Disparities in the Use of Continent Urinary Diversions after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit (IC) or continent diversion (CD) is standard treatment for high-risk non-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Our aim is to study contemporary trends in the utilization of ICs and CDs in patients undergoing RC.

Using the National Inpatient Sample 2001–2012, we identified all patients diagnosed with a malignant bladder neoplasm who underwent RC followed by IC or CD. Patient demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital complications, mortality, and costs were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, Chi square, and t-tests were used for analysis.

Between 2001–2012, approximately 69,049 ICs and 6,991 CDs were performed. CDs increased from 2001 to 2008, but declined after 2008 (p < 0.0001). Patients of all ages received ICs at a higher rate than CDs (40–59 years: 79.5% vs. 20.5%; 60–69 years: 88.0% vs. 12.0%; p < 0.0001). There was a difference in males vs. females (10.2% vs. 4.0%; OR 2.36) and Caucasians vs. African Americans (9.0% vs. 6.7%; OR 1.49) when comparing CD rates. CD rates were highest in the West, urban teaching centers, and large hospitals (p < 0.001). ICs were associated with higher rates of overall postoperative complications (p = 0.0185) including infection (p = 0.002) and mortality (p < 0.0001). In-hospital costs were greater for the CD group.

The number of CDs has declined recently. Patients of all ages are more likely to receive ICs than CDs. Gender, racial, and geographic disparities exist among those receiving CDs. CDs are associated with lower rates of in-hospital complications and mortality, but higher in-hospital costs.