Outcomes after cystectomy in Australian rural and metropolitan hospitals by intensive care admissions

ObjectivesTo examine demographics and in‐hospital outcomes for patients admitted to Australian intensive care units (ICUs) following cystectomy of the urinary bladder. Additionally, to compare outcomes between metropolitan and rural hospitals.Patients and MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken of all adult patients admitted to participating Australian ICUs (Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database) following cystectomy/cystoprostatectomy between January 2011 and December 2021. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital length of stay.ResultsOver the 10‐year period, 3376 adult patients were admitted to 135 Australian ICUs after cystectomy. Of these, 3083 patients (91.3%) were treated in 106 metropolitan ICUs and 293 patients (8.7%) were treated in 29 rural ICUs. There was no difference in adjusted mortality between metropolitan and rural hospitals admitted to an ICU after cystectomy (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.44–3.48; P = 0.6).ConclusionThere was no difference in in‐hospital mortality for cystectomy patients requiring ICU admission between metropolitan and rural hospitals. These findings may be used to inform decisions about the rural provision of cystectomy services.