Life with an ileal conduit in cystectomized bladder cancer patients: expectations and experience

Before total cystectomy for bladder cancer 59 patients answered a questionnaire dealing with the "quality of life" they expected after performance of an ileal conduit. Forty-nine relapse-free patients filled in a comparable questionnaire after a median of 36 months following total cystectomy. In the majority of patients the overall "quality of life" was considered as good after total cystectomy though moderate changes of the daily, professional and social life were frequent. Information to the patient before cystectomy must be improved, especially concerning post-operative sexual problems and necessary modifications of social activities (sport, hobbies, travelling). A social worker, a urostomy patient group and a stoma-therapist should all be put in contact with any patient in whom an ileal conduit is planned.