Initial Experience With Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy With Pelvic Organ-Preserving and Orthotopic Neobladder Techniques for Bladder Cancer in Female Patients

OBJECTIVE

To present the extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical cystectomy (ELRC) technique, and initial outcomes of organ-preserving and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) techniques for bladder cancer in selected females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data including patient characteristics, operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, and pathologic outcomes, as well as 30- and 90-day complications were collected between April 2018 and May 2021 from females who underwent ONB after ELRC. Regular follow-up focused on patients' oncological and functional outcomes, and postoperative sexual function status was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

RESULTS

Eleven females with a mean age of 53 years who underwent ELRC with pelvic organ-preservation and ONB were analyzed retrospectively. All procedures were completed successfully. The mean operative time was 264.82 ± 33.81 min, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 128 ± 18.19 mL. All patients had negative pathological margins and no lymph node metastases. The average hospital stay was 10.72 days. The single J ureteral stent and catheter were usually removed 3-4 weeks after the procedure. The FIFS assessment of postoperative sexual function showed that the patients were relatively satisfied.

CONCLUSION

ELRC with pelvic organ preservation and ONB technology was a safe and feasible surgical strategy for the selected female patients. Preserving organs and vascular nerve bundles seemed to be safe in oncological and produced encouraging functional results. Further rigorous prospective studies with more patients and long-term follow-up data are needed to assess the oncologic and functional results.

[Exploration and thinking on functional preservation after orthotopic neobladder construction]

The concept of functional preservation after orthotopic neobladder construction has gradually attracted attention. Reconstruction of urine storage and voiding is the basic function preservation of orthotopic neobladder. Clinical exploration mainly focuses on the optimization of neobladder reconstruction methods and procedures, and there is still a lack of summary of existing surgical characteristics and high-quality functional comparative studies. For strictly selected patients, on the basis of tumor control and standardized postoperative rehabilitation guidance, most patients with preserved nerve can retain satisfied sexual function after surgery. The protection of neurovascular bundle and ancillary structures combined with postoperative exercise is crucial to the improvement of urinary continence. According to the characteristics of patients, choosing the appropriate urinary diversion methods and function preserving can help patients establish a normal life style after surgery and improve their self-image and quality of life.

A Simple Neobladder Using a Porcine Model: The Double Limb U-Pouch

OBJECTIVE

To create a simple neobladder and determine whether the double-limb U-Pouch (D-LUP) has the same capacity and compliance as a Studer or Camey I neobladder. To develop an orthotopic diversion that can be applied to robotic surgery with laboratory data supporting the concept.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kidneys, ureters, bladders, and small intestine were obtained from pigs at the time of scheduled autopsy after completion of institutionally approved investigational trauma protocols. A Camey I neobladder, spherical neobladder, and D-LUP, were constructed from 40-cm segments of small intestine. They were compared for capacity, compliance, and pouch-to-urethra anastomotic distance.

RESULTS

The cystometric capacity at 30 cm H2O for the Camey I, Studer, and D-LUP neobladders were 250 mL, 350 mL, and 430 mL, respectively. The pouch-to-urethra anastomotic distance was 0 cm for the Camey I, 10 cm for the spherical reservoir, and 0 cm for the D-LUP. Compliance was 10 mL/cm H20 for the Camey 1, 15 mL/cm H2O for the sphere, and 16 mL/cm H20 for the D-LUP.

CONCLUSION

The D-LUP neobladder was simple to construct, had a more dependent ileo-urethrostomy site, larger capacity, and similar compliance when compared with a spherical neobladder.

Adenocarcinoma and Dysplasia in an Ileal Neobladder After Ileocystoplasty for Interstitial Cystitis

We report a 54-year-old woman with an adenocarcinoma of an ileal neobladder arising upon a background of ileal mucosal dysplasia. We believe that no case study or report has previously documented neobladder ileal mucosal dysplasia adjacent to an ileal neobladder adenocarcinoma. This observation supports the current hypothesis that ileal neobladders are dynamic environments for potential malignancy, and moreover, suggests a sequence of morphologic and molecular derangements similar to that seen in colorectal carcinoma. Those patients status post ileal neobladder are at risk for glandular dysplasia and malignancy and should be followed closely.

