Ileal orthotopic bladder substitutes. What we have learned from 12 years' experience with 200 patients

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.

ORTHOTOPIC BLADDER SUBSTITUTION IN WOMEN: NONTRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS

PURPOSE

Orthotopic urinary diversion is a feasible and optimal technique for many women undergoing cystectomy. Although successful outcomes have been achieved, groups at most centers have strict selection criteria. We evaluated our experience with female orthotopic diversion in traditional and nontraditional candidates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 1, 1995 to February 6, 2003 53 females with a mean age of 62 years underwent orthotopic bladder substitution. Median followup was 24 months. Clinicopathological parameters were evaluated in traditional and nontraditional patients. The nontraditional subset comprised 22 women older than 70 years (12) or had a history of pelvic radiation (2), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (6) or stress incontinence (2).

RESULTS

The entire group had a mean operative time, blood loss and hospital stay of 6.2 hours, 1,135 ml and 8.2 days, respectively. Tumor was organ confined in 38 and extravesical in 14 patients with bladder cancer. Complications were detected in 20 patients, including 9 who were traditional (23%) and 11 who were nontraditional (50%). Daytime and nighttime continence was reported by 46 (87%) and 45 (85%) patients, respectively, of whom 11 (21%) required intermittent catheterization. Of the patients with cancer 42 were disease-free, 2 were alive with disease and 6 died of disease. The nontraditional subset was older (p <0.0003) and had shorter followup (p = 0.05), a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.01) and a shorter overall survival (p = 0.001) than the traditional group. Continence was seen in 19 of 22 nontraditional patients (86%) and 4 (18%) required intermittent catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic neobladder diversion offers excellent clinical and functional results, and should be the diversion of choice in most women following cystectomy. A subset of less favorable candidates can also successfully undergo orthotopic substitution with a tolerable toxicity profile.

Caveats when interpreting intravenous urograms following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution

The aim of this study was to evaluate the appearance of the upper urinary tract following cystectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution. Intravenous urograms (IVUs) performed preoperatively and at regular intervals postoperatively on 87 long-term survivors (minimum survival, 5 years) following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution were reviewed. Distention of the collecting system with blunted or rounded fornices was defined as dilatation. If in addition contrast medium excretion was delayed on the 5-min film, this was defined as obstruction. Collecting system dilatation was present on all IVU films obtained from most patients (80%) within 6 months of surgery, even in the absence of urinary tract obstruction. In contrast, dilatation was commonly seen only on the 20-min postinjection films (79%) on urograms performed more than 1 year following surgery, but not encountered on the other two postinjection radiographs (at 5 and 60 min). Five years after surgery, permanent obstruction was observed in only five (3%) renoureteral units. Dilatation of the upper urinary tract after ileal orthotopic bladder substitution is a frequent finding on the 5-min, 20-min, and 60-min films during the early postoperative period but is found only on the 20-min film 1 year and later after surgery. These findings should not be overinterpreted as obstruction.

Follow-up strategies and management of recurrence in urologic oncology bladder cancer:

A surveillance program following cystectomy should consider a patient's individual risk for the development of local and distant recurrences and any specific needs related to the urinary tract reconstruction performed (Table 1). Well-documented recurrence patterns following cystectomy are available from many large surgical series and provide the background information needed for tailoring follow-up based on pathologic criteria. Economic issues also must be considered, given that the health care-related expenses of treating and following patients with bladder cancer is twice as much as that expended for the treatment of prostate cancer. Because of the ever-increasing fiscal constraints placed on clinicians, risk-adjusted follow-up strategies are reasonable, but will require prospective evaluation to validate their appropriateness.

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.

Radical cystectomy with or without urethrectomy?

After the introduction of bladder replacement procedures, the indications for prophylactic urethrectomy have become more and more restricted. While years ago, a prophylactic urethrectomy was performed in many patients with cutaneous diversions, it has become clear that only patients with invasion by transitional cell carcinoma at the level of the prostatic urethra or bladder neck have a substantial risk of developing subsequent urethral recurrence. The pre- or intra-operative assessment of the prostatic urethra in males and of the bladder neck in females is the key to appropriate management of the urethra in patients with 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.

Hautmann and Studer orthotopic neobladders: a contemporary experience

PURPOSE

The development of Studer and Hautmann orthotopic neobladders has revolutionized the management of urinary diversion. Several series have promoted 1 technique over the other. We examine the clinical outcome of a contemporary cohort of patients with bladder cancer who underwent either Hautmann or Studer orthotopic reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 130 patients who underwent cystectomy and orthotopic diversion (Studer 93 and Hautmann 37) between March 1, 1995 and September 30, 2000. Clinical parameters evaluated were age, gender, procedure time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, pathological stage, and rates of complication, continence and reoperation. Diversion type was compared with clinical parameters using Fisher's exact test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum analysis.

RESULTS

Studer and Hautmann techniques had mean procedure times of 5.9 and 5.3 hours, respectively (p = 0.003), and mean length of stay was shorter for Hautmann than Studer (7.0 versus 8.3 days, respectively, p = 0.02). When comparing both populations there was no difference in age, gender, estimated blood loss, pathological stage or rates of complication and reoperation. Total continence was similar in the Hautmann and Studer cohorts, whether during the day (67% versus 67%) or at night (47% versus 40%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that both orthotopic techniques can be performed in men and women in a safe and timely fashion. Nighttime continence rates are slightly higher with the Hautmann technique, although not statistically different. The shortened Hautmann procedure time likely relates to variations in the ureteral anastomosis. Decreased length of stay may reflect recent trends of early hospital discharge.

