Urinary diversion: ileal conduit to neobladder

Intestinal oxalate absorption in patients with continent urinary diversion

The objective of the study is to evaluate the post-operative effect of an orthotopic ileal neobladder or a Mainz pouch I bladder replacement on the extent of intestinal oxalate absorption. Gastrointestinal oxalate absorption was measured in six patients with an orthotopic ileal neobladder and in six patients with a Mainz pouch I bladder replacement. The function test applied was the [13C2]oxalate absorption test. With a range of 5.1-12.4%, the oxalate absorption of these patients was well within the reference range for healthy volunteers. The results from our small study indicate that such continent urinary diversions present no hazard for oxalate hyperabsorption and subsequent calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Quality of life in patients with bladder cancer

The objective of this review is to examine the published data regarding quality of life (QOL) in patients with bladder cancer. Not a single, randomized controlled trial exists. Most studies are retrospective, cross-sectional, and have serious methodological flaws. There is no single QOL tool preferably used in bladder cancer. While there is no long-term data after therapy for superficial cancer, most investigations compared the impact of different forms of urinary diversion on QOL. In contrast to the prevailing notion that patients who underwent cystectomy undergoing continent urinary reconstruction have superior QOL than those receiving a conduit, existing reports fail to show significant advantages of one technique over the other.

IMPACT OF FOOD INTAKE ON URODYNAMIC FEATURES OF ORTHOTOPIC URINARY RESERVOIRS

PURPOSE

The inconsistency of urodynamic characteristics among patients with similar, well detubularized urinary reservoirs together with the persistence of nocturnal incontinence in almost a third of such patients has motivated many groups to study in depth the inherent physiological characters of the intestinal segments used. One of the most critical criteria is the effect of food intake on such isolated segments. We determined the effect of food intake on the urodynamic behavior of urinary intestinal reservoirs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 male patients with well detubularized orthotopic reservoirs (hemiKock or W neobladders) after radical cystectomy underwent medium fill enterocystometry while fasting for 8 hours. Patients were then given a standardized caloric diet and the test was repeated 2 hours after food intake. Comparisons were made in the whole group of patients and subsets according to continence status, reservoir configuration and reservoir duration.

RESULTS

The only significant and consistent finding was the decrease in maximum enterocystometric capacity. This decrease was statistically significant when calculated for the fasting and postprandial states in the whole group (mean +/- SD 539.1 +/- 155.7 and 495.9 +/- 146.2 ml), in continent patients (538 +/- 177 and 505 +/- 168.5 ml) and in patients with enuresis (539 +/- 177 and 481 +/- 106.8 ml, respectively). While the frequency and amplitude of phasic contractions were notably increased postprandially, baseline pressure at mid and maximum capacity were observed to be lowered. However, neither effect achieved statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Definite urodynamic changes occur in intestinal urinary reservoirs in response to food intake, denoting that these detubularized intestinal segments retain at least in part their native behavior in response to eating. The consistent decrease in maximum capacity together with increased phasic motor activity in a subset of these patients may explain their incontinence episodes. Changing food composition and habits may improve the continence state in this subset of patients.

[Ileal neobladder with double chimney. Ureterointestinal anastomosis]

Radical cystoprostatectomy is accepted as the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. During last years the indications for orthotopic neobladders have increased due to their advantages over other kind of diversions. Hautmann neobladder is one of the most commonly used. Several modifications have been later described. For example, after perform the W-shape pouch ureters can be anastomosed to a not-detubularized bowel segment (chimney modification). Here is described a modification of the Hautmann neobladder with two chimneys. Each ureter is spatulated in a golf club manner and anastomosed to the open end of each bowel loop. This kind of anastomosis provides several advantages. It is possible to use shorter ureteral segments by increasing the length of bowel used. It allows an anastomosis without tension, and less ischemia so the risk of stenosis and fistula is decreased. It is not necessary to perform additional enterothomies and in case of reintervention it is easier to access each anastomosis without damaging the other one.

