Urinary function following radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder urinary reconstruction

The mental and emotional status after radical cystectomy and different urinary diversion orthotopic bladder substitution versus external urinary diversion after radical cystectomy: A propensity score-matched study

OBJECTIVES

The quality of life in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is gaining importance. Nowadays a broad consensus about the best urinary diversion does not exist. This study presents an all-round analysis of the impact of two types of urinary diversion on life's psycho-social aspects in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

METHODS

This is an observational, single-centre, prospective study. Eligible participants underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer in our department from January 2020 and February 2024. Of 130 included patients, 90 (45 with Bricker's ureteroileocutaneostomy and 45 received orthotopic bladder replacement) patients were matched and the study groups were well balanced for the baseline-matched variables. Patients completed 4 questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, PGWBI, HADS, PSQI) at three different times: before the surgical procedure, and at 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Time shows a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0005) on four of the five functional scales explored (Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, Emotional Functioning, Social Functioning), and for all the nine symptoms/items' scales (p < 0.0005) and the Global Health Status (p = 0.003) in EORTC QLQ-C30. Neobladder's group shows a statistically significant improvement on the scales of Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, and Social Functioning, and for symptoms of nausea (p = 0.0027), pain (p = 0.0005), dyspnea (p = 0.012), insomnia (p = 0.004), constipation (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

We do not find a better urinary diversion in absolute terms. Neobladder obtained better results only for specific items and features. The urinary diversion's choice must be made in concert by the patient, the caregiver, and health professionals with adequate counseling.

Early and late post-procedural complications in different orthotopic neobladder surgical approaches: A systematic review

Bladder cancer (BCa) represents the second most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract. The major risk factors include age, gender, smoking attitude, and occupational exposure, while the exact etiopathogenesis is still uncertain. Patients diagnosed with a BCa showing invasion of the muscle layer below the submucosa must undergo radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion (UD). Many different surgical approaches to UD have been developed. Packaging an orthotopic neobladder (ON) with a bowel tract represents the gold standard when certain patient selection criteria are satisfied. Using PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review assessing early (within 90 days) and late (beyond 90 days) post-procedural complications of different ON surgical approaches. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify papers starting from 2012 using dedicated keywords ("neobladder", "orthotopic neobladder", "complications'' and "outcomes"). A total of 27 articles were found to satisfy the inclusion criteria and selected. Although the ON is a safe procedure that guarantees the patient the best quality of life (QoL), it is not free from risks. Many complications could occur during and after the surgical time which imposes the necessity of strict follow-up and careful checks over time, which should be properly discussed with patients before.

Outcome of small versus big capacity Hautmann neobladder reconstruction: A prospective randomized study - a 5-year follow up

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic urinary diversion is the preferred diversion after cystectomy. Neobladder reconstruction with a longer ileum segment (60 cm) is advantageous for obtaining a large capacity and continence at the beginning; however, the long-term risk of residual urine, chronic infection, and the need for intermittent catheterization is more pronounced with the neobladder constructed with a longer ileal segment compared to the neobladder tailored from the shorter ileal segment.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the differences in the functional outcome of a shorter (< 45 cm) and longer (⩾ 45 cm) ileal segment usage in the reconstruction of the Hautmann ileal neobladder following the radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Between July 2013 and September 2015, 121 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and Hautmann ileal neobladder reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on the length of the ileum used for the diversion creation: < 45 cm of the ileum was used in the first group and ⩾ 45 cm in the second group. Five-year follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months and 1 and 5 years. The main measured outcomes were functional outcomes and the quality of life. The evaluation included clinical, laboratory, and QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

Patients with a smaller neobladder had a better quality of life, and higher global health status scale score. Thirteen early and 21 late complications developed in 10 and 17 patients, respectively. There were significant differences in the need for clean intermittent self-catheterization (CIC) between the two groups: smaller-volume pouch patients had statistically decreased need for CIC in 5 year follow-up compared to larger-volume pouch patients (χ2 test = 8.245; df = 1; P= 0.004). Eighteen percent of patients with smaller neobladders had urinary tract infections in 5 years, compared to 35% with larger neobladders (χ2 test = 4.447; df = 1; P= 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Minimizing the length of the ileal segment needed for Hautmann neobladder reconstruction is feasible and provides better long-term results than larger-volume neobladders.

Oncological and functional outcome of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal stentless J-pouch neobladder reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with neobladder reconstruction has gained popularity in recent years.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 17 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with totally intracorporeal J-pouch neobladder reconstruction without ureteral stent by a single experienced surgeon to evaluate perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 32.8 months (range: 17.4-59.0 months), and the 2-year disease-free survival rate was 88.2%. Five out of 12 patients were totally continent, and none required more than one pad per day. The overall complication rate was 41.2%, and hydronephrosis was the most common adverse event. The renal function remained stable, and no long-term renal function impairment was detected.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that RARC with totally intracorporeal J-pouch neobladder reconstruction without ureteral stent is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with good oncological and functional outcomes.

