Use of an APP for patients after radical cystectomy

As part of this study an APP has been developed and will be provided for free to study patients after radical cystectomy. Aim of this digital cell phone based APP is to intensify and standardize communication between patients undergoing radical cystectomy and their surgeon. Since evaluation of the APP’s usefulness is part of this study only patients agreeing to participate in this study are provided with the APP. All other patients will be clinically followed on a regulare base, so no disadvantage exist when patients do not participate or can not use the APP. Documentation of vital signs by patients during 90 days postoperatively is requested twice a week in first month, afterwards once per week. Vital signs documented are body weight, body temperature, fluid intake, total amount of urine production, defecation, pain score, nausea (yes/no). With those basic vital signs deviations of regular reconvalescence after surgery can be detected (e.g. nausea in combination of decreased urine produced as sign for acidosis). The APP reminds patients to document their data in intervals as described above. Patient's adherence will be evaluated at the end of 90 days. Also during the study periode surgeons are capable of intervene by calling patients in any case of deviation from normal status (e.g. if fever is documented). Finally, the aim also is the evaluation of the APP's potential to reduce readmission rates in most vulnerable phase 90 days post surgery after discharge from hospital.