Clinical Experience with the N-shaped Ileal Neobladder: Assessment of Complications, Voiding Patterns, and Quality of Life in Our Series of 58 Patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess complications, voiding patterns, and quality of life in patients with an orthotopic bladder substitution, using an N-shaped ileal neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 1996 and December 2002, 58 patients (52 men and 6 women) underwent an orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy. The mean age was 47 for the female and 60 for the male patients. In all patients an N-shaped ileal pouch was constructed. This pouch has not yet been described in the literature before. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon (HVP) and the mean follow-up was 38 months. Complications were registered as early (occurring within 3 months) or late (occurring after 3 months), and as pouch-related and non-pouch-related. The patients took part in a pelvic floor re-education programme for as long as they were incontinent. All patients completed a retrospective Quality of Life questionnaire, based on the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, which was validated by the EORTC's Study Group on Quality of Life.

RESULTS

In 38% of the patients, early complications occurred, whereas 48% had late complications. The most frequent early complications were diarrhea (24%) and pyelonephritis (9%). Diarrhea was again the most frequently mentioned non-pouch-related complication (19%). The most frequently observed pouch-related late complication was ileo-urethral stenosis. This occurred in five patients. All of these 5 patients were re-operated using a minimally invasive approach. Daytime continence was achieved in 95% of patients and nighttime continence in 66%. Hyper-continence with subsequent need for CISC was observed in 5 out of 6 women (83%) and 0 out of 52 men (0%). The retrospective QoL questionnaire learned that the impact of bladder removal and orthotopic bladder substitution has acceptable impact on patient's everyday life. Diarrhea was mentioned as being the most discomforting complication by most of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a modified orthotopic ileal neobladder: the ileal N-pouch. The functional results with this pouch are good. Complication rates and QoL are comparable with the larger series published by other authors, using different ileal neobladder reconstructions.

Clinical Indications and Outcomes with Nerve-sparing Cystectomy in Patients with Bladder Cancer

The autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers from the pelvic plexus pass through the dorsomedial pedicle of the bladder ending as the paraprostatic neurovascular bundle or paravaginal plexus before supplying the urogenital diaphragm, sphincter, and erectile organs. Preservation of the autonomic innervation is important for sexual, lower urinary tract, and bowel function. Oncologic outcome is not compromised by a nerve-sparing cystectomy if adequate selection criteria are applied. During pelvic lymphadenectomy nerve sparing is not impaired as long as the dissection is performed on the lateral, not medial side of the ureters, where the nerves lie. Nerve-sparing radical cystectomy preserves sexual function and, in the case of orthotopic bladder substitution, better continence, and decreased catheterization rates (especially in women) are achieved. Therefore, under the proper circumstances, nerve-sparing radical cystectomy is to be strongly recommended.

URETHRAL TUMOR RECURRENCE FOLLOWING CYSTECTOMY AND URINARY DIVERSION: CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN 768 MALE PATIENTS

PURPOSE

We evaluated the incidence and risks of urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in men with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical and pathological results were evaluated in 768 consecutive male patients undergoing radical cystectomy with intent to cure for bladder cancer with a median followup 13 years, including 397 (51%) who underwent orthotopic urinary diversion with a median followup of 10 years and 371 (49%) who underwent cutaneous urinary diversion with a median followup of 19 years. Demographically and clinically these 2 groups were well matched with the only exception being longer median followup in the cutaneous group (p <0.001). Urethral recurrence was analyzed by univariate and multivariable analysis according to carcinoma in situ, tumor multifocality, pathological characteristics (tumor grade, stage and subgroup), the presence and extent of prostate tumor involvement (superficial vs stromal invasion) and the form of urinary diversion (cutaneous vs orthotopic).

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients (6%) had urethral recurrence at a median of 2 years (range 0.2 to 13.6), including 16 (4%) with an orthotopic and 29 (8%) with a cutaneous form of urinary diversion. Carcinoma in situ and tumor multifocality were not significantly associated with an increased risk of urethral recurrence (p = 0.07 and 0.06, respectively). The presence of any (superficial and/or stromal invasion) prostatic tumor involvement was identified in 129 patients (17%). Prostate tumor involvement was associated with a significantly increased risk of urethral recurrence (p = 0.01). The estimated 5-year chance of urethral recurrence was 5% without any prostate involvement, increasing to 12% and 18% with superficial and invasive prostate involvement, respectively. Patients undergoing orthotopic diversion demonstrated a significantly lower risk of urethral recurrence compared with those undergoing cutaneous urinary diversion (p = 0.02). Patients without any prostate tumor involvement and orthotopic diversion (lowest risk group) demonstrated an estimated 4% year chance of urethral recurrence compared with a 24% chance in those with invasive prostate involvement undergoing cutaneous diversion (highest risk group). On multivariate analysis any prostate involvement (superficial and/or invasive) and urinary diversion form remained independent and significant predictors of urethral recurrence (p = 0.035 and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

