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

A prospective evaluation of quality of life, psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes two years after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in 842 German bladder cancer patients

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate survival, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for ileal neobladder (INB) or ileal conduit (IC) in a contemporary German cohort of bladder cancer patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after RC between April 2018 and December 2019 in one high-volume rehabilitation center were surveyed regarding HRQoL, psychosocial distress, and functional outcomes until two years after RC.

RESULTS

Eight-hundred forty-two patients (683 male, 159 female; 395 INB, 447 IC) were included. Patients with an IC suffered more often from locally advanced disease (≥ pT3; 41.4% vs. 24.1%, p < 0.001) and lymph node metastases (19.9% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.002), resulting in worse probability of survival (p < 0.001). Global HRQoL improved steadily during follow-up, but significant differences in subscales persisted between cohorts. Multivariable regression analysis identified IC, male sex, and patient age ≤ 59 years as independent predictors for persistent high psychosocial distress. Almost 42% of female patients reported severe urinary incontinence two years after RC. Most men reported severely diminished erectile function, even after nerve-sparing surgery.

CONCLUSION

Global HRQoL two years after RC is comparable to the general German population. Female patients should be informed about worse continence rates. Conversely, men should be educated about erectile dysfunction. Aftercare should include psycho-oncologic counseling, especially for patients at risk.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Patients should be counseled on long-term functional outcomes and persistent psychosocial distress after RC. Closer cooperation between urologists and psycho-oncologists is needed.

A Novel Scoring System to Assess Continence Quality Outcomes of Orthotopic Ileal Neobladders After Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: The Urodynamic Trifecta

INTRODUCTION

A comprehensive scoring system for standardizing quality of functional outcomes of orthotopic ileal neobladders (OINs) is still unavailable. In this study we propose a novel trifecta for both open and robot-assisted radical cystectomy conceived on urodynamic parameters that summarize OINs functional outcomes regardless of the surgical technique used and predicts continence status.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Between June 2017 and May 2023 two prospective, institutional review board approved, radical cystectomy datasets were matched and queried for "OINs" "and "urodynamic evaluation" (n = 149). Urodynamic assessment was performed between 6 and 9 months after surgery. Baseline data and complete urodynamic profile including uroflowmetry, cystometry, compliance, presence of residual peristaltic activity, abdominal leak point pressures (ALPP) and daytime and night-time continence were reported. Descriptive analyses were used. Frequencies and proportions were reported for categorical variables while medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported for continuously coded variables. Trifecta was defined as the coexistence of: cystometric capacity ≥ 250 cc; neobladder compliance ≥ 35 cmH20; negative Valsalva and abdominal leak point pressure testing. Simultaneous achievement of only two of the presented criteria was considered a suboptimal result. Logistic regression analyses were built to identify predictors of daytime and night-time urinary continence. For all analyses, a two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Overall, at a median follow-up of 25 months (IQR 16-37), 149 patients achieved a complete urodynamic evaluation. In the current series, the complete trifecta rate was 40.2% while a suboptimal trifecta achievement was observed in 35.6% of patients. On multivariable analysis, complete trifecta achievement was the only independent predictor of daytime (OR 7.29, 95% CI 2.05-25.9) and night-time (OR 8.13; 95% CI 2.94-22.4) urinary continence, respectively (each p < 0.003). A complete UDM-T at urodynamic testing was associated with a day-time continence, night-time continence, and complete dry status rates of 93.2%, 83.1%, and 79.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This novel urodynamic trifecta for OINs is based on standardized parameters and seems to be predictor of either daytime or night-time urinary continence at a midterm follow-up. Satisfactory continence outcomes may be also expected when a suboptimal trifecta rate is achieved.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Stapled W-shaped (Hautmann) Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder. Functional Results and Complications over a 13-year Period

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The preferable technique for orthotopic bladder substitution after radical cystectomy is debated. The aim of this study was to describe our technique of a stapled W-shaped ileal neobladder and assess the complications and functional results in 100 patients. treated from December 2009 to July 2022.