Incidence and significance of positive urine cultures in patients with an orthotopic neobladder

PURPOSE

With an intact normal bladder bacterial colonization is uncommon unless intermittent catheterization is instituted. Because intestine, which is normally colonized with bacteria, is used to form an orthotopic neobladder, we determined whether patients with orthotopic urinary diversion are at increased risk for urinary tract infection and urosepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 66 patients who received an orthotopic neobladder after radical cystectomy were prospectively evaluated with urinalysis and culture 2 months to 4 years postoperatively. No patient was on suppressive antibiotics unless they had recurrent urinary tract infections.

RESULTS

A total of 55 voided normally and 11 performed intermittent catheterization at least once daily due to high post-void residual urine. Of the patients who voided normally 78% had at least 1 positive urinalysis. If a patient had a positive urinalysis, bacteria was identified on culture in 50%. Overall 26 (39%) and 8 (12%) patients had a urinary tract infection and urosepsis, respectively. The estimated 5-year probability of urinary tract infection and urosepsis for patients who voided independently were 58% and 18%, respectively. Urine culture with greater than 100,000 cfu bacteria and female gender were the only factors predictive of urinary tract infection on multivariate analysis. Recurrent urinary tract infection was the only predictor for urosepsis. Intermittent catheterization or hydronephrosis was not related to urinary tract infection or urosepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of small bowel intestine appears to promote asymptomatic bacterial colonization but urosepsis rarely occurs unless the patient has recurrent urinary tract infections. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended only for patients with recurring urinary tract infections but treating a positive urinary culture in the absence of specific voiding symptoms is not advocated in this patient population.

Comparison of clinical and urodynamic outcome in orthotopic ileocaecal and ileal neobladder

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and urodynamic results in patients who had undergone orthotopic bladder substitution with ileocaecal (Mainz pouch procedure) or ileal (Abol-Enein and Ghoneim procedure) segments and who had a minimum follow-up of 12 months.

METHODS

Mainz pouch procedure (MP) was performed in 19 patients (mean age 62.4 years, median follow-up 36 months) and Abol-Enein and Ghoneim procedure (AG) in 36 patients (mean age 64.3 years, median follow-up 31 months). Complications and urodynamic findings were compared in both groups.

RESULTS

Complications related to the pouch were (MP and AG groups, respectively) ureterointestinal anastomotic stenosis (10.5% versus 5.7%), poucho-urethral anastomosis stenosis (5.3% versus 5.5%), poucho-ureteral reflux (7.9% versus 4.2%), and pyelonephritis (15.8% versus 13.8%). At 12 months postoperatively, daytime incontinence rates were 5.3% versus 5.5% and nighttime incontinence (twice weekly or more) rates were 21% versus 8.4% in MP and AG groups. In urodynamic evaluation, which was performed in 39 patients at 12 months postoperatively, both groups showed adequate bladder capacity, the mean values of which were 426 +/- 34 ml in MP group and 442+/-27 ml in AG group (p > 0.05). The mean value of maximal flow rate was 19.6 +/- 3.7 ml/s in MP group and 16 +/- 6.1 ml/s in AG group (p > 0.05). The mean residual urinary volume was 37 +/- 8.2 ml in MP group and 45 +/- 7.1 ml in AG group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The comparison between two types of bladder substitution, namely ileocaecourethrostomy (Mainz pouch procedure) and ileal reservoir (Abol-Enein and Ghoneim procedure) has demonstrated that urodynamic findings showed no significant difference between two groups.

Urinary diversion: ileal conduit to neobladder

PURPOSE

The goals of urinary diversion have evolved from simply diverting the urine through a conduit to orthotopic reconstruction, which provides a safe and continent means to store and eliminate urine with efforts to provide an improved quality of life. We address meaningful points that may help optimize clinical results in patients with an orthotopic bladder substitute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review involved an objective evaluation of the basic science literature of functional, structural and physiological characteristics of gastrointestinal tissue as a substitute for bladder. Potential problems that may be associated with particular parts of the gut for use in reconstruction are discussed. We also summarize the clinical results and complications of orthotopic reconstruction.

RESULTS

In the last 10 years the paradigm for choosing urinary diversion has changed substantially: In 2002 all patients undergoing cystectomy were neobladder candidates. It is critically important to understand the phenomenon of maturation. The motor and pharmacological response of the implanted gut changes dramatically toward that of the bladder. Structural and ultrastructural changes in the ileal mucosa lead to a primitive epithelium similar to urothelium. The need for reflux prevention is not the same as in ureterosigmoidostomy conduit or continent diversion. Reflux prevention in neobladders is even less important than in a normal bladder. When using nonrefluxing techniques, the risk of obstruction is at least twice that after direct anastomosis. Kidney function is not impaired by diversion if stenosis is recognized and managed. Patient health status is more influenced by underlying disease than by diversion. Complications of neobladders are actually similar to or lower than the true rates after conduit formation, in contrast to the popular view that conduits are simple and safe. Some degree of nocturnal leakage is a consistent finding in most reports despite a technically sound operation. The precise pathogenesis of urinary retention requiring clean intermittent catheterization remains uncertain. There are new complications, such as neobladder rupture and mucous tamponade.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic reconstruction has passed the test of time. In these patients life is similar to that in individuals with a native lower urinary tract. Until a better solution is devised orthotopic bladder reconstruction remains the best option for patients requiring cystectomy.