[Comparative clinical and morphofunctional evaluation of the intestinal and colonic gastric orthotopic urinary reservoirs at different times of functioning]

The complex clinical and morphological evaluation of different variants of orthopic urinary reservoir (OUR) at different times of functioning was performed. During 1996-2012, orthotopic cystoplasty was performed in 265 patients (ileocystoplasty--in 204, gastrocystoplasty--in 24, and sigmocystoplasty--in 29 patients). There were 207 (77%) men and 61 (23%) women aged 22-75 years (mean age, 57.5 +/- 1,3 years). Cold biopsy over time (1 to 6) was performed in 105 patients. The total number of biopsies was 150. Duration of morphological study was 2-12 years. Clinical examination included assessment of acid-base balance and electrolyte balance of within 3-24 months, evaluation of urodynamic parameters (OUR volume, daytime and nighttime continence, micturition volume), assessment of the frequency and the nature of infection, resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics and the symptoms of inflammatory reaction in period 1-90 months after surgery. Morphological study included histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods. Application of a set of clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical examinations is a premise for individual choice of cystoplasty, and creates the preconditions for the correction of the process of adaptation to the OUR, regardless of its form in the early and later stages of its functioning. Due to the good adaptation to the new conditions in all three types of OUR and absence of trends to malignant transformation of its mucosa, the ileocystoplasty is method of choice for creation of OUR, and gastrocystoplasty and sigmocystoplasty are alternatives.

Tubulovillous adenoma in an Indiana pouch urinary diversion managed by endoscopic resection

We present a case of a tubulovillous adenoma in an Indiana pouch managed by endoscopic resection. A 66-year-old male underwent a cystectomy with creation of an Indiana pouch urinary diversion for invasive small cell carcinoma of the bladder. Seven years following his initial surgery, the patient noted several episodes of gross hematuria. The evaluation revealed a 2.5 cm tubulovillous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia within the Indiana pouch. The patient had significant comorbidities precluding an open operative procedure. He underwent en endoscopic resection of the tumor, and subsequently has been managed with surveillance pouchoscopy, biopsies, and fulguration every 3 months.

Continent catheterizable channels and the timing of their complications

PURPOSE

We reviewed our experience with continent catheterizable channels with interest in the timing of conduit related complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of the outcome of continent catheterizable channels in all patients between 1998 and 2003 who had undergone construction of an antegrade continence enema and/or a Mitrofanoff procedure using appendix, small bowel or continent cutaneous vesicostomy. We performed a total of 117 such stomas in 37 male and 41 female patients 2.5 to 20 years old (mean age 8.9). For the antegrade continence enema we used appendix in 92% of cases, an ileal Yang-Monti tube in 6% and a cecal tube in 2%. For the continent catheterizable channel we used appendix in 43% of cases, a Yang-Monti tube in 38% and continent cutaneous vesicostomy in 19%.

RESULTS

Continence was achieved in 98% of patients. Followup was 6 to 71 months (mean 28.4). There were 27 channel related complications (23%). Stomal stenosis occurred in 7 antegrade continence enema procedures (14%) within 1 to 10 months (mean 6.2) and in 9 continent bladder channels (13%), including 5 continent cutaneous vesicostomies, within 1 to 24 months (mean 9.4) after surgery. False passages occurred in 5 antegrade continence enema procedures (10%) within 1 to 13 months (mean 3.6) and in 4 continent catheterizable channels (6%) within 1 to 13 months (mean 6.5) after surgery. Of patients with stomal stenosis 50% were treated with surgical revision, while the remainder was successfully treated with dilation. Most false passages were managed by catheter drainage alone. Reasons for revision were contained perforation, colovesical fistula and inability to catheterize. Patient noncompliance appeared to have a role in stomal stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Continent catheterizable stomas help patients achieve bowel and bladder continence. Stomal incontinence after reconstruction is rare. In our experience most stoma related complications occurred in the first year after reconstruction. Experience with more patients and longer followup will help determine whether such problems continue to accumulate with time or whether continent stomas function well with time, particularly after the initial period of healing.