METHODS

The W-shaped ileal neobladder is created with lateral arms of 15 cm and central arms of 10 cm. Following an incision of the lower part of the two medial arms, a 10-cm GIA titanium stapler is used to detubularize the medial arms first and then the laterals to the medial arms. Urethral-neobladder anastomosis and end-to-end ureteroileal anastomosis are finally carried out. We reported on clinical data, complications, and urinary function outcomes assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ)-Short Form and daytime/24-h pad test. Full urinary continence (UC) was defined as pad tests yielding 0 g.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

The median surgical time was 210 min. The early (up to 90 d) and late (>90 d) complication rates were 18% (2% grade ≥4) and 11.7% (2% grade ≥4), respectively. Two patients had "late" bladder stones due to chronic urinary retention, whereas none developed calcifications in the neobladder along the stapling lines. Daytime and 24-h UC rates were 74.7% and 72.4% at 12 mo, 82.7% and 72.4% at 36 mo, respectively. Median ICIQ scores were in line with pad test results, being 0 in patients with full UC.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our stapled W-shaped ileal neobladder technique was found to be simple and fast to shape, with a low complication rate, and yielded favorable long-term functional outcomes.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study details the surgical technique, complications, and functional outcomes of patients who underwent open cystectomy with a stapled W-shaped ileal neobladder. Our results indicate that this approach is safe and provides favorable long-term functional outcomes.

Role performance and factors affecting quality of life in bladder cancer survivors with ileal orthotopic neobladder

Objective

Bladder cancer survivors with neobladder experience changes in role performance and quality of life (QoL) due to various symptoms and problems, but related studies are limited. Therefore, this study attempted to explore the QoL and factors influencing it in bladder cancer survivors with neobladder.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were collected from 100 bladder cancer survivors with a neobladder using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Module, the Patient Activation Measure 13, the Enforced Social Dependency Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Factors affecting the QoL were identified using multiple regression analysis.

Results

QoL significantly differed by daily pad usage, need for clean intermittent catheterization, and role performance. QoL was correlated with urinary symptoms and problems, future perspective, abdominal bloating and flatulence, body image, role performance, and social support. Role performance, body image, and the need for clean intermittent catheterization were identified as the factors affecting QoL.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of bladder cancer survivors continuing their roles at home, at work, and in society after neobladder reconstruction. Specifically, continuing recreational and social activity positively affects QoL, even if the activity range is modified. To help with their role performance, institutional support and changes in social perception are needed. Additionally, education and interventions, including body image enhancement, symptom management, and self-care, should be developed and applied to improve their QoL.

Improvements in urinary symptoms, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial distress in the early recovery period after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in 842 German bladder cancer patients: data from uro-oncological rehabilitation

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate urinary symptoms (continence and stoma care), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial distress (PD) in the early postoperative period after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for ileal conduit (IC) and ileal neobladder (INB) to obtain a better basis for patient counseling.

METHODS

Data for 842 bladder cancer patients, who underwent 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after RC and urinary diversion (447 IC, 395 INB) between April 2018 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. HRQoL, PD, and urinary symptoms were evaluated by validated questionnaires at the beginning (T1) and the end of IR (T2). In addition, continence status and micturition volume were objectively evaluated in INB patients by 24-h pad test and uroflowmetry, respectively.

RESULTS

Global HRQoL was severely impaired at T1, without significant difference between the two types of urinary diversion. All functioning and symptom scales of HRQoL improved significantly from T1 to T2. In INB patients, all continence parameters improved significantly during IR, while patients with an IC reported fewer problems concerning urostomy management. The proportion of patients suffering from high PD decreased significantly from 50.7 to 34.9%. Age ≤ 59 years was the only independent predictor of high PD. Female patients and patients  ≤ 59 years were more likely to use individual psycho-oncological counseling.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL, PD and urinary symptoms improved significantly in the early recovery period after RC. Patients with urinary continence reported higher HRQoL and less PD. Psychosocial support should be offered especially to younger patients.