Long-term outcome of ileal conduit diversion

PURPOSE

Ileal conduit is considered a safe procedure and the gold standard to which newer forms of urinary diversion should be compared, although few long-term results are known. We analyzed a consecutive series of patients who lived a minimum of 5 years after ileal conduit diversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 412 patients underwent ileal conduit diversion between 1971 and 1995 at our institution. We analyzed all conduit related complications occurring later than 3 months after surgery in 131 long-term survivors (survival 5 years or greater).

RESULTS

Median followup was 98 months (range 60 to 354). Overall 192 conduit related complications developed in 87 of 131 (66%) patients. The most frequent complications were related to kidney function/morphology in 35 patients (27%), stoma in 32 (24%), bowel in 32 (24%), symptomatic urinary tract infection (including pyelonephritis) in 30 (23%), conduit/ureteral anastomosis in 18 (14%) and urolithiasis in 12 (9%). Within the first 5 years complications developed in 45% of patients. This percentage increased to 50%, 54% and 94% in those surviving 10, 15 and longer than 15 years, respectively. In this last group 50% had upper urinary tract changes and 38% had urolithiasis, for which the respective numbers after 5 years were 12% and 17%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a high conduit related complication rate in long-term survivors and underlines the need for vigorous long-term followup. Only studies lasting more than 1 decade cover the entire morbidity spectrum.

Orthotopic urinary diversion after cystectomy for bladder cancer: implications for cancer control and patterns of disease recurrence

PURPOSE

The impact of orthotopic urinary diversion on the quality of cystectomy and ensuing cancer control has not been adequately studied. We analyzed our experience with this clinical problem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 214 patients who underwent cystectomy and orthotopic diversion for bladder cancer were retrospectively evaluated and compared with those of 269 treated with an ileal conduit. Analyzed end points included overall and cancer specific survival. We specifically assessed the patterns of relapse and their association with pathological findings at cystectomy in the neobladder group.

RESULTS

No cancer specific survival difference was identified in the neobladder and ileal conduit cohorts when adjusting for pathological stage. Patterns of relapse in 62 of the 214 patients with a neobladder (29%) included local recurrence in 23 (11%), distant recurrence in 19 (9%), and combined local and distant recurrence in 18 (8%). Urethral recurrence was rare (2%). Of 10 patients (4.6%) diagnosed with upper tract recurrence 6 and 4 initially had relapse in the ureteroenteric anastomosis and renal pelvis, respectively. Five of the 6 patients with anastomotic relapse had evidence of disease in the intramural or juxtavesical ureter that was removed en bloc with the cystectomy specimen. Only 1 patient required neobladder takedown after such anastomotic recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that neobladders do not compromise the quality of preceding cystectomy or interfere with management in the presence of local or distant disease relapse. Our data suggest that involvement of the intramural or juxtavesical ureteral segment at cystectomy irrespective of surgical margin status may identify patients at higher risk for anastomotic recurrence, which is associated with an ominous prognosis.

Antegrade extraperitoneal approach to radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder

BACKGROUND

We describe a new operative technique for the surgical treatment of bladder cancer.

METHODS

Male patients with invasive bladder cancer were managed by radical cystoprostatectomy using a technically different approach than the conventional method. The main feature of this method includes a small vertical incision between pubis and umbilicus, keeping the abdominal peritoneum closed during the surgery. Reperitonealization is done at completion to isolate the urinary anastomoses from the bowel anastomoses.

RESULTS

Seventy-six consecutive patients with bladder cancer underwent this operation. The mean operation time was 4 h 30 min and the mean hospital stay was 11 days. No mortality was seen in the early postoperative period. Only one patient developed serious bowel distension. Two patients developed pneumonia. Wound infection was seen in two patients. Two patients experienced hydronephrosis in the late period of follow-up. Four patients developed pelvic lymphocele. There was no evidence of postoperative electrolyte loss in any of the patients. Three patients developed abdominal hernia and this was corrected with surgical treatment. Urodynamic evaluation of 15 patients showed a low capacity reservoir. All patients were continent during the daytime.

CONCLUSION

This technique keeps the abdominal peritoneum closed during radical cystoprostatectomy, preventing the patients from complications, such as infection, water and electrolyte imbalances. The technique also decreases the recovery time.

