Health-related quality of life after radical cystectomy and ileal orthotopic neobladder: effect of detailed continence outcomes

Purpose To objectively quantify continence rates and to correlate continence outcomes with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB). Methods Questionnaires were sent to 244 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with ONB between 2004 and 2015, and information about the current continence status was retrieved. To objectify postoperative urine loss, daytime and nocturnal pad tests were performed. Continence was defined as need of up to one safety pad. HRQOL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 scoring with global health status being the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis included Fisher's test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's rank correlation, and binary regression models (p < 0.05). Results 178 patients (73.0%) answered the QLQ-C30 questionnaires and were included in the study. Median follow-up was 61 months. Median daytime pad use was 1 and median daily urine loss based on pad testing was 4.0 g, leading to a daytime continence rate of 48.5%. Continence had a significant impact on postoperative HRQOL (p = 0.017). ICIQ-SF score (p = 0.001, OR = 0.805) and need for condom catheter during nighttime (p = 0.015, OR = 0.123) were independent predictors for worse HRQOL outcomes based on global health status. A history of pelvic floor muscle training was an independent predictor of increased HRQOL (p = 0.009, OR = 10.459). Conclusions Need of condom urinals and higher ICIQ-SF scores are independent predictors for worse HRQOL outcomes. We show significant beneficial effects of pelvic floor muscle training on patients' HRQOL.