Quality of life and health in patients with urinary diversion: A comparison of incontinent versus continent urinary diversion

Objective: To compare the 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. Materials and Methods: 81 patients (64% male and 36% female) with a mean age of 55 years (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 nontumor disease in 25% (n = 20). A structured interview and psychometric instrument assessment of the quality of life as well as somatic and psychological symptoms were carried out and analyzed. Results: Patients with nontumor 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 groups A and B concerning diversion-related symptoms, global satisfaction with life and health and sociodemographic data. Conclusions: 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.