Quality of life research in urology - Worth the effort?

In general, the primary goal of medical treatment is the assurance of survival, followed by the avoidance of future health problems, and only thereafter, the quality of life. Nevertheless, the improved effectiveness and the diverse possibilities of modern medical treatment have let quality of life become increasingly significant for the medical business. Because urologic diseases are often detrimental for a patient's quality of life, it is an especially important area of research for quality of life. On the other hand, substantial contributions have already been made in quality of life research in the field of urology. In the following overview, this will be shown with three examples: kidney transplant, prostate carcinoma, and urinary diversion. In each of the three areas, specific restrictions in quality of life are shown which vary with the type of treatment and co-morbidities.