Health-related quality of life with orthotopic neobladder versus ileal conduit according to the SF-36 survey

Objectives. To compare health-related duality of life (HRQOL) in patients w ith a neobladder and in patients with an ileal conduit. Methods. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-36 survey, supplemented with a que stionnaire 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 wi th an ileal conduit were 31.3 +/- 33.1 and 44.8 +/- 30.7 months, respective ly. No significant difference was apparent in any scale score between neobl adder and ileal conduit groups. Role-physical functioning (RP) and role-emo tional functioning (RE) scale scores in both neobladder and ileal conduit p atients appeared to be below the general U.S. population norm. Patients wit h neobladder 65 years old or older (n = 17) showed significantly lower RP a nd RE scores than those younger than 65 years (n = 19; P <0.05). Duration o f follow-up was not related to scale scores. Continence status did not meas urably affect HRQOL. Conclusions. All scales concerning HRQOL except RP and RE were favorable wi th both neobladder and ileal conduit, and no significant differences were o bserved between these two types of urinary tract reconstruction. Generally, patients with a neobladder or an ileal conduit were satisfied with their o verall duality of life and health. UROLOGY 55: 862-865, 2000. (C) 2000, Els evier Science Inc.