Comparison of the Y-pouch orthotopic neobladder and the Studer technique after radical cystectomy: surgical and functional outcomes from a single-center series

BACKGROUND

To explore a method of constructing an orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB) in the Y-pouch configuration. We describe the steps followed to create the Y-pouch ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and compared the perioperative, functional, and urodynamics outcomes with the Studer neobladder technique.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 90 bladder cancer patients, who received open radical cystectomy with the ONB performed at a hospital from June 2009 to May 2020. These patients were divided into two groups-the Y-pouch and the Studer neobladder groups. Perioperative, functional outcome, complication, renal function data outcomes, and pressure-volume study were used to evaluate the treatment outcomes after a radical cystectomy.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (54 Studer and 36 Y-pouch neobladder) were enrolled. The median patient age was 62.6 (± 11) years. The mean operative time for the Studer technique was 290 (242.5-350) min, and the Y-pouch technique was 300 (271.2-335) min) (p = 0.826). At 30 days postoperatively, the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications revealed grade-2 urinary infections in two patients (5.6%) and six patients (11.1%) for the Y-pouch and Studer techniques, respectively. Intermediate complications (30-90 days) were reported in 4 (11.1%) and 18 patients (44.4%) in the Y-pouch and the Studer techniques, respectively (p = 0.062). In the urodynamics study (UDS), the Y-pouch group had a mean postvoid residual volume of 20 mL and Studer of 40 ml (p = 0.06). A mean capacity of 462 (380-600) mL compares to the Studer neobladder group with 495 (400-628) mL. The average mean compliance of the Studer group was 35.5 (28-52) ml/cm H₂O and 33 (30-43) ml/cm H₂O for Y pouch, and most patients had > 30 ml/cm H₂O compliance (80/90 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The Y-pouch neobladder technique in an RC with an orthotopic neobladder provides perioperative and functional outcomes compared to those of the Studer orthotopic neobladder resulting in similar intermediate-term. Therefore, the Y-pouch ileal neobladder is both feasible and safe to be used as a standard neobladder technique for urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy and needs confirmation with long-term results.

Urodynamic assessment and quality of life outcomes of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

Few data exist regarding the functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urodynamic and functional outcomes in patients undergoing RARC and totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer.

METHODS

In this monocentric, observational study carried out between 2016 and 2020, consecutive patients undergoing RARC and intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the Department of Urology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, were included. Reconstruction was totally intracorporeal Y-shaped neobladder. Main outcomes were urodynamic findings 6 months post-surgery, continence and quality of life (QoL). Continence was defined by no pad or one safety pad. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) scores were recorded.

RESULTS

Fourteen male patients were included (median age: 64 years [IQR 54-67]. Median maximal neobladder cystometric capacity was 495 ml [IQR 410-606] and median compliance was 35.5 ml/cm H₂O [IQR 28-62]. All patients had post-void residual volume < 30 ml, except for three (22%) who required clean intermittent-self catheterisation. Daytime continence was achieved in 10 patients (71%) and night-time continence in two (14.3%). Median ICIQ score was 7 [IQR 5-11]. Postoperative erectile function was present in 7% of patients (mean IIEF-5 = 5 [IQR 2-7]). Thirteen patients (93%) were satisfied with their choice of neobladder.

CONCLUSION

RARC with totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer provides satisfactory urodynamic results and good QoL. These findings should be confirmed long-term.

Variables affecting quality of life after Radical cystectomy and neobladder substitution: Egyptian National Cancer Institute experience

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the functional outcomes and quality of life beyond 1 year, in patients treated with radical cystectomy and orthotopic diversion for invasive bladder cancer. To investigate various potential contributing factors on patient's quality of life after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion via orthotopic neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo; including a total of 97 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic diversion. Functional and sexual outcome and patient QoL were assessed by ICIQ-SF, IIEF-5 and QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Potential association of patient QoL with pre-and intraoperative variables was studied.