At long-term followup urethral tumor recurrence occurs in approximately 7% of men following cystectomy for bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Involvement of the prostate with tumor and the form of urinary diversion were significant and independent risk factors for urethral tumor recurrence. Patients undergoing orthotopic diversion have a lower incidence of urethral recurrence compared with those undergoing cutaneous diversion. Although prostate tumor involvement is a risk factor for urethral recurrence, it should not preclude orthotopic diversion, provided that intraoperative frozen section analysis of the urethral margin is without evidence of tumor.

Nerve-sparing laparoscopic cystectomy

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy has been included among the viable options for the surgical treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Even with the minimally invasive approach, it must be considered a major surgical intervention and, even in experienced hands, it can be associated with a significant percentage of complications with a negative impact on overall quality of life, especially in terms of continence and sexual potency. According to our Medline search, only two papers are available from the literature on laparoscopic and robotic versions of nerve- and seminal-sparing cystectomy and nerve-sparing cystectomy, performed respectively on three and 17 patients, showing the feasibility and preliminary results of those surgical procedures. Therefore, data seem encouraging, but further prospective studies are mandatory to correctly assess oncologic and functional results in terms of potency and continence maintenance related to these innovative techniques.

ORTHOTOPIC ILEAL NEOBLADDER RECONSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH BLADDER CANCER FOLLOWING RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

PURPOSE

We analyzed the safety and clinical outcome in a single institution experience with orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma in renal transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 1986 to December 2003 radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction were performed in 760 consecutive patients with bladder cancer, of whom 4 had bladder cancer a median of 10.5 years after renal transplantation. The postoperative clinical course and long-term results in these patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median followup after surgery was 51.5 months (range 11 to 118). Two patients died at 11 and 15 months of tumor progression and a pulmonary embolism, respectively, whereas 2 were alive at a mean followup of 90 months with no evidence of disease. No neobladder related reoperations were necessary. Serum creatinine as a marker of renal function was stable in 3 patients. In 1 patient chronic graft rejection led to progressive renal failure and hemodialysis. Urinary continence was satisfactory during the day and night with spontaneous voiding in all patients and no significant post-void residual urine.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this is the largest reported series of orthotopic ileal neobladder replacement following radical cystectomy in renal transplant recipients. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary reconstruction in patients with a renal transplant who have good functional and oncological results despite the high comorbidity in this group.

Techniques for uretero-intestinal reimplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Uretero-intestinal reimplantation is a crucial component of urinary diversion. Several techniques for refluxing and nonrefluxing uretero-intestinal reimplantation have been established and modified to minimize anastomotic complications and preserve renal function. We review current experience with uretero-intestinal reimplantation in different types of urinary diversion.

RECENT FINDINGS

The basic principles of uretero-intestinal reimplantation are still controversially discussed. Several studies have focused on complications of urinary reflux from direct end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis, such as pyelonephritis and calculus formation. Strictures at the anastomotic site of nonrefluxing tunneled ureteral reimplantation resulting in hydronephrosis and renal deterioration have led some to question the need for an antirefluxive anastomosis, at least in "low pressure urinary diversion". Alternative surgical procedures aim to avoid reflux and minimize the risk for anastomotic strictures by direct ureteral reimplantation into an intact isoperistaltic afferent ileal segment or the prevalvular ileum, with the ileocaecal valve functioning as an antireflux mechanism.

SUMMARY

A "gold standard" for uretero-intestinal anastomosis in urinary diversion does not yet exist. Further prospective randomized studies are required to identify the best anastomotic techniques for different types of urinary diversion.

