The importance of physical therapy in the postoperative period after total cystectomy of bladder carcinoma.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and complications after radical cystectomy due to carcinoma of the bladder and to point out the significance of post-operative physical treatment and rehabilitation of these patients. In the period of 3 years (2007-2010), at the Urological Clinic in Belgrade, we performed 195 total cystectomies for invasive bladder carcinoma with the use of different types of urinary diversion. The operation was performed in 162 men (83%) and 33 women (17%). Survival, complications and postoperative recovery was dependent on the type of urinary diversion which was used, stage of disease and general condition of patients before surgery. The worst result was achieved in patients who underwent ureterocutaneostomy and the complications were represented in 30% of patients. In the group of patients where the ileal conduit was applied, complications were recorded in 10% of patients, while mortality was 5%. In the group of patients where the continent urinary diversion was performed, complications were recorded in 5% of patients in mind of stecoral fistulas, urinary fistulas and ileus. The timely application of the physical therapy and rehabilitation in these patients is of great importance, because it reduces complications and allows faster recovery and release from the hospital.