5-year interval change in voiding function of orthotopic ileal neobladder

AIM

We report the 5-year interval change in voiding function of orthotopic ileal neobladder.

METHODS

Voiding function was evaluated at two points with an interval of 5 years in 49 patients with orthotopic ileal neobladder. The first and second surveys were performed in May, 1998 (1998 survey) and in April 2003 (2003 survey), respectively. Median age at operation was 67 years, ranging 47-77. Median follow-up times at the first and the second surveys were 19.5 months (range, 3-87) and 67.5 months (range, 62-145), respectively.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in daytime continence status between the 1998 and 2003 surveys. More than 95% never or only occasionally suffered daytime incontinence in the two surveys. On the other hand, 15 (34.1%) and 14 (31.8%), respectively, experienced night-time incontinence, despite regular voiding during the night. When voiding patterns were analysed, 11 patients (23.4%) sometimes or often performed catheterization because of difficulty in urinating or incomplete emptying of the neobladder in the 1998 survey. Three patients (6.4%) were unable to void and required regular catheterization. In the 2003 survey, however, such poor voiders increased to nine (19.1%), although the difference was not significant. During the study period of 5 years, there was no change in renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Continence status, either at daytime or at nighttime, was stable during the study period. The number of the patients who needed regular catheterization tended to increase, suggesting deterioration of voiding function with time. Careful long-term follow up is warranted.

Orthotopic ileal neobladder: the influence of reservoir volume and configuration on urinary continence and emptying properties

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of the volume and configuration of the neobladder on urinary continence and reservoir emptying in orthotopic urinary reservoirs using intestinal segments for bladder replacement after radical cystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients who had had a radical cystectomy and urinary reconstruction with an orthotopic ileal neobladder were followed for > or = 1 year; 27 (group 1) had the ileal neobladder created with a shorter intestinal segment (40 cm) in an elongated shape ('J'), and 32 (group 2) had their reservoir made more spherical with a longer ileal loop (60-65 cm). The rates of urinary continence, enuresis, neobladder capacity and postvoid residual urine were evaluated first at 3-6 months and again 1 year after surgery in both groups.

RESULTS

At 3-6 months after surgery urinary incontinence and enuresis were more common in group 1, but at 1 year had the same frequency in both groups, at respectively 11% and 44% in group 1, and 13% and 47% in group 2 (P > 0.05). The neobladder capacity and postvoid residual urine were significantly higher in group 2, at > 600 mL and > 100 mL, respectively, in 14% and 14% of the patients in group 1 and 57% and 52% of those in group 2 (P < 0.05). Urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization did not occur in group 1 but did in 19% of group 2.

CONCLUSION

The orthotopic spherical ileal neobladder with a large initial volume is apparently not associated with better continence rates and is prone to developing progressive enlargement, which can lead to neobladder atony and progressive emptying failure, increasing the chance of complete urinary retention.

Histopathologic changes in the mucosa of ileal orthotopic neobladder--findings in 24 patients followed up for 5 years

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes occurring in the mucosa of the neobladder over a period of 60 months in 24 patients with orthotopic ileal neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 male patients have undergone radical cystoprostatectomy and received an orthotopic ileal neobladder in our hospital during the last 10 years; 24 of these patients, all of whom completed a follow-up period of 60 months, are included in this study. All cases underwent a biopsy of the ileal mucosa at the time of surgery and their neobladder mucosa was then biopsied at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin in order to examine the changes in the thickness of the mucosa and its villi. Sections were also stained with Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff in order to determine the number of goblet cells. A morphometric scoring system was created to quantify the change in villi size.

