Objective: To investigate the type of urinary diversion performed after cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer in Sweden, using data from a population-based national register.
Material and methods: Since 1997, the Swedish Bladder Cancer Register has included more than 90% of all patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer. The different types of urinary diversion performed in 1997-2003 were analysed, comparing non-continent diversion (ileal conduit) with continent reconstruction (bladder substitution or continent cutaneous diversion).
Results: During the study period, 3463 patients were registered with clinical T2-T4 non-metastatic bladder cancer. Cystectomy was performed in 1141 patients with ileal conduit in 732 (64%) and continent reconstruction in 409 (36%). Ileal conduit was used more frequently in females than males (p = 0.019), in patients older than 75 years (p < 0.00001), and in those with less favourable TNM classification. Continent reconstruction was done more often at university hospitals than at county hospitals (p < 0.00001), but rarely in the northern and western healthcare regions compared with other regions (p < 0.00001). Nationwide, the proportion of registered continent reconstructions decreased, although the absolute number was relatively stable (50-60 per year).
Conclusions: Continent reconstruction after cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is performed more often in some healthcare regions and in patients at university hospitals than in county hospitals, indicating a substantial provider influence on the choice of urinary diversion. Over time, the proportion of these procedures has decreased, while the absolute number has remained low and stable; therefore, concentration in high-volume hospitals specialized in bladder cancer and continent reconstruction seems appropriate.