Quality of Life after Radical Cystectomy for Patients with Bladder Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator at Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, October 6 university

2 Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

3 Assistant professor of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

4 Lecturer of Surgical oncology, national cancer institute, cairo university

Abstract

Background: Radical cystectomy with subsequent urinary diversion is considered as a
curative gold standard for localized muscle invasive and non-muscle invasive aggressive bladder
cancer. Radical cystectomy may negatively impact urinary, bowel, and sexual function, as well as
affect body image, which can decrease quality of life and lead to psychological problems. Aim:
This study aimed to assess quality of life after radical cystectomy for patients with bladder cancer.
Research Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used to achieve the aim of this
study. Setting: This study was conducted at the department of surgical oncology outpatient clinic in
National Cancer Institute - Cairo University. Sample: A purposive sample consists of (50) adult
patients, from who admitted in the previous mentioned setting at the time of data collection were
recruited in this study. Tools: two tools were used in the current study (I) Patient's interview
assessment questionnaire and (II) Patient's Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Bladder.
Results: more than half of the studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding total
knowledge; there was high statistically significant difference between total level of knowledge and
total quality of life. The highest affected dimension with radical cystectomy was additional concerns
(25.4±4.9). While the least affected dimension of quality of life was Physical dimension (10.8±2.2).
Conclusion: this study concluded that more than half of the studied patients had unsatisfactory total
level of knowledge regarding radical cystectomy. Less than one third of studied patient were had
low total quality of life dimension regarding family/social wellbeing and functional wellbeing.
There was significant positive correlation between total level of knowledge and total quality of life
Recommendations: Designing an educational program for patients post radical cystectomy to
increase patient knowledge and to improve their health-related quality of life.

Keywords