent urinary diversion (group A) and 54 a continent diversion (group B). The initial diagnosis was malignant tumor in 75% (n=61) and non-tumor disease in 25% (n = 20). A structured interview and psychometric instruments assessing quality of life, somatic and psychological symptoms were carried out and analyzed. Patients with non-tumor disease, a continent reservoir and employment tended to have the highest level of quality of life. The higher the number and severity of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, the lower the level of global satisfaction with life, health and urinary diversion, and vice versa. No difference was seen between group A and B concerning diversion-related symptoms, global satisfaction with life and health, and sociodemographic data. The decision for a continent versus an incontinent urinary diversion must consider not only the medical factors of each individual patient, but also the initial diagnosis, psychological condition and employment status.