RESULTS

Our results show that preoperative ECOG performance status 0 (P=0.0001), and nerve sparing surgery (P=0.001), were associated with high QoL and functional outcomes. On the contrary, ECOG performance status 2, preoperative comorbidities as ischemic heart diseases (P=0.01), recurrence (0.041), adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.017) and radiotherapy (P=0.001) were associated with low QoL on univariate analysis. However, only ECOG performance status 2 (P<0.0001), incontinence (P<0.0001), non-nerve sparing surgery (P=0.001) and ureteric stricture (P=0.001) were independent predictors of worse QoL on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Orthotopic bladder is associated with increased morbidity. Attention should be given to preoprative patient characteristics at the time of patient selection, and intraoperative quality of functional preservation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Functional outcome of robotic-assisted intracorporeal versus extracorporeal neobladder following radical cystectomy: Initial experience

Introduction:

Worldwide, the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in the male population is Bladder cancer (BC), while it drops to eleventh when both genders are considered. Radical cystectomy is the surgical treatment of choice for patients with all muscle-invasive and some nonmuscle invasive BCs. An orthotopic continent diversion (neobladder) is preferred whenever possible to achieve a better postoperative quality of life. We attempt to study the functional outcomes of intracorporeal neobladder (ICNB) versus extracorporeal neobladder (ECNB) (ICNB vs. ECNB).

Materials and Methods:

Forty patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy with neobladder in our institute during the period of March 2016–March 2018 were included in the study. An orthotopic neobladder (Studer method) was created in all our patients. Our main outcomes of interest were peak flow rates, residual urine, attainment of continence, and Pdet at qmax of the neobladder.

Results:

The mean age of patients in our study group was 54 ± 6 years. The mean body mass index was 23 ± 2 kg/m². The mean follow-up period was 24 ± 5 months. Twenty patients underwent ICNB and 20 patients underwent ECNB. The urodynamic assessment was done 1-year postprocedure. The same parameters applied to an intact bladder are used, and results analyzed by comparing it with other studies. Common in the initial postoperative period was incontinence which reduced substantially over time. After 1-year, 75% of patients did not require pads in the daytime, and a meager, <10% used more than one pad per day. There was no difference in outcome between both the groups, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Both ICNB and ECNB groups achieved urodynamically proven values of adequate bladder capacity and compliance. Daytime continence was excellent, and night time continence was good in both groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between both the groups as regards to urodynamic parameters. However, continence is attained little earlier in the ICNB group. There is no perceived superiority of ICNB over ECNB.

Functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A review of literature

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has steadily gained wider acceptance among urologists compared with open and laparoscopic approaches. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has shown comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes compared with open radical cystectomy. Nevertheless, data about the functional outcomes and quality of life after robot-assisted radical cystectomy remain limited. We sought to review the literature and describe urinary, sexual and bowel functions after robot-assisted radical cystectomy in addition to mental health and health-related quality of life. Despite limitations of the available literature, data suggests that functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy are comparable to open radical cystectomy. However, more studies utilizing standardized definitions are required.

Longitudinal experience with Studer neobladders: Outcomes and complications

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the longer-term functional, anatomical, and metabolic outcomes of patients who underwent Studer neobladder (SNB) urinary diversion.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent SNB at a single center from 1995-2017 (n=116) was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, pathological data, and longer-term functional, anatomical, and metabolic outcomes were collected from hospital records. The primary outcome was voiding function of patients at most recent followup. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, renal function, nephrolithiasis, infections, and metabolic outcomes.

RESULTS

Excluding those with incomplete followup data, 72 patients with a minimum followup of one year were included for analysis. Median followup was 70±11 months, with 52.8% of patients having ≥5 years of followup. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was used by 22.2% of patient at most recent followup, which was mostly necessitated by bladder overdistension, deteriorating renal function, or recurrent urosepsis despite timed voiding. Patients experienced more daytime and nighttime urinary incontinence in the early postoperative setting, which improved over time. Generally, renal function declined over time; poorer long-term renal function was predicted by hydronephrosis within one year (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer-term followup of SNB reveals significant but manageable complications. Gradual decline in renal function was common. Strict adherence to bladder emptying protocols (e.g., timed voiding or CIC) may reduce incidence of renal deterioration, metabolic disorders, and urinary dysfunction. Early onset (<1 year) of hydronephrosis may indicate a need for intervention to preserve long-term renal function.

Nursing Implication of People Treated by Radical Cystectomy Postsurgery and Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to summarize existing evidence about nursing interventions to selected symptoms experienced by patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) to maintain or return to their daily life activities.

DATA SOURCES

A non-systematic narrative review was conducted. A search in PubMed and CINAHL was conducted eliciting evidence about frequent symptoms experienced after RC. The following search terms were used: radical cystectomy and/or nursing interventions, pain, distress, fatigue, urinary dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).

