Restoring and maintaining urinary function

Abstract

Objectives: To describe surgical urinary diversion methods, nursing management, and survivorship issues in urologic cancer survivors.

Data sources: PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Reviews, Core 25 online texts.

Conclusion: Options exist for patients that require urinary diversion, although long-term symptoms may persist.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses must be knowledgeable about obstructive uropathy and understand the surgical options for urinary diversion following a cystectomy; pre- and post-operative needs exist for the cancer patient, family, and caregiver. Following completion of active treatment, a survivorship care plan summarizes active treatment and complications, plans long-term health outcomes and surveillance, and communicates with the primary care provider.