Postoperative management of radical cystectomy. Review of the evidence on the prevention and treatment of urological complications.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This review article focuses on the prevention and management of the most common postoperative urological complications of radical cystectomy. We reviewed the current literature and conducted an analysis of frequency, prevention and treatment of complications.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: We conducted a search on Medline to identify original articles, literature reviews and editorials focusing on the urological complications of radical cystectomy during the first 90 days after surgery. We identified those series that included more than 100 patients.

SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: The literature regarding the prevention and treatment of complications after cystectomy is in general retrospective and nonstandardised. The level of evidence is generally low, and it is difficult to make evidence-based recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made in recent years in reducing mortality and preventing the complications of cystectomy. The most common complications are gastrointestinal, for which significant efforts have been made to implement ERAS and Fast Track protocols. The complications that can most significantly change patients' quality of life are urinary stoma.