RESULTS

The mean thickness of the ileal mucosa at the initial biopsy was 270.9 +/- 35.9 microm and displayed a continuous decrease at all of the subsequent biopsies. The number of luminal goblet cells increased during follow-up. Villus atrophy was found to be a continuous process during follow-up. No dysplasia or malignancy was detected in any of the biopsies.

CONCLUSION

During a follow-up period of 5 years, there were no neoplastic changes in our patients, but instead a protective response of the mucosa to its new environment was observed.

Squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma arising in bladder augmentations

Tumours arising in bowel-augmented bladders are rare. Usually these tumours are adenocarcinomas that occur along the anastomotic line. We present two unusual tumours, squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma, that occurred in bladder augmentations. We also emphasize the need for regular cystoscopic surveillance.

Transitional cell carcinoma arising in the gastric remnant following gastrocystoplasty: a case report and review of the literature

Urinary bladder augmentation with segments of the stomach (gastrocystoplasty), small bowel, or large intestine (enterocystoplasty) improves capacity and compliance in patients with bladder dysfunction. Although malignant complications of enterocystoplasty have been reported, the risk of malignancy in the setting of gastrocystoplasty is not known. We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman who developed a transitional cell carcinoma associated with transitional cell metaplasia and dysplasia of the gastric epithelium 14 years following gastrocystoplasty. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a malignant complication of this surgical procedure. We conclude that patients who have undergone gastrocystoplasty are at an increased risk for the development of malignancy in the neobladder and require close long-term follow-up, similar to patients who have undergone enterocystoplasty.

Leiomyosarcoma at the site of an ileal neobladder: a heretofore unreported occurrence

We report a case of leiomyosarcoma arising from the intestinal side of an orthotopic ileal neobladder in a male patient 2 years after surgery for papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Ultrastructural basis for the efficiency of an ileal orthotopic neobladder 27 years after surgery

The morphological and functional basis of the excellent clinical outcome of ileal orthotopic neobladders are largely unknown. Only long-term follow-up studies will provide an adequate answer to this unsettled question. We have studied a patient who underwent this type of surgery over 27 years ago. Besides an important secretive adaptation we have found, at the ultrastructural level, that the monolayered epithelium does not show signs of true metaplasia and that changes had occurred in the intercellular junctions, namely that desmosomes are significantly increased. Although limited to a single case, these features, if confirmed by further observations, suggest a working hypothesis for the understanding of the definitive phenotypic adaptation of the ileal epithelium to the new aggressive environment.

22 week assessment of bladder acellular matrix as a bladder augmentation material in a porcine model

Previous studies on the reconstruction of porcine bladder using bladder acellular matrix allograft (BAMA) have indicated positive preliminary results with respect to graft shrinkage and cellular repopulation. The current study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using BAMA in a similar model of bladder reconstruction out to longer time frames (22 weeks). At predetermined time points, the macroscopic, histological and mechanical properties of explanted native and BAMA tissues were evaluated and compared. Macroscopically, contracture of the BAMA was observed. The peripheral regions of the grafts experienced extensive cellular repopulation. Towards the centre however, all grafts were consistently devoid of organized smooth muscle bundles and a well-developed urothelium. An alteration in both the amount and organization of collagen was also observed within this region. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in the rupture strain and the elastic modulus of the BAMA compared to native bladder tissue appear to correlate with macroscopic graft contracture as well as the fibroproliferative tissue response of the matrix.

Continent catheterizable conduits: which stoma, which conduit and which reservoir?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of the various methods used in creating continent catheterizable conduits.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case notes were reviewed from 89 patients who underwent the formation of 112 continent catheterizable conduits.

RESULTS

Sixty-five conduits were Mitrofanoff and 47 were antegrade colonic enema (ACE); 21 patients had both. At a mean follow-up of 34 months, 95 (85%) conduits were still in use. There was no difference in complications between the Mitrofanoff and ACE conduits; 109 (97%) conduits were continent and stomal stenosis occurred 35 (31%). There was no significant difference relating to the conduit used, the reservoir, the stoma type or the stoma site. Only 39% of patients required no revisional surgery.