ATTEMPTED NERVE SPARING SURGERY AND AGE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON URINARY CONTINENCE AND ERECTILE FUNCTION AFTER RADICAL CYSTOPROSTATECTOMY AND ILEAL ORTHOTOPIC BLADDER SUBSTITUTION

PURPOSE

We assessed factors influencing urinary continence and erectile function after radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 381 consecutive men undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution between April 1985 and June 2003, 331 (87%) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the analysis. Kaplan-Meier models and multivariate analysis applying Cox regression were used to evaluate factors influencing postoperative urinary continence and erectile function.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, attempted nerve sparing and age younger than 65 years were significantly associated with better daytime (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively) and nighttime continence (p = 0.036 and p = 0.005, respectively). In multivariate analysis the rate of daytime continence was significantly higher in patients with attempted nerve sparing (hazards ratio [HR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.87) and nighttime continence was significantly better in patients younger than 65 years (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.07-1.8). Daytime continence was significantly better (p <0.0001) and was achieved more quickly than nighttime continence (p <0.0001). The time to achieve daytime continence was shorter for patients with attempted nerve sparing (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis erectile function recovered significantly more often in patients with attempted nerve sparing (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.24-5.39) and in those younger than 65 years (HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.83-4.85).

CONCLUSIONS

After radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution, attempted nerve sparing and age younger than 65 years are associated with improved urinary continence. Attempted nerve sparing has the greatest impact on daytime continence and age has the greatest impact on nighttime continence. Attempted nerve sparing and younger age are both associated with more frequent recovery of erectile function.

Renal function in the setting of urinary diversion

Incorporating bowel into the urinary tract sets the stage for a potentially dangerous situation for the upper part of this tract. Obstruction, reflux and chronic bacteriuria may develop, all of which can all be detrimental. Most reports on renal function have used IVP and serum creatinine only, methods which are inadequate for proper assessment. Long-term follow-up of patients with ileal conduit diversion reveals a high incidence of morphological and/or functional damage to the kidneys. Refluxing techniques for implanting the ureters have usually been employed. In patients with continent cutaneous diversion or orthotopic bladder substitution, some recent publications have shown rather well preserved glomerular filtration rates. Traditionally, antirefluxing ureteric implantation has been used in these patients. There is presently a trend towards refluxing anastomosis in this setting, providing a low pressure pouch has been constructed. However, pressure can be high in such pouches and bacteriuria is common. The consequences for the fate of the upper urinary tract is unknown and caution should be exercised in recommending such techniques. There is clearly a need for prospective randomized controlled studies on the issue of refluxing versus antirefluxing anastomosis in continent urinary reconstruction. Patients with continent or non-continent diversion should have lifelong follow-up with regard to the upper urinary tract.

Tumour formation within intestinal segments transposed to the urinary tract

Patients and their urologists are quite rightly concerned about the possibility of neoplastic change within intestinal segments transposed to the lower urinary tract. This fear arises from the occurrence of latent adenocarcinoma arising from the urocolic anastomosis in approximately 10% of patients who underwent ureterosigmoidostomy in childhood. The present text provides an update of previous reviews and details work published since 1990 on epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies. Consideration of the collected evidence confirms the increased risk of colonic neoplasia following mixing of the faecal and urinary stream by ureterosigmoidostomy or its more recent variants. In contrast, the occurrence of tumours within transposed intestinal segments appears more likely to be related to the underlying urinary tract disease for which the surgery was performed rather than exposure of the intestinal mucosa to urine. This conclusion is, however, based on low level evidence and, despite the reassuring findings, caution is advised until more robust data are available to provide a confident risk assessment.

The orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder: experience with 209 patients

PURPOSE

A serous lined extramural ileal flap valve technique called the T limb was developed to prevent reflux of urine in an orthotopic bladder substitute called the T pouch. We evaluate our intermediate clinical and functional experience with the orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 1996 through May 2000, 209 patients (169 men [80%], 40 women), with a mean age of 69 years (range 33 to 93) underwent construction of an orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder after cystectomy. The indication for cystectomy included bladder cancer in 198 patients (95%). Median followup for the entire cohort was 33 months (range 0 to 69). Data were analyzed according to perioperative mortality, early (within 3 months) and late diversion related and diversion unrelated complications, radiographic evaluation of the upper urinary tract and urinary reservoir, and determination of renal function.

