Volume capacity and pressure characteristics of various types of intestinal reservoirs

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.

Urodynamic and continence assessment of orthotropic neobladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy in bladder cancer; a prospective, blinded North Indian tertiary care experience

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare urodynamic and continence parameters among patients undergoing orthotropic neo-bladder substitution with sigmoid or ileal segments. Variations in the Urodynamic parameter between the continent and incontinent patients were also evaluated.

Patients and Methods:

From January 2008 to March 2012, 44 patients underwent ileal neobladder (IN) reconstruction and 36 patients underwent sigmoid neobladder (SN) reconstruction. Evaluation of Urodynamic and Continence parameters was performed at 12 months after surgery.

Results:

The average capacity of IN and SN was 510 ml and 532 ml respectively. The voiding pressure, mean peak flow rates and post void residual urine (PVRU) for IN and SN were 27.5 cm H₂O versus 37 cm H₂O, 15ml/s versus 17ml/s and 36 ml versus 25 ml respectively. Daytime continence for IN and SN was 93% (41/44) and 89% (32/36), and night-time continence was 91% (40/44) and 78% (28/36) respectively. The compliance, maximum cystometric capacity and PVRU in the daytime continent (versus incontinent) were 61 (versus 41), 471 (versus 651) and 22 (versus 124) and in the night-time continent (versus incontinent) were 57 (versus 43), 437 (versus 654) and 18 (versus 105) respectively.

Conclusion:

A neobladder constructed from detubularized ileum or sigmoid achieves urodynamically proven adequate capacity and compliance with 89-93% daytime and 78-91% night time continence. Continent men when compared with incontinent (both daytime and night time) were more likely to have comparatively higher compliance, lower maximum cystometric capacity and lower PVRU. Urodynamic study could predict which incontinent men would improve with pelvic floor exercises and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).

Renal function change after refluxing type orthotopic ileal substitution

PURPOSE

We investigated the impact of the presence and severity of vesicoureteral reflux on renal function in patients with an ileal orthotopic bladder substitute without an antirefluxing mechanism after radical cystectomy. We compared results in patients with an ileal conduit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 101 patients (195 renal units) who underwent radical cystectomy, including 73 (142 renal units) with an ileal orthotopic substitute and 28 (53 renal units) with a conduit between July 2004 and August 2009, we evaluated (99m)technetium diethylenetetramine pentaacetic acid renal scans to measure individual glomerular filtration rates preoperatively. This was followed annually along with postoperative voiding cystourethrography. We analyzed factors influencing a change in the postoperative glomerular filtration rate, including reflux presence and severity.

RESULTS

In patients with an orthotopic substitute vesicoureteral reflux was observed in 104 renal units (73.2%). Reflux was bilateral in 80.8% of renal units and grade 3 or higher in 45 (31.7%). The mean glomerular filtration rate of all renal units remained unchanged perioperatively and was not influenced by reflux presence or severity. The percent change in the glomerular filtration rate was similar between patients with an orthotopic substitute and an ileal conduit. Post-void residual urine was a significant risk factor for febrile urinary tract infection and subsequent hydronephrosis in the absence of obstruction as well as an independent predictor of a significant glomerular filtration rate decrease (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Vesicoureteral reflux that develops in refluxing type urinary diversions does not significantly alter renal function regardless of its severity unless it is coupled with post-void residual urine. Post-void residual urine carries a significant risk of febrile urinary tract infection and it is an independent predictor of renal function deterioration.

Radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder substitution using ileum

Over the past decade, continent urinary diversion, especially orthotopic bladder substitutions, has become increasingly popular following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. The ultimate goal of orthotopic bladder substitution is to offer patients the best quality of life, similar to that of patients with native bladders. To achieve that purpose, surgeons should be familiar with the characteristics of good candidates for neobladders, the possible intraoperative and postoperative problems related to the surgery, and the solutions to these problems. Postoperative surveillance and instructions given to the patients also contribute to successful, functional results. Here, we reviewed the indications, pitfalls, and solutions for orthotopic bladder substitutions and the patients' quality of life after surgery. When performed properly, orthotopic continent diversion offers good quality of life with few long-term complications. Therefore, we believe it is the best option for the majority of patients requiring cystectomy.

Orthotopic neobladder: a 22-year experience

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the outcome of orthotopic ileal neobladder related to complications and quality of life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1985 to 2006, 75 patients with mean age of 57 years, (41-75) underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder substitution. The mean follow up was 72 months (6-144). Mean operative time was 240 minutes.

