People with bladder cancer who need their bladder removed must choose a new way for urine to leave their body, called a urinary diversion. This is a life-changing decision that can affect daily routines, sleep, body image, and overall quality of life. Many patients feel overwhelmed and rushed when making this choice, and there are limited tools to help guide them.

This project developed a patient-centered decision aid to help patients better understand their options, including ileal conduit, neobladder, and continent cutaneous reservoir. The tool was created with input from patients, caregivers, and clinicians and written in easy-to-understand language. It explains each option, what to expect after surgery, and how each choice may affect daily life.

In testing, patients found the tool easy to read, helpful, and informative, and many said it increased their confidence in making a decision. Clinicians also reported that it was accurate, fit well into clinic visits, and supported more focused conversations. This tool may help patients choose the option that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

Read and download the decision aid, “What type of urinary diversion is right for me?“

Ajay, D., Gilliand, J., Weicher, S., Atkinson, T., & Carlsson, S. (2025, January). Developing a digital tool to aid patients with urinary diversion decisions after radical cystectomy – American Urological Association. Developing a digital tool to aid patients with urinary diversion decisions after radical cystectomy – American Urological Association. https://auanews.net/issues/articles/2025/january-2025/developing-a-digital-tool-to-aid-patients-with-urinary-diversion-decisions-after-radical-cystectomy

None Reported as of August 2025

Alvin Goh, MD; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Thomas Atkinson, PhD; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center