Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A qualitative study of patient experiences and implications for practice
Abstract
Patients being treated for bladder cancer share issues in common with other cancer patients, but also experience issues that are unique to their surgical treatment. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the experiences of patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Twenty-two participants were interviewed in-depth on one occasion and were invited to attend a focus group session following the analysis of the interview transcripts. Participants described the shock of their diagnosis, their lack of information about bladder cancer, the importance of clear communication with care providers, and the types of adjustments they had to make following surgery. Specifically, changes in bodily function, body image, sexual relationships, and intimacy presented challenges for these participants. Although there was a sense of acceptance about the treatment-related events, there were still significant adjustments required by individuals following their surgery. Information, open communication, and support from family and friends were seen as important factors in helping patients adjust after surgery. Patients require clear, concise and consistent information about their cancer, treatment options, and course of care. Nurses caring for patients following surgery for bladder cancer need to understand the unique needs of these patients.
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Beitz, J.M., & Zuzelo, P.R. (2003). The lived experience of having a
neobladder. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 25(3), 294–316.
Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada.
(2009). Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009. Toronto, ON: Author.
Connelly, L.M., & Yoder, L.H. (2000). Improving qualitative proposals:
Common problem areas. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 1(2), 69–74.
Dutta, S.C., Chang, S.C., Coffey, C.S., Smith, J.A. Jr., Jack, G., &
Cookson, M.S. (2002). Health related quality of life assessment
after radical cystectomy: Comparison of ileal conduit with continent
orthotopic neobladder. Journal of Urology, 168(1), 164–167.
Gerharz, E.W., Mansson, A., Hunt, S., Skinner, E.C., & Mansson, W.
(2005). Quality of life after cystectomy and urinary diversion: An
evidence-based analysis. Journal of Urology, 174(5), 1729–1736.
Giorgi, A. (1985). Sketch of a phenomenological method. In A. Giorgi
(Ed.), Phenomenology and Psychological Research (pp. 8–22).
Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Duquesne University Press.
Hart, S., Skinner, E.C., Meyerowitz, B.E., Boyde, S., Lieskovsky, G., &
Skinner, D.G. (1999). Quality of life after radical cystectomy for
bladder cancer in patients with an ileal conduit, cutaneous or
urethral Kock pouch. Journal of Urology, 162(1), 77–81.
Henningsohn, L., Steven, K., Kallestrup, E.B., & Steineck, G. (2002).
Distressful symptoms and well-being after radical cystectomy
and orthotopic bladder substitution compared with a matched
control population. Journal of Urology, 168(1), 168–174.
Kulaksizoglu, H., Toktas, G., Kulaksizoglu, I.B., Aglamis, E., & Unlüer,
E. (2002). When should quality of life be measured after radical
cystectomy? European Urology, 42(4), 350–355.
Lagana, L., Classen, C., Caldwell, R., McGarvey, E.L., Baum, L.D.,
Cheasty, E., et al. (2005). Sexual difficulties of patients with gynecological
cancers. Professional Psychology: Research & Practice,
(4), 391–399.
Lincoln, Y.S., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Madeb, R., & Messing, E.M. (2004). Gender, racial and age differences
in bladder cancer incidence and mortality. Urologic Oncology,
(2), 86–92.
McGuire, M.S., Grimaldi, G., Grotas, J., & Russo, P. (2000). The type of
urinary diversion after radical cystectomy significantly impacts
on the patient’s quality of life [see comment]. Annals of Surgical
Oncology, 7(1), 4–8.
Nordström, G.M., & Nyman, C.R. (1992). Male and female sexual
function and activity following ileal conduit urinary diversion.
British Journal of Urology, 70(1), 33–39.
Patel, A.R., & Campbell, S.C. (2009). Current trends in the management
of bladder cancer. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and
Continence Nursing, 36(4), 413–421.
Porter, M.P., & Penson, D.F. (2005). Health-related quality of life after
radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer: A
systematic review and critical analysis of the literature. Journal
of Urology, 173, 1318–1322.
Sandelowski, M. (1986). The problem of rigor in qualitative research.
Advances in Nursing Science, 8(3), 27–37.
Sandelowski, M. (1993). Rigor or rigor mortis: The problem of rigor
in qualitative research revisited. Advances in Nursing Science,
(2), 1–8.
Sandelowski, M. (1995). Sample size in qualitative research.
Research in Nursing & Health, 18(2) 179–183.
Sandelowski, M. (1997). “To be of useâ€: Enhancing the utility of qualitative
research. Nursing Outlook, 45(3), 125–132.
Schover, L.R. (2004). Sexuality after treatment of pelvic cancer (pp.
–195). Linthicum, MD: American Urological Association.
Somani, B.K, Gimlin, D., Fayers, P., & N’dow, J. (2009). Quality of life
and body image for bladder cancer patients undergoing radical
cystectomy and urinary diversion—A prospective cohort study
with a systematic review of literature. Urology, 74(5), 1138–43.
Tabano, M., Condosta, D., & Coons, M. (2002). Symptoms affecting
the quality of life in women with gynecologic cancer. Seminars in
Oncology Nursing, 18(3), 223–230.
Thorne, S., Kirkham, S.R., & MacDonald-Emes, J. (1997). Interpretive
description: A noncategorical qualitative alternative for developing
nursing knowledge. Research in Nursing & Health, 20(2),
–177.
Zippe, C.D., Raina, R., Shah, A.D., Massavayi, E.Z., Agarwal, A.,
Ulchaker, J., et al. (2004). Female sexual dysfunction after radical
cystectomy: A new outcome measure. Urology, 63(6),
–1157.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.