CONCLUSION

Although urinary and fecal continence can be achieved in most patients there is a high burden of complications and revisional surgery. All patients should be counselled accordingly.

The serous-lined tunnel principle for urinary reconstruction: a more rational method

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of using the serous-lined-tunnel principle for orthotopic neobladder, continent cutaneous diversion and ureteric replacement by an intestinal segment. Patients and methods We created: (i) an orthotopic ileal neobladder using the serous-lined technique for antirefluxing ureteric implantation in 16 patients; (ii) a continent ileal pouch, adopting the principle for continent-valve construction and for ureteric implantation, in 10 patients (another patient with a failed continent valve underwent revision using an adaptation of this principle; and (iii) by applying the same principle an ileal ureter with a proximal antirefluxing mechanism was constructed in two patients (with lower ureteric cancer), and total replacement of the ureter by a tubular segment of the colon in association with a continent transverse colon pouch in one irradiated patient.

RESULTS

In all, 52 ureters implanted into ileal neobladders or continent pouches functioned well, with neither obstruction nor reflux; 11 continent valves functioned well with no incontinence. Two patients with ileal ureters showed no ileo-ureteric reflux and had less hydronephrosis than before surgery. The tubularized ureter provided a unidirectional flow into the pouch. Conclusion Ureteric reimplantation and continent valve formation achieved by adopting the serous-lined tunnel principle provided satisfactory results. The versatility of the principle is apparent in the present experience and the creative application of the serous-lined tunnel principle should be possible in urinary reconstruction.

Histomorphology of an ileal orthotopic neobladder: 24 Year's follow-up

No morphological data are so far available about long-term (over 15 years) adaptation and outcome of ileal neobladders. In this single case report we have studied a 72-year-old man who underwent reconstruction of an ileal neobladder 24 years ago. The ileal epithelium shows changes toward a colonic aspect with villous atrophy and increased goblet cell number although, as in normal ileum, sialomucins are the most abundant secretory products. Neuroendocrine cells are reduced to a few elements of a single morphological class. Even in the presence of a low apoptotic rate reduced cell proliferation causes mucosal thinning. These adaptive mechanisms grant an excellent clinical and functional result even beyond 20 years after surgery. It is suggested that ileal neobladder can constitute an important model for the study of epithelial differentiation control.

Acellular bladder matrix allografts in the regeneration of functional bladders: evaluation of large-segment (> 24 cm) substitution in a porcine model

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of a large-segment (> 24 cm2) bladder substitution with porcine bladder acellular matrix allograft (BAMA) in a large animal model. Materials and methods Bladders were harvested from pigs at the time of necropsy and subjected to detergent and enzymatic extractions to render them acellular. The BAMA produced had the surgical handling and suture-retaining properties of normal bladder tissue. Six pigs had BAMA segments implanted under general anaesthesia, through a low midline abdominal incision and after partial cystectomy. The defect was repaired with a BAMA patch (mean size 43.88 cm2, range 12-72), with no urinary diversion. Two animals each were then killed at 9, 16 and 30 days and the bladders explanted. The native bladder and BAMA patch were analysed morphometrically to evaluate cellular re-population and matrix re-organization.

RESULTS

All animals survived surgery; there were no urinary leaks and no stones detected in any of the bladders. At 9 days there was a diffuse infiltration with acute inflammatory cells, but no areas of necrosis. There were isolated areas of smooth muscle cell (SMC) infiltration of the BAMA. At 16 days the luminal surface was lined with a single layer of urothelium, there was stromal infiltration with disorganized SMC and angiogenesis, with mature vessels in the BAMA patch. At 30 days the urothelium was multilayered with organizing groups of SMCs and angiogenesis. The highest cell density was at the periphery of the repopulated BAMA patch, decreasing towards the centre.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of large patches of BAMA is technically feasible and may prove to be a viable surgical alternative to bladder augmentation with intestinal segments. The advantages of BAMA include the potential for complete and functional regeneration of a bladder substitute. This model provides a tool with which to obtain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of matrix re-population.