Urinary diversion and bladder reconstruction/replacement using intestinal segments for intractable incontinence or following cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgery performed to improve or replace the function of the diseased urinary bladder has been carried out for over a century. Main reasons for improving or replacing the function of the urinary bladder are bladder cancer, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, detrusor overactivity and chronic inflammatory diseases of the bladder (such as interstitial cystitis, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis). There is still much uncertainty about the best surgical approach. Options available at the present time include: (1) conduit diversion (the creation of various intestinal conduits to the skin) or continent diversion (which includes either a rectal reservoir or continent cutaneous diversion), (2) bladder reconstruction and (3) replacement of the bladder with various intestinal segments.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the best way of improving or replacing the function of the lower urinary tract using intestinal segments when the bladder has to be removed or when it has been rendered useless or dangerous by disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group's specialised register (3 May 2001), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 2, 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2001), PREMEDLINE (4 June 2001), Dissertation Abstracts (18.6.2001) and the reference lists of relevant articles. Date of most recent search: June 2001.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of surgery involving transposition of an intestinal segment into the urinary tract.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trials were evaluated for appropriateness for inclusion and for methodological quality by the reviewers. Three reviewers were involved in the data extraction. The data collected was then analysed for statistical significance.

MAIN RESULTS

Two trials met the inclusion criteria with a total of 164 participants. These trials addressed only four of the 14 comparisons pre-specified in the protocol. There were no statistically significant differences found in the incidence of upper urinary tract infection, ureterointestinal stenosis and renal deterioration in the comparison of continent diversion with conduit diversion. There was no evidence of a difference in incidence of upper urinary tract infection and uretero-intestinal stenosis when conduit diversions were fashioned from either ileum or colon. No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of renal scarring between anti-refluxing versus freely refluxing uretero-intestinal anastomotic techniques in conduit diversions. The confidence intervals were all wide, however, and did not rule out important differences. There was some limited evidence that use of the more complex nipple valve at the ureteroileal anastomosis was more likely to lead to upper tract deterioration than implantation into a non-detubularised, isoperistaltic ileal afferent limb.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from the included trials was very limited. Only two studies met the inclusion criteria; these were small, of moderate or poor methodological quality, and reported few of the pre-selected outcome measures. This review did not find any evidence that bladder replacement (orthotopic or continent diversion) was better than conduit diversion following cystectomy for cancer. There was no evidence to suggest that bladder reconstruction was better than conduit diversion for benign disease. The small amount of usable evidence for this review suggests that collaborative multicentre studies should be organised, using random allocation where possible.

Is ileal orthotopic bladder substitution with an afferent tubular segment detrimental to the upper urinary tract in the long term?

PURPOSE

We determine long-term morphological changes of the upper urinary tract following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution with an afferent tubular segment without a flap-valve type antireflux procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of long-term survivors (5 years or greater) following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution underwent regular radiological followup with excretory urography. Preoperative and postoperative renal size, parenchymal thickness, pelvicaliceal dilatation and upper urinary tract obstruction were assessed by 2 radiologists.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients with a median followup of 84 months (range 60 to 155) were evaluable. Four patients (2.6%) underwent unilateral nephroureterectomy during followup. Of the remaining 148 renoureteral units 141 (95%) revealed no significant changes in size or parenchymal thickness during followup. Renal size decreased in 6 (4%) and parenchymal thickness in 7 (5%) renoureteral units, 5 of which already had renal pathologies (dilatation, obstruction or hypoplastic kidney) preoperatively. De novo shrinkage of the parenchyma of a preoperatively normal kidney was observed in 2 (1%) renoureteral units associated with stenosis of the ureteroileal anastomosis. Of the 148 renoureteral units 14 (9%) presented with nonobstructive dilatation and 4 (3%) with complete obstruction. Preoperatively average serum creatinine level +/- SD was 98 +/- 19 micromol./l. and 10 years thereafter it was 83 +/- 27 micromol./l.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that unidirectional peristalsis of ureters and the afferent tubular ileal segment sufficiently protect the upper urinary tract following ileal bladder substitution up to a decade provided there are no preoperative renal pathology and no anastomotic stricture postoperatively. Additional antireflux flap-valve type implantation techniques are not required.

Preservation of the anterior vaginal wall during female radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion: technique and results

PURPOSE

Orthotopic urinary reconstruction has been shown to be a viable option in women undergoing radical cystectomy. However, due to anatomical differences and technical considerations orthotopic diversion has been performed in a relatively small number of patients. We examined our technique of vaginal wall preservation during female radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder construction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent radical cystectomy between January 1994 and December 2001. Of these 542 patients we identified 94 females, of whom 25 (27%) underwent orthotopic neobladder substitution. We reviewed perioperative major and minor complications, postoperative care, followup and pathological results.

RESULTS

Overall 21 of the 25 patients (84%) underwent anterior vaginal wall sparing. Five patients (24%) had minor complications, there were no major perioperative complications and no patients required transfusion. Median estimated blood loss in this group was 575 ml. (range 200 to 1,250). A single neobladder-vaginal fistula developed in a patient early in our series in whom the anterior vaginal wall was incised and repaired during dissection. Of the 21 patients 15 (72%) were continent. Pathological specimens revealed a negative posterior bladder wall and urethral margins in all cases. At a median followup of 12 months 1 patient had local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior vaginal wall preservation in female radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder substitution is technically feasible, maintains vaginal length and support, has an acceptable complication rate and can achieve negative margins. Prospective evaluation is needed to assess the long-term impact on functional outcomes and cancer control.