Perioperative outcomes and continence following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with mainz pouch II urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer

PURPOSE

To present the widely unknown perioperative outcomes and continence status of bladder cancer patients following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with Mainz pouch II urinary diversion (UD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2020 to December 2023, 37 bladder cancer patients who underwent RARC with Mainz pouch II UD were retrospectively assessed (ChiCTR2300070279). The results, which included patient demographics, perioperative data, continence, and complications (early ≤ 30 days and late ≤ 30 days) were reported using the RC-pentafecta criteria. RC-pentafecta criteria included ≥ 16 lymph nodes removed, negative soft tissue surgical margins, absence of major (Grade III-IV) complication at 90 days, absence of clinical recurrence at ≤ 12 months, and absence of long-term UD-related sequelae. A numeric rating scale assessed patient satisfaction with urinary continence 30 days after surgery. The validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire was used to evaluate bowel function. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients evaluated over a median (range) follow-up period of 23.0 (12.0-36.5) months. The median (range) age was 65 (40-81) years. The median (range) time to urinary continence after surgery was 2.3 (1.5-6) months. Of the 37 patients, 31 (83.8%) were continent both during the day and at night, 34 (91.9%) were continent during the day, 32 (86.5%) were continent at night, 35 (94.6%) were satisfied with their urinary continence status, and 21 (56.8%) were very satisfied. The mean (range) voiding frequency was 6 (4-10) during the day and 3 (2-5.5) at night. The mean (range) PAC-SYM total score was 9.50 (4.00-15.00). In 12 (32.4%) of the patients, RC-pentafecta was achieved, and achieving RC-pentafecta was linked to better satisfaction scores (7.3 vs. 5.5, p = 0.034). There was no significant difference between RC-pentafecta and No RC-pentafecta groups in terms of OS (25.6 vs. 21.5 months, p = 0.16). 7 (19.4%) patients experienced late complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Mainz pouch II UD following RARC in bladder cancer patients results in a satisfactory continence rate. Achieving RC-pentafecta was correlated with better satisfaction scores. The intracorporeal approach to Mainz pouch II UD is beneficial for female patients due to its reduced invasiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2300070279; Registration: 07/04/2023, Last updated version: 01/06/2023. Retrospectively registered.

Quality of life after definitive treatment for bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Radical cystectomy (RC) is considered the standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, RC is often burdened by significant impact on quality of life (QoL); Continence preserving methods (e.g., continent cutaneous urinary diversion and orthotopic neobladder-ONB), have been proposed as alternatives to improve postoperative QoL. Trimodal therapy (TMT) emerged as alternative to surgery. To assess the impact of these treatments from the patients' perspective, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature, focusing on studies reporting QoL data about each of the abovementioned approaches. A systematic review was carried out including all prospective and retrospective studies enrolling patientstreated with radical intent for non-metastatic MIBC from 1999 to 2021 (either RC or TMT). All studies included specifically reported QoL for one of the main treatment approaches explored (RC followed by ileal conduit urinary diversion-ICUD, ONB or TMT). Pooled analysis for EORTC QLQ-C30 and BLM-30 questionnaires showed that ONB yielded a significant advantage only for Physical Functioning (pooled mean standardized difference -0.73 SD, p-value 0.019, I 2 = 93 %) and for Emotional Functioning (pooled mean standardized difference -0.16 SD, p-value 0.029, I 2 = 0 %). A trend in favour of higher mean reported values after TMT for Global Health Score, Physical Functioning and Role Functioning was found, if compared to both RC approaches. Significant benefit for ONB if compared to ICUD was detected only for specific subdomains of QoL questionnaires. No direct comparison with TMT is available, but data suggest advantage of this approach when compared to both reconstructive scenarios.

Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder for Bladder Cancer: Current Indications and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB) reconstruction is one of the most promising methods for bladder cancer treatment; its advantages include a small incision size, less blood loss, improved perioperative outcome and tumor prognosis, and a positive self-image postoperatively. The short-term benefits of various IONB reconstruction procedures reported thus far include a simple process, short operative time, less intraoperative bleeding, few postoperative complications, and good postoperative neobladder function; in the long term, these benefits engender good quality of life of the patients. Here, we explored and summarized the more novel and available IONB reconstruction procedures to identify the safest, most efficient, and simplest IONB reconstruction techniques for patients with bladder cancer.

SUMMARY

LRC with IONB reconstruction is technically feasible; however, most of the relevant studies have been short, employing a small sample size and a retrospective design. However, long-term, large-scale, prospective studies identifying the most appropriate bowel segments for IONB reconstruction, comparing intracorporeal and extracorporeal IONB reconstruction, assessing currently available IONBs, and resolving relevant postoperative complications further, with a focus on patients with bladder cancer, are warranted.