RESULTS

Three patients (1.4%) died perioperatively. A total of 63 (30%) early complications occurred, 53 (25%) diversion unrelated and 10 (5%) diversion related. The most common early diversion unrelated complication was dehydration (10 patients). The most common early diversion related complication was urine leak in 6 patients. There were no early complications directly related to the antirefluxing T limb. Late complications occurred in 68 (32%) patients including 30 (14%) diversion unrelated and 38 (18%) diversion related. The most common late diversion unrelated complication was incisional hernia in 16 patients. Of the 38 late diversion related complications the most common were pouch calculi in 17 and ureteroileal obstruction in 9 patients. The only late complication directly related to the T limb was stenosis in 4 patients, 3 of whom received adjuvant pelvic radiation. A total of 181 patients had radiographic evaluation of the upper urinary tract including 162 (90%) with a normal radiographic study or evidence of postoperative decompression. An abnormal upper tract study was seen in 18 patients (10%) including 9 with ureteroileal obstruction and 4 with afferent T limb stenosis. Gravity cystography of the neobladder was normal in 143 of 158 (90%) evaluable patients. Reflux was seen in 15 patients (10%). Renal function as determined by serum creatinine was stable or improved in 96% of patients. Good daytime and nighttime continence was reported in 87% and 72% of evaluable patients, respectively. Overall 75% of patients complete void while 25% required some form of intermittent catheterization to empty the neobladder completely including 20% of men and 43% of women.

CONCLUSIONS

With intermediate followup the functional results of the T pouch ileal neobladder are acceptable. The antirefluxing T limb provides unobstructed urinary flow in 95% and reflux prevention in 90% of patients. Although these results are encouraging, further followup is required to assess the long-term results of the T pouch ileal neobladder.

The “B-Bladder”—an Ileocolonic Neobladder with a Chimney: Surgical Technique and Long-Term Results

OBJECTIVES

A modified version of the "Le Bag" ileocolonic neobladder with a "Studer"-like ileal chimney (B-bladder) is presented. The surgical technique, perioperative complications, and long-term results, including cancer control and continence, are described.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion to an orthotopic ileocolonic neobladder with an ileal chimney. All operations were done by a single surgeon. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. Median duration of follow-up was 3.4 years.

RESULTS

The operation was technically successful in all cases. Late complications included recurrent urinary tract infection (17%) and uretero-neobladder anastomotic stricture (3%), both at acceptable rates. Postoperative daytime continence was excellent. Cancer control was satisfactory during follow-up; 11 patients (38%) died of disease progression with distant metastases. Median survival was 71.1 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The B-bladder maintains the simplicity of preparation of the original "Le-Bag" neobladder while gaining the advantages of ureteral anastomosis to an ileal chimney. The incidence of perioperative complications is low and long-term results with regard to cancer control, continence, and complications are excellent.

Overall clinical outcomes after nerve and seminal sparing radical cystectomy for the treatment of organ confined bladder cancer

PURPOSE

We assessed postoperative clinical outcomes such as day and nighttime urinary continence and overall sexual function in patients who underwent nerve and seminal sparing cystectomy with ileocapsuloplasty compared with patients after standard cystoprostatectomy with similar orthotopic urinary reservoir.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 27 patients (mean age 52 years, range 36 to 61) with superficial high risk or muscular invasive T2 bladder cancer underwent radical nerve and seminal sparing cystectomy with ileocapsule anastomosis. Postoperative clinical outcomes such as urinary continence, voiding patterns and urodynamic parameters were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months, while overall sexual function was determined at baseline and at 6 and 12-month followup.

RESULTS

Nerve and seminal sparing cystectomy provides better outcomes in terms of urinary and urodynamic parameters compared to standard cystoprostatectomy. Furthermore, fully normal postoperative erectile function and satisfactory overall sexual quality of life were documented at early and delayed followup in all patients. A retrograde ejaculation with reliable sperm retrieval from urine was also documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these findings need to be confirmed in a larger patient population, when respecting rigorous patient selection criteria and careful postoperative surveillance, nerve and seminal sparing cystectomy seems to offer satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes. From an oncological point of view, long-term followup is of paramount importance to confirm whether this surgical procedure can be proposed as a valid choice of treatment for young, fully potent and socially active patients with organ confined bladder cancer.

T1G3 Bladder Tumours: The Case for Radical Cystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Many factors degrade the initially favourable results of conservative treatment of T1G3 bladder tumours, leading to a permanent risk of progression and death. On the other hand, immediate radical cystectomy, while ensuring optimal local control of the disease, would be excessive in some patients in part because of its purported impact on quality of life.