Surgical management of bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in medical oncology, radiation therapy, and molecular and cell biology, the mainstay in the management of bladder cancer continues to be surgery.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the literature regarding the endoscopic diagnosis and management of bladder cancer as well the role of partial and radical cystectomy.

RESULTS

Cystoscopy and transurethral resection are required to diagnose and stage bladder cancer. The indications for random bladder biopsies, prostatic urethral biopsy, and re-resection of the tumor bed are examined. The results and complications of endoscopic resection in the management of Ta, T1, and T2 or greater bladder cancer are reported. The roles of partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, extent of lymphadenectomy, and indications for urethrectomy are also examined. The results and complications of radical cystectomy for the management of T2, T3, T4, and N+ bladder cancer are reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery remains a critical element in the management of bladder cancer. Improvements in surgical technique, urinary reconstruction, and multimodal therapy continue to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with transitional cell cancer of the bladder.

The remnant urothelium after reconstructive bladder surgery

The pathology of the remnant urinary tract in an increasing population of cystectomy patients with orthotopic and heterotopic bladder substitution due to primary bladder carcinoma, and its management is discussed. The incidence of urethral tumours in primary or recurrent bladder cancer in long-term studies is approximately 6% for male and 2% for female patients. Risk factors for urethral tumour occurrence are tumours at the bladder neck and recurrent multifocal tumours. CIS of the bladder not involving the bladder neck, and muscle invasive tumours with or without lymph node involvement are not significantly correlated with urethral cancer. Those patients at risk for urethral tumours need additional work-up (multiple urethral biopsies and/or urethral brushings, frozen section of the membranous urethra) before an orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction to the urethra should be considered. In a large series of male patients, the majority of patients with urethral tumours had a single conservative treatment session, and did not recur thereafter demonstrating the feasibility of a conservative approach for superficial urethral tumour recurrences in patients with an orthotopic neo-bladder to the urethra. The incidence of upper tract tumours following cystectomy and lower urinary tract reconstruction lies between 2.4-17%. In a group of 258 patients with an orthotopic bladder substitution, we have seen an incidence of 3.5%. Tumour multifocality, carcinoma in situ in the bladder and/or distal ureter, locally advanced bladder tumour stage, and invasion of the intramural ureter were seen as risk factors in some series. A tendency for a higher incidence can be seen in those series with longer follow-up. The median time between cystectomy and diagnosis of upper tract tumours lies between 8 and 69 months in most series. A longer observation period in larger numbers of patients with an orthotopic neo-bladder and longer survival rates in general after cystectomy may reveal an increase in the incidence of upper tract tumours over the next decade.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the second most frequent tumour of the urogenital tract. Tobacco smoke has been shown to increase the risk of bladder cancer two- to fivefold as well as the exposure to metabolites of aniline dyes and other aromatic amines. Seventy-five per cent of bladder cancers are superficial at initial presentation, limited to the mucosa, submucosa, or lamina propria. Recurrence rates after initial treatment are 50-80%, with progression to muscle-invading tumour in 10-25%. In muscle-invading bladder cancers, there is a 50% risk of distant metastases. Surgery is the mainstay of standard treatment both in the form of transurethral endoscopic resection, mainly for superficial disease, and in the form of open ablative surgery with urinary diversion for muscle invasive disease. Endovesical administration of BCG has been employed after endoscopic resection as the most effective agent for both prophylaxis of disease recurrence and progression from superficial to invasive disease. The accepted treatment for muscle infiltrative disease is radical cystectomy. Response rates to combination chemotherapy regimens of up to 70% in patients with advanced metastatic disease have led to an investigation of its use for locally invasive disease in combination with conventional modalities of treatment.

Assessment of morbidity and functional results in bladder replacement with Hautmann ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy: a clinical experience in 55 highly selected patients

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the morbidity and functional results of the ileal neobladder in a series of 55 highly selected patients. The ileal neobladder is a commonly used technique for orthotopic bladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy in both sexes. Good results have been published from Ulm University, where the technique was popularized.

METHODS

From February 1994 to June 2000, 55 patients (47 men and 8 women), 32 to 75 years old (mean age 58) with good performance status (American Society of Anesthesiologists score 1 and 2), underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and Hautmann ileal neobladder reconstruction. Functional assessments were done at 3 months and every 6 months thereafter, with special attention to urinary continence and upper urinary tract status.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 28.8 months (range 8 to 96). One perioperative death occurred. Early complications occurred in 23.6% without repeated surgery and late complications occurred in 25.4%, with three repeated operations for occlusive syndromes. The daytime and nighttime continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 59.6%, 80.8%, and 88.5% and 38.5%, 61.5%, and 78.8%, respectively. The overall continence rate in patients younger than 70 years old was 80.8%. Three patients required self-catheterization to empty their neobladder. Eleven patients died of metastatic evolution of their bladder cancer or intercurrent disease at 6 to 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In highly selected patients, the ileal neobladder provides good functional results regarding continence with an acceptable complication rate. In this series, the results were comparable to those reported in the referent institution.