KEY MESSAGE

Several procedures for LRC with IONB reconstruction have been reported thus far. However, there is no consensus regarding the IONB reconstruction procedures most beneficial to patients with bladder cancer. Our review may aid researchers in developing a simple, safe, and efficient LRC with IONB reconstruction procedure for patients with bladder cancer.

Prospective evaluation of functional outcomes in 395 patients with an ileal neobladder 1 year after radical cystectomy

PURPOSE

This study aims to report on functional outcomes in a large cohort of patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation (IR) in a highly specialized, high-volume German urologic rehabilitation center after radical cystectomy (RC) and creation of an ileal neobladder (INB).

METHODS

Data for 842 patients, who underwent three weeks of IR after RC and urinary diversion between April 2018 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. INB patients were surveyed on continence and sexual function. Data were collected at 4 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after RC. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of better functional outcomes.

RESULTS

INB was chosen as urinary diversion in 395 patients (357 male, 38 female). Social continence (maximum of one safety pad/24 h) was reported by 78.3% of men and 64.0% of women at T3. Severe incontinence was reported by 27.3% of men and 44.0% of women. Male sex was identified as an independent predictor for the use of no pads at T3 (OR 4.110; 95% CI 1.153-14.655; p = 0.029). Nerve-sparing surgery was identified as an independent predictor both for the use of only a safety pad (OR 1.918; 95% CI 1.031-3.569; p = 0.040) and good erectile function at T3 (OR 4.377; 95% CI 1.582-12.110; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Urologists should aspire for nerve-sparing surgery. When advising patients before RC, functional outcomes (continence, sexual function) should be given special attention. Women should be counseled on potentially prolonged urinary incontinence.

U-CHANGE Project: a multidimensional consensus on how clinicians, patients and caregivers may approach together the new urothelial cancer scenario

Introduction

Advanced urothelial carcinoma remains aggressive and very hard to cure, while new treatments will pose a challenge for clinicians and healthcare funding policymakers alike. The U-CHANGE Project aimed to redesign the current model of care for advanced urothelial carcinoma patients to identify limitations ("as is" scenario) and recommend future actions ("to be" scenario).

Methods

Twenty-three subject-matter experts, divided into three groups, analyzed the two scenarios as part of a multidimensional consensus process, developing statements for specific domains of the disease, and a simplified Delphi methodology was used to establish consensus among the experts.

Results

Recommended actions included increasing awareness of the disease, increased training of healthcare professionals, improvement of screening strategies and care pathways, increased support for patients and caregivers and relevant recommendations from molecular tumor boards when comprehensive genomic profiling has to be provided for appropriate patient selection to ad hoc targeted therapies.

Discussion

While the innovative new targeted agents have the potential to significantly alter the clinical approach to this highly aggressive disease, the U-CHANGE Project experience shows that the use of these new agents will require a radical shift in the entire model of care, implementing sustainable changes which anticipate the benefits of future treatments, capable of targeting the right patient with the right agent at different stages of the disease.

A giant neobladder stone with insignificant symptoms: A case report and literature review

Background

Giant neobladder lithiasis after orthotopic bladder replacement is an infrequent but important long-term complication, which should be diagnosed and treated early. If left untreated, it may eventually lead to irreversible acute kidney injury and seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Here, we present a rare case of a patient who presented with a massive neobladder stone after radical cystectomy done with orthotopic neobladder construction, followed by a challenging stone extraction process.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old female patient presented with a massive neobladder stone 14 years after radical cystectomy done with orthotopic neobladder construction. A computed tomography scan showed a large elliptic stone. The patient underwent suprapubic cystolithotomy surgery, which removed her giant-sized stone in the neobladder. The size of the bladder stone that was removed was 13 cm × 11.5 cm × 9 cm, with a total weight of 903 g. To date, the follow-up time of treatment is 4 months, and in our patient, no pain, urinary tract infections, or other abnormalities suggestive of fistula were found.

Conclusion

Imaging examination is useful for detecting neobladder lithiasis occurring after orthotopic neobladder construction. Our experience demonstrates that open cystolithotomy is an appropriate therapeutic method for treating the late-stage complication of a giant neobladder stone.

Patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life after urinary diversions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To study the recent literature on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients after radical cystectomy followed by urinary diversion.

RECENT FINDINGS

General consensus regarding, which urinary diversion is superior in terms of HRQOL has not been reached. Although there is an increase in studies favoring the orthotopic neobladder, overall quality of these studies is poor. Other studies suggest that HRQOL outcomes in different types of urinary diversions is similar and that other factors, such as age, comorbidities and sex are more important instead. Patient choice, in consultation with the treating surgeon should be the determinant of which urinary diversion is performed. Furthermore, sexual function can play an important role in HRQOL. However, practice shows that counselling on the option of sexual-preserving techniques is still not implemented in routine clinical practice. Furthermore, studies regarding differences in HRQOL after urinary diversion between male and female individuals are lacking.

SUMMARY

Thorough preoperative counselling on the different types of urinary diversion and options for sexual-preserving techniques decreases decision regret and increases HRQOL in patients after radical cystectomy.

Orthotopic urinary diversions after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: lessons learned last decade

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Orthotopic urinary diversion (OUD), or neobladder, is believed to be the gold standard for surgical bladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy though it is performed far less often than ileal conduits. As both a continent and intracavitary diversion, OUDs offer unique advantages for patients. Their utilization has decreased overall though, especially with the advent of robotic surgery. In this review, we will cover patient selection for OUD, functional outcomes (i.e., continence, sexual activity, quality of life [QoL]), and robotic orthotopic diversions.

RECENT FINDINGS

OUDs have seen a proportionally greater decline in utilization compared with ileal conduits as the number of robotic radical cystectomies being performed with intracorporeal diversions increases. Multiple robotic series have demonstrated less perioperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays when compared with the open approach though operative times are longer, the learning curve is steeper, and overall costs may be higher in some settings. Perioperative safety and short-term oncological outcomes appear comparable. Since robotic OUDs are relatively new, functional outcomes are not yet well established. Patient satisfaction with urinary diversion is associated with informed decision-making tailored to the patient. A thorough understanding of expected short- and long-term functional outcomes and the care required to maintain an OUD improves QoL and satisfaction with diversion choice.

SUMMARY

Given the potential advantages of OUD, its decreasing use is a remarkable trend. Shared decision-making and a patient-centered approach should be used when selecting the type of urinary diversion.

[Quality assessment of radical cystectomy-opportunities, risks, challenges]

Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for nonmetastatic muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. It is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. After RC, the 5‑year overall survival rate is approximately 60%. In the context of the present work, quality parameters of RC divided into oncological/functional criteria and freedom from complications are identified and summarized. A PubMed search was performed. In addition to early criteria such as negative surgical margins, performance of pelvic lymphadenectomy, creation of a continent urinary diversion or preservation of sexual function, long-term criteria were identified such as the absence of higher-grade postoperative complications, recurrence-free survival and the preservation of health-related quality of life. The early criteria are suitable for individualized therapy planning, whereas the long-term criteria can be used for quality monitoring.

Early continence after ileal neobladder: objective data from inpatient rehabilitation

PURPOSE

To evaluate early continence of patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic bladder substitution (ONB).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis on the data of 283 patients who underwent a three weeks inpatient rehabilitation after RC and ONB for bladder cancer between January 2016 and July 2017. All patients were treated with a special multimodal continence therapy. The continence status was evaluated by measuring urine loss by a 24-h pad test and urine volume on uroflowmetry at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of inpatient rehabilitation. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of urine loss.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 63 years. NS was documented for 142 patients (50.2%). Median urine loss decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 24-h pad test, from 442 gm at T1 (median 29 days after surgery) to 88 gm at T2 (median 50 days after surgery). Urine volume increased significantly (p < 0.001) from a median of 78 ml at T1 to a median of 157 ml at T2. Age (p = 0.002), diabetes (p = 0.031), obesity (p = 0.003), and nerve sparing (p = 0.011) were identified as independent predictors for urine loss at the end of inpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Continence improved significantly during the three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Younger age, the absence of diabetes or obesity, and NS resulted in better continence in the early postoperative period after ONB.