Bladder cancer is the sec- ond most common uro- logic cancer in the United States resulting
in over 61,000 new cases in 2006 (American Cancer Society, 2006). Approximately 30% of all new cases present with muscle-inva- sive disease that requires a radi- cal cystectomy and a urinary diversion for the best cure rate. Surgical options for a urinary diversion include an ileal con- duit diversion or the formation of a continent urinary reservoir (CUR) (Kane, 2000a; Perimenis & Koliopanou, 2004). The teaching needs of persons with a surgical- ly altered urinary tract system are significant. Patients undergoing this major abdominal surgery are at risk for multiple postoperative complications including pneumo- nia, ileus, infections, throm- bophlebitis, and emboli. Further, the potential for altered body image, incontinence, and changes in sexual functioning exist (Perimenis & Koliopanou, 2004). As the length of hospitalization