Bladder substitution in women

Bladder substitution in women with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is not a universally accepted procedure. There are many concerns, one of which is the potential risk of metachronous and synchronous urethral transitional cell carcinoma involvement. Another concern is that voiding dysfunction may be more frequent than in male patients. The numbers of female patients who have had this procedure are still small, and follow-up data are relatively brief. Thus, the true role for orthotopic bladder substitution in the female is still being evaluated. This paper reviews the data on this type of surgery in women, with emphasis on urethral TCC risk and on voiding dysfunction. Early results from a number of institutions are encouraging, particularly in correctly selected patients. Based on more than 15 years experience in an albeit small number of patients, we believe that if there is a functional external sphincter and tumor margins can be safely cleared, this form of surgery offers patients the best opportunity to preserve quality of life following cystectomy.

Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in elderly bladder cancer patients

BACKGROUND

We compared the clinical results of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in elderly patients and those in younger patients retrospectively in order to verify whether age is a critical factor in selecting a method of urinary diversion.

METHODS

Following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, 12 patients aged 75 or older and 17 patients under 75 who underwent orthotopic neobladder reconstruction between January 1992 and May 1999 were investigated in this study. The authors TS and BS were among the surgeons who performed operations for all cases. Of the 12 elderly patients, orthotopic neobladders were constructed according to Hautmann's method in nine cases, Studer's method in one case and Reddy's method in two cases. Of the 17 younger patients, these methods were employed in 12, one and four cases, respectively. Operative procedure, early and late complications, prognosis, continence and voiding pattern were investigated in these patients.

RESULTS

The follow-up periods for elderly and younger groups ranged from 21.3 to 82.7 months and from 8.8 to 94.2 months, respectively. No difference in operation time, amount of bleeding or postoperative length of hospitalization was observed between elderly and younger patients. The rates of early complications in elderly and younger patients were 41.7% and 35.3%, respectively. Late complication rates were 33.3% and 47.1%, respectively. The difference in these complication rates was not statistically significant. One of the elderly and two of the younger patients had local recurrence and metastasis postoperatively. Those three patients had died of their bladder cancer. No statistically significant difference between groups was recognized in either cause-specific survival or overall survival, nor was there such a difference in relation to micturition/continence.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we believe that because age is not a critical factor in the selection of urinary diversion method, neobladder reconstruction following cystectomy for bladder cancer is indicated in elderly patients. As stoma management is difficult for the patients, we consider orthotopic neobladder reconstruction to be the method of choice if the patients' general physical condition allows.

Urethra-sparing cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion in women with malignant pelvic tumors

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, few data exist regarding the functional and oncologic outcome of pelvic tumors in women with urethra-sparing cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion to the urethra.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The combined data of 102 women age 28-79 (mean, 59 yrs) years who underwent a urethra-sparing cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion for either primary bladder cancer (96 patients), carcinoma of the uterine cervix (2 patients), carcinoma of the vagina (1 patient), primary fallopian tube carcinoma (1 patient), uterine sarcoma (1 patient), or rectal carcinoma (1 patient) were reviewed. The histology of the 96 primary bladder tumors was 81 transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), 8 adenocarcinomas, 5 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 small cell carcinoma, and 1 unclassified. Follow-up ranged from 1.5-100 months (mean, 26 mos; median, 24 mos). In all patients, the bladder neck and up to 1 cm in length of the adjacent urethra were removed with the bladder. An ileal orthotopic neobladder procedure was performed if staging biopsies of the bladder neck and intraoperative frozen section of the urethral margin revealed no tumor.

RESULTS

There was no perioperative mortality, and an early and late complication rate requiring secondary intervention in 5 (5%) and 12 (12%) patients. With 88 of 102 patients alive and 83 of 102 patients disease free, a disease-specific survival of 74% and a disease-free survival of 63% was estimated at 5 years. No pelvic recurrence was seen in 81 patients with TCC. Three pelvic recurrences occurred, two tumors of the inner genitalia and one adenocarcinoma of the bladder, none of them in the area of the urethra or its supplying autonomic nerves. Daytime continence was 82%; nocturnal continence was 72%. Twelve (12%) patients were unable to empty their bladders completely and needed some form of catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional and oncologic outcome of female patients with an orthotopic urinary diversion to a remnant urethra was found to be comparable to that found in large studies on males. An orthotopic neobladder proved to be an oncologically safe option for women with pelvic tumors and was found to provide quality of life when there was adherence to previously defined selection criteria.

Evaluation of urinary continence and voiding function: early results in men with neo-urethral modification of the Hautmann orthotopic neobladder

PURPOSE

At our institution we use the Hautmann orthotopic bladder replacement with a chimney and neo-urethral modification. A neo-urethral tube allows tension-free intestino-urethral anastomosis, thus providing application of this procedure for patients who may otherwise not qualify due to the inability of the small bowel to reach the urethra. However, this neo-urethral tube may also enhance continence by providing significant intra-abdominal urethral length. Conversely, such a modification may be associated with a higher degree of urinary retention. Early evaluation and reporting on the results of this procedure appear warranted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 1996 to March 2000, 14 consecutive male patients underwent cystoprostatectomy and urinary reconstruction with Hautmann repair using chimney and neo-urethral modifications. We performed a retrospective analysis of urinary function and continence with data obtained from patient questionnaires completed preoperatively and at each postoperative office visit. The examining physician chart notes were reviewed for information about urinary retention. The American Urological Association symptom score and voiding bother index were used to assess urinary function and bother, respectively. Urinary continence was defined as the complete absence of any form of urinary leakage protection.

