Objectives: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with a neobladder and in patients with an ileal conduit.
Methods: HRQOL was assessed using the SF-36 survey, supplemented with a questionnaire concerning micturition status.
Results: Patients (n = 36) with a neobladder were significantly younger at time of surgery and time of survey than patients with an ileal conduit (n = 20). Mean (+/- SD) follow-up periods for patients with a neobladder and with an ileal conduit were 31.3 +/- 33.1 and 44.8 +/- 30.7 months, respectively. No significant difference was apparent in any scale score between neobladder and ileal conduit groups. Role-physical functioning (RP) and role-emotional functioning (RE) scale scores in both neobladder and ileal conduit patients appeared to be below the general U.S. population norm. Patients with neobladder 65 years old or older (n = 17) showed significantly lower RP and RE scores than those younger than 65 years (n = 19; P <0.05). Duration of follow-up was not related to scale scores. Continence status did not measurably affect HRQOL.
Conclusions: All scales concerning HRQOL except RP and RE were favorable with both neobladder and ileal conduit, and no significant differences were observed between these two types of urinary tract reconstruction. Generally, patients with a neobladder or an ileal conduit were satisfied with their overall quality of life and health.