Functional Follow-Up After Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Follow-up after urinary diversion aims to detect functional complications to prevent harm and improve quality of life. We conducted a literature search and reviewed guidelines and institutional follow-up protocols. We included 14 studies providing data of 3282 patients. Functional complications can be seen in up to 90% of all patients within 15 years after urinary diversion and mainly include impairment of urinary or sexual function as well as renal/metabolic disturbances, but only limited evidence supporting any functional follow-up recommendation was identified. Current guideline recommendation should be rephrased to ensure routine implementation of functional follow-up investigation. Future research is required to assess whether, which, and how follow-up protocols after cystectomy affect functional results to inform optimal surveillance procedures after treatment. In this review of recommended follow-up protocols after cystectomy, we observed different recommendations and discuss future research areas.