RESULTS

Of the 14 patients 12 were completely continent day and night, with a median followup of 17 months. There were 2 patients who wore pads less than 7 months after surgery. Improvement of urinary continence appeared to continue up to 12 months postoperatively. Despite this encouraging effect, when our data were compared to the published literature, we noted a somewhat increased incidence of patients requiring clean intermittent catheterization to manage significant post-void urinary residuals. We had no patients with urethro-intestinal strictures who required clean intermittent catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

The neo-urethral tube modification appears to have a significant and favorable impact on urinary continence while seeming to be associated with a trend towards an increased rate of chronic urinary retention. Longer followup will be required to determine whether this higher rate of chronic urinary retention will remain stable or change with time.

Metabolic changes and urodynamic findings after continent urinary diversion

Methods of creating continent urinary diversions were developed in the mid-1980s (neobladder, pouch) providing patients with continence and anatomically appropriate voluntary urine discharge. In a follow-up investigation on 18 patients, the question to be clarified was whether continent urinary diversion meets the demands of an ideal bladder substitute. Follow-up examination showed normal clinical test values almost without exception. Only five out of 18 patients had discrete acidosis. Neither malabsorption syndrome nor any disorder of vitamin D3 metabolism was found. Ultrasonography and X-ray diagnostics showed normal conditions, without stones and reflux. Urodynamic investigations revealed that bladder emptying was almost free of residual urine, and continence was largely undisturbed. In accordance with these data, there is almost perfect patient acceptance. At present, there are still no sufficient data on the risk of tumour induction, since the latency period required (about 20 years) in most cases has not yet been reached. Since there are currently numerous publications on "urinary diversion carcinoma", consistent follow-up is necessary comprising not only the metabolic, but also the oncological risks of urinary diversion via intestinal segments.

Orthotopic bladder substitution

For a select group of patients orthotopic bladder substitution is an ideal alternative for urinary diversion after cystectomy. Initially this method was mainly applied in males, but is increasingly being used in women with good results. In general, consensus has been reached concerning patient selection criteria and surgical details, but there are some important issues of continuing debate. To achieve good long-term results meticulous postoperative patient management is of utmost importance.

Continent urinary reconstruction versus ileal conduit: a contemporary single-institution comparison of perioperative morbidity and mortality

OBJECTIVES

To compare postoperative morbidity and mortality in a concurrent and contemporary series of patients who underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit versus orthotopic neobladder.

METHODS

The data of 198 patients were reviewed, 117 with orthotopic reconstruction and 81 with ileal conduit during a 5-year time frame. Thirty-day morbidity, mortality, reoperative rates, and parameters associated with the surgical procedures were obtained from chart review.

RESULTS

No perioperative or postoperative deaths occurred in either group. The median operative time for the ileal conduit was 201 minutes (range 140 to 373), and for the orthotopic neobladder, it was 270 minutes (range 230 to 425). The median blood loss was 389 and 474 mL, respectively. The median length of hospitalization was 8 days for the ileal conduit group and 7 days for the orthotopic neobladder group. Diversion-related complications recognized within 30 days that ultimately required a return to the operating room occurred in 3.4% of those with a neobladder and 1.2% of those with an ileal conduit.

CONCLUSIONS

The orthotopic neobladder is a longer and technically more complex procedure than the ileal conduit procedure. However, no demonstrable difference in morbidity or perioperative complications were found between the two procedures in our review.

Female orthotopic bladder substitution: a good operation in the right circumstances

PURPOSE

We present the long-term results of orthotopic bladder substitution in women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively assessed 15 female patients undergoing orthotopic bladder substitution between October 1984 and April 1998. The indication for diversion was bladder carcinoma in 8 cases, gynecologic malignancy in 2 and benign disease in 5.

RESULTS

At a median followup of 19 months daytime and nighttime continence was 100% and 80%, respectively. All but 1 patient voided spontaneously. Two patients who were initially able to void successfully had voiding difficulties in the initial 10 months due to prominent mucosal tissue at the bladder neck. In each case this condition was successfully managed by endoscopic resection. There has been no local recurrence of bladder carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

With strict selection criteria and vigilant followup female orthotopic bladder substitution produces excellent long-term functional results comparable to those in men. However, the limits in women who require radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer cannot be determined from our results. Further long-term data on the local recurrence rate of invasive urothelial malignancy are needed before the true risk may be quantified accurately.

Radiology of urinary diversions

Radiologic evaluation of urinary diversion has three objectives: to monitor upper tract distention, to detect new urothelial tumors and to detect metastasis. The type of imaging procedure and the frequency of imaging is dictated by the urologist preference. As many surgical procedures are available for noncontinent and continent diversion, interpretation of radiographic studies requires a detailed knowledge of the type of surgical procedure that has been performed.

Ileal neobladder and local recurrence of bladder cancer: patterns of failure and impact on function in men

PURPOSE

Creation of an ileal neobladder has become a standard procedure in patients undergoing cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer. We evaluated the impact of local recurrence on ileal neobladder function and survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 1986 and February 1997, 357 men underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder substitution at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients to determine patterns of local recurrence and survival rates.

