AIM: To present the findings of a systematic review on reported quality of life following the formation of a urinary diversion as a result of cystectomy due to urinary bladder neoplasm. BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer of the urological system. Treatment often involves undergoing a radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit formation. Quality of life issues associated with this surgery are complex and varied. DESIGN: A systematic review using thematic synthesis. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search, using The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed and PsycInfo databases, focusing on the years from 2007 to 2020. REVIEW METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was the chosen checklist used. Studies were critically appraised using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: The formation of an ileal conduit negatively affects respondent's quality of life particularly regarding body image, social distress, reduced sexual activity and employment. Poor research focus on the impact of ileal conduit formation on sexual well-being postoperatively was apparent. CONCLUSIONS: Further research using qualitative methodologies is needed to gain a deeper understanding of how this life-changing procedure impacts quality of life.