Histology of the neobladder mucosa after sigmoidocolocystoplasty

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the histopathology of neobladder mucosa biopsy specimens obtained routinely as part of postsigmoidocolocystoplasty (SCP) follow-up.

METHODS

One hundred cases of SCP (mean age at surgery, 10.6 years) performed by the authors were examined for the presence of dysplasia or malignant changes in the mucosa of the neobladder using H&E and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining.

RESULTS

No dysplastic or malignant changes were identified in any case. Metaplasia was found in 5 cases and hyperplasia in 2. There were no major differences found on H&E and PCNA staining of specimens obtained after different periods of follow-up post-SCP; follow-up was short term (up to 5 years) in 44 cases, medium term (from 5 to 10 years) in 48 cases, and long term (over 10 years) in 8 cases. PCNA staining was significantly more intense in subjects who stopped regular bladder irrigations (BI) post-SCP and in subjects in whom bladder stones developed (P < .05; Welch's t test), compared with subjects who continued BI and subjects in whom bladder stones did not develop.

CONCLUSIONS

After SCP, patients are advised to continue BI. Regular biopsies should be part of routine follow-up, especially in subjects with bladder stones.

Histological adaptation of orthotopic ileal neobladder mucosa: 4-year follow-up of 30 patients

OBJECTIVE

For 4 years we have monitored the histological evolution of ileal neobladders in a single cohort of 30 patients in order to systematically describe the histological changes occurring after surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term evolution of many histological parameters with functional relevance as to the metabolic outcome of the reservoirs.

METHODS

Ileal samples were collected during surgery and by random biopsies during cystoscopy 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 months later. At each step qualitative and quantitative assessment of the histological and cytological conditions of the samples was carried out.

RESULTS

Morphological changes develop relatively early but the situation tends to level out in about 1 year. The morphological changes are topographically uneven and, although mucosal flattening becomes progressively prevalent, areas with shortened villi persist indefinitely. Goblet cells prevail over enterocytes and the secretive pattern shifts towards sialomucins. The overall replication rate decreases initially but tends to restore in 1 year. Dysplasia or atrophy were never recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

The 4-year systematic follow-up revealed a typical histological adaptation pattern in the ileal neobladder without signs of dysplasia. The changes seem to be induced by the aggressive environment and develop in the time lag required for functional adaptation of the epithelium.

Mucosal morphological changes in the ileal neobladder

OBJECTIVE

To determine the ultrastructural changes in the mucosa of intestinal segments used as a neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsy specimens from the ileal neobladders of eight men (mean age 62 years, range 52-68) who had undergone radical cystectomy were assessed by light and electron microscopy from 1 month to 5 years after operation. The morphology was compared with that in control specimens obtained from three patients of similar age during construction of an ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy.

RESULTS

Light microscopy showed shorter mucosal villi and fewer goblet cells. Marked oedema was found in all ileal neobladder walls. Electron microscopy revealed fewer and shorter microvilli and fewer filamentous core rootlets; cell borders were irregular, there were few senile cells in the tip of the villi and more desmosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The absorptive and secretory function of the intestinal mucosa was probably decreased; the oedema of transferred ileal mucosa seemed to be associated with an inflammatory cell reaction. The cellular dynamics of the mucosa of the ileal neobladder changed with time, thus the ileal mucosa in the substitute bladder apparently adapted well to the new environment, i.e. urine retention, and neobladder expansion and contraction.

Primary adenocarcinoma of distal ileum used as outlet from a right colonic urinary reservoir

A case of primary adenocarcinoma of distal ileum used as intussuscepted nipple valve and outlet from a right colonic reservoir is reported. The tumour was diagnosed 5.5 years after the patient was operated on with cystectomy and right colonic reservoir for a moderately differentiated, muscle-invasive transitional carcinoma of the bladder.