RESULTS

Local recurrence developed in 43 of the 357 patients (12%), in whom median survival plus or minus standard deviation was 17 +/- 1.6 months and median time to recurrence was 10 months (range 2 to 41). Of the 43 patients with local recurrence at followup 36 had local advanced cancer on the final pathological evaluation (stage pT3a or node positive, or greater). A total of 17 patients (43%) had concomitant distant metastasis. Of the 43 patients 3 are alive at 36, 48 and 147 months, respectively. Death was due to disease in 36 cases, chemotherapy related complications in 3 and another cause in 1. Of the 43 patients 40 maintained good neobladder function. Local recurrence interfered with the upper urinary tract in 24 cases, neobladder in 10 and intestinal tract in 7. The neobladder was removed only in 1 patient due to a neovesical intestinal fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

The local recurrence rate after orthotopic urinary reconstruction is 12%. Survival after local recurrence is diagnosed is limited despite multimodality therapy. However, most patients may anticipate normal neobladder function even in the presence of recurrent disease or until death. Thus, creating orthotopic diversion after cystectomy in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, including macroscopically or microscopically positive lymph nodes, is safe.

Orthotopic ileal neobladder in male patients: functional outcomes of 66 cases

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic urinary diversion has become the preferred form of bladder reconstruction after cystectomy. We report on our experience with 66 male patients undergoing this procedure from November 1990 to February 1998.

METHODS

A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment with a Hautmann type bladder. Complications were assessed and subdivided into early and late types. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Median follow up was 19.5 (range 3.5-87.7) months.

RESULTS

There was one (1.5%) perioperative death. The most frequent pouch-related and unrelated early complications were persistent urine leak (7.6%) and prolonged ileus (16.7%), respectively, the majority of cases of which were managed conservatively. Analysis of late complications revealed 6.2% ureteroileal stenosis and 1.5% urethrointestinal stenosis rates, but no case of bladder stone formation. Of the 61 patients in whom voiding function was evaluable, 95.1% achieved excellent daytime continence, while only 67.2% had night-time continence. With regard to posture at voiding, 23 (37.7%) voided in a sitting position. Three of the patients (4.9%) were unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed with acceptable morbidity and excellent functional results. We believe that orthotopic urinary diversion offers an attractive alternative to a bladder substitute when cystectomy is required.

Voiding function of orthotopic ileal neobladder in women

OBJECTIVES

Although the advent of orthotopic lower urinary reconstruction in women is a major achievement in the evolution of urinary diversion, the mechanism of voiding dysfunction remains incompletely understood. We report on the voiding function of ileal neobladder in 12 female patients.

METHODS

A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Chain cystography was performed postoperatively to detect the existence of urethral angulation. Median follow-up was 33.2 months (range 8.4 to 77.4).

RESULTS

Of the 1 2 patients, 10 (83.3%) achieved excellent daytime continence, and 6 (50%) had nighttime incontinence despite regular voiding during the night. Three patients (25%) sometimes or often performed self-catheterization because of difficulty in urinating. One patient (8.3%) was unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization. Chain cystogram revealed urethral angulation in the 3 patients with difficulty in urinating or hypercontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed in women with excellent functional results. Urethral angulation appears to be one of the main mechanisms for voiding dysfunction, and further studies on the functional anatomy of the female urethra are needed to improve the voiding function of the orthotopic neobladder in women.

Bladder substitution

Preliminary data have shown that composite reservoirs consisting of gastric segments in combination with ileum or colon may reduce metabolic problems. Orthotopic neobladders are the most natural way to reconstruct the urinary bladder and are a safe option in selected male and female patients. Experimental and preliminary clinical data about new methods using autologous muscle transfer and tissue engineering are promising.

The ileal neobladder: complications and functional results in 363 patients after 11 years of followup

PURPOSE

Since 1986 orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction using the ileal neobladder has been our diversion of choice in patients of both sexes undergoing cystectomy. We report on experience and functional results of the first 363 men 11 years after this procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Complications were assessed, tabulated, subdivided into early (3 months or less postoperatively) and late types, and further categorized with respect to relationship to neobladder construction. Continence and voiding pattern were individually evaluated via a detailed patient questionnaire.

RESULTS

Perioperative death occurred in 11 patients (3%). Neobladder related early and late complications occurred in 56 (15.4%) and 85 (23.4%) of the 363 patients, respectively. Neobladder related early and late abdominal reoperation rates were 0.3 and 4.4%, respectively. Perioperative neobladder unrelated early complications were observed in 122 patients (33.6%) and 44 (12.1%) required operative treatment. Late postoperative complications unrelated to the neobladder occurred in 45 patients (12.4%) and 19 required open surgical revision. Of 290 evaluable patients 96.1% void spontaneously, 3.9% perform clean intermittent catheterization in some form and 1.7% perform regular intermittent catheterization. Daytime and nighttime continence was reported as good by 95.9% and satisfactory by 95% of the patients. Unacceptable daytime continence requiring more than 1 pad per day occurred in only 4.1% of the patients and only 5% are wetting more than 1 pad a night.

CONCLUSIONS

The ileal neobladder produces good functional results and can be constructed with acceptable complications. Our data suggest that although it is not a complication-free procedure, we advocate its use when possible.