CONCLUSION

Evidence in the ERAS pathway is still lacking regarding the effect of preoperative education and counseling of the patient and the most difficult part to implement is related to preoperative optimization of the patient such as lifestyle changes. Most nursing interventions to alleviate symptoms in the rehabilitation period after RC are still practice based.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Priority should be given to implementation of the ERAS protocol. To improve the management of symptoms experienced by patients in the RC rehabilitation period it is essential that validated screening tools to identify the symptoms be used. Accepted and effective strategies for treating the individual symptoms should be initiated and clear treatment outcomes should be defined. Urology nurse researchers should investigate the concept of symptom clusters to clarify whether there are more efficient methods to identify symptoms or symptom clusters and if so would the use of symptom clusters knowledge improve patient care.

Early continence after ileal neobladder: objective data from inpatient rehabilitation

PURPOSE

To evaluate early continence of patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic bladder substitution (ONB).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis on the data of 283 patients who underwent a three weeks inpatient rehabilitation after RC and ONB for bladder cancer between January 2016 and July 2017. All patients were treated with a special multimodal continence therapy. The continence status was evaluated by measuring urine loss by a 24-h pad test and urine volume on uroflowmetry at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of inpatient rehabilitation. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of urine loss.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 63 years. NS was documented for 142 patients (50.2%). Median urine loss decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 24-h pad test, from 442 gm at T1 (median 29 days after surgery) to 88 gm at T2 (median 50 days after surgery). Urine volume increased significantly (p < 0.001) from a median of 78 ml at T1 to a median of 157 ml at T2. Age (p = 0.002), diabetes (p = 0.031), obesity (p = 0.003), and nerve sparing (p = 0.011) were identified as independent predictors for urine loss at the end of inpatient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Continence improved significantly during the three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Younger age, the absence of diabetes or obesity, and NS resulted in better continence in the early postoperative period after ONB.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy for Nonmetastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of Urinary Bladder: A Comparison Between Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder

Introduction: To compare surgical, oncologic, functional outcomes and complication rate between intracorporeal neobladder (ICNB) and extracorporeal neobladder (ECNB) orthotopic ileal neobladder of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in patients with nonmetastatic bladder carcinoma (BC). Materials and Methods: From 2014 to 2019, we prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed 101 patients with nonmetastatic BC treated with RARC and ortothopic neobladder. Chi-squared test estimated differences in proportions of functional and oncologic outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models (MLRMs) focused on overall, early (<30 days from discharge), and late complication rate (>30 days from discharge) in ICNB vs ECNB. Results: Of all patients, 57 (56.4%) ICNB and 44 (43.6%) ECNB patients were identified. At least one complication occurred in 75.4% vs 72.7% in ICNB vs ECNB, respectively (p = 0.9). In MLRMs, focusing on complication rate, there was no statistically significant difference between ICNB vs ECNB for overall (p = 0.8), early (p = 0.6), and late complications (p = 0.8). No statistically significant differences were recorded for tumor relapse rate, cancer-specific and other cause mortality. No positive surgical margins were recorded in both groups. Daytime and nighttime continence recovery were 89.4% vs 87.1% (p = 1.0) and 63.8% vs 51.6% (p = 1.0) for ICNB vs ECNB. Potency recovery was 59.1% vs 54.3% (p = 0.5) for ICNB vs ECNB. Conclusions: No statistically significant differences in complication rate (overall, early, or late) were identified, when ICNB and ECNB were compared. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found in oncologic and functional outcomes.

Oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients in a single tertiary center: Can these be preserved throughout the learning curve?

Purpose

To evaluate the overall and segmental oncological and functional outcome of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) during the learning curve.

Materials and Methods

From August 2007 to November 2017, a total of 120 bladder cancer patients were treated with RARC in a single-tertiary hospital. These were divided into three groups of 40 consecutive cases. Overall and subgroup analysis of each group was used to evaluate oncological and functional outcomes throughout the learning curve.

Results

Among the 120 RARC cases, 42, 73, and 5 patients received extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD), intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD), and ureterocutaneostomy, respectively. There was a transition from ECUD to ICUD during the learning curve. The positive surgical margin rate was 0.8%. The mean lymph node yield for the standard and extended pelvic lymph node dissection was 12.5 and 30.1, respectively, and increased to 19.8 and 31.2 and further to 20.0 and 37.9, respectively, with each additional series of 40 cases. The 5-year overall survival and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were 86.6% and 81.4%, respectively. The 1-year daytime continence rate was 75.7%, while the nighttime continence rate was 51.4%. The potency preservation rate was 66.7% (n=8) with or without phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) at 1 year and 33.3% without PDE5-I (n=4).

Conclusions

RARC results in comparable oncological and functional outcomes to open radical cystectomy. In addition, the oncological and functional outcomes were well maintained throughout the learning curve. ECUD transition to ICUD was safe and did not compromise oncological or functional outcome.