METHODS

To contribute to the ongoing debate on T1G3 optimal treatment the literature was reviewed to organize evidences in favour of radical cystectomy by focusing on two main issues: the impact of time on the initial results of conservative treatment and quality of life after cystectomy.

RESULTS

A critical appraisal of conservative treatment efficacy was structured by comparing survival curves after either conservative treatment or radical cystectomy. It highlighted that after conservative treatment the patients remained under the burden of lifelong risk of progression and death. The positive impact of maintenance BCG and the frequent resort to cystectomy after conservative treatment further illustrated the limits of bladder conservative treatments. On the other hand, evidences were shown that quality of life was not critically affected by radical cystectomy and that surgical techniques could be further adapted to its preservation. The influence of age at cystectomy on functional results was highlighted. However, identifying a prognostic factor for the success of conservative treatment would put an end to the controversy by allowing a tailored attitude to every patient's unique situation. The importance of uropathologist's expert evaluation, including the depth of invasion, was emphasized.

CONCLUSION

While ensuring optimal control of the disease, the indiscriminate use of radical surgery would be excessive in a significant minority of patients who do well under conservative treatment. It is suggested to consider as typical cases for immediate surgery, young patients with "deep" T1 tumours (>T1a or >1.5mm in depth) with at least one additional factors of bad prognosis: multifocality, association of carcinoma-in-situ, prostatic involvement, site difficult to resect.

Bladder substitution

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the accepted standard of care for invasive bladder cancer, with orthotopic neobladders as the preferred method of bladder substitution in male and female patients. Last year's studies and reports on this subject are summarized and reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Today, most patients considered candidates for radical cystectomy, independent of sex, are potential candidates for orthotopic bladder substitution. It has been shown that orthotopic bladder replacement is well tolerated and feasible even in selected patients with locally advanced tumors with or without positive nodes. The complication rates for orthotopic bladder substitutes are similar to, or lower than, the morbidity rates after conduit formation or continent cutaneous diversion. It has been shown that an afferent tubular segment without any antireflux flap-valve-type implantation techniques protects the upper urinary tract adequately for more than a decade. The true impact of the chosen type of urinary diversion on distress symptoms, quality of life and patients' well-being among survivors of bladder cancer remains controversial and requires further clinical investigation.

SUMMARY

The excellent functional outcome and voiding pattern with orthotopic bladder substitution, even in the long-term, argues in favor of this technique as the preferred method for lower urinary tract reconstruction following radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer.

A new technique for creation of a sigmoid neobladder for urinary reconstruction: clinical outcome in 42 men

OBJECTIVES

To present the results of a new technique for construction of a sigmoid neobladder after radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Forty-two men, 43 to 74 years of age (mean age 62 +/- 8), underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer and had a sigmoid neobladder created using a modification of the standard ureterointestinal anastomosis with rotation of the reservoir. The mean follow-up of this retrospective study was 35 +/- 20 months (range 6 to 90). The blood chemistry was analyzed routinely during follow-up, and complications, continence, and voiding pattern were assessed at regular intervals.

RESULTS

There were 21 early complications in 14 patients: persistent urinary leakage in 2; wound infection in 9; prolonged ileus in 4; leakage from the colonic anastomosis in 2; and pulmonary embolus in 2. One patient each had venous thrombus of the lower extremities and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colitis. One patient died in the perioperative period of massive pulmonary embolus, yielding a mortality rate of 2.4%. Eleven late complications occurred in 9 patients. Stenosis of the ureterointestinal anastomosis developed in 2 of 82 anastomoses, stenosis of urethral anastomosis in 4, and neobladder-ureteral reflux in 1. A reservoir stone was found in 1 patient, and adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the reservoir occurred in 1 patient each. One patient developed symptomatic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, and routine electrolyte evaluation revealed a slight metabolic acidosis in 6 patients. Hypovitaminosis B(12) did not occur in any patients. Of the 42 patients, 40 could void volitionally without catheterization. Patient satisfaction on continence, by day and night, was 77.3% and 72.7%, respectively. The mean neobladder capacity and the mean residual urine volume was 375 +/- 116 mL (range 234 to 624) and 68 +/- 86 mL (range 4 to 365), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified sigmoid neobladder provides satisfactory results after radical cystectomy.