RESULTS

Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 250 to 2810 ml. Ureteral stents were removed on 14th postoperative day, and patients were discharged at 2st day, average. Complications appeared in 23 patients. There were two recurrent TCC in the neobladder. Three patients died from pulmonary embolism. Vesicoureteral reflux appeared in three patients, and it was bilateral in two patients. Total of 98% patients have daytime continence.

CONCLUSION

Continent urinary reservoirs represent the state of the art in urinary diversion. Surgeons who perform these operations are urgent to institute requirements for careful long-term follow-up of these patients.

Bladder augmentation: Complications in the pediatric population

Bladder augmentation is an invaluable tool for the pediatric urologist, for both the protection of the upper urinary tract and attainment of urinary continence. However, it remains a major surgical undertaking with significant morbidity. This review examines the incidence and pathophysiology of some of the most common and serious complications, which include surgical complications, such as malignancy, bowel obstruction, and bladder perforation, and medical complications including urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal dysfunction. We review the most current and pertinent literature to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of complications from bladder augmentation in the pediatric population.

Urinary Diversion

A consensus conference convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) met to critically review reports of urinary diversion. The world literature on urinary diversion was identified through a Medline search. Evidence-based recommendations for urinary diversion were prepared with reference to a 4-point scale. Many level 3 and 4 citations, but very few level 2 and no level 1, were noted. This outcome supported the clinical practice pattern. Findings of >300 reviewed citations are summarized. Published reports on urinary diversion rely heavily on expert opinion and single-institution retrospective case series: (1) The frequency distribution of urinary diversions performed by the authors of this report in >7000 patients with cystectomy reflects the current status of urinary diversion after cystectomy for bladder cancer: neobladder, 47%; conduit, 33%; anal diversion, 10%; continent cutaneous diversion, 8%; incontinent cutaneous diversion, 2%; and others, 0.1%. (2) No randomized controlled studies have investigated quality of life (QOL) after radical cystectomy. Such studies are desirable but are probably difficult to conduct. Published evidence does not support an advantage of one type of reconstruction over the others with regard to QOL. An important proposed reason for this is that patients are subjected preoperatively to method-to-patient matching, and thus are prepared for disadvantages associated with different methods. (3) Simple end-to-side, freely refluxing ureterointestinal anastomosis to an afferent limb of a low-pressure orthotopic reconstruction, in combination with regular voiding and close follow-up, is the procedure that results in the lowest overall complication rate. The potential benefit of "conventional" antireflux procedures in combination with orthotopic reconstruction seems outweighed by the higher complication and reoperation rates. The need to prevent reflux in a continent cutaneous reservoir is not significantly debated, and this should be done. (4) Most reconstructive surgeons have abandoned the continent Kock ileal reservoir largely because of the significant complication rate associated with the intussuscepted nipple valve.

Entérocystoplastie de substitution chez l'homme (Hautmann exclu) : principes et applications techniques

Orthotopic urinary reservoir using a bowel segment has become the most favoured form of diversion after radical cystectomy. Ideal neobladder has to (i) store the urine with a low pressure bladder substitute, (ii) protect the upper urinary tract and (iii) provide a better quality of life enabling volitional voiding. A lot of techniques have bee described to construct a reservoir, however, all of them are based on the principle of intestinal loop detubulation. Many intestinal segments have been used, but ileum seems to be preferred in Europe. The upper urinary tract is mainly protected by a low neobladder pressure, rather than an additional antireflux flap-valve-type implantation technique which may increase the risk of uretero-enteric stricture. No significant difference in functional outcome can be observed among the several techniques. In selected cases, orthotopic bladder replacement is well tolerated and feasible and appears to be the gold standard after cystectomy.

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.

The physic-pathology of continence and anti-reflux mechanisms

– When performing a heterotopic continent urinary diversion there are some crucial moments from a physiopathological point of view, such as the reconfiguration of the low-pressure reservoir, the uretero-enteric anastomoses and making the valve for continence. The low-pressure reservoir is achieved by detubularising an intestinal segment, chosen for its natural characteristics of peristalsis, the possibility of residual contractions and the tensive-elastic features of the tract used. It is traditionally thought that it is the shape given to the neo-reservoir rather than the length of intestinal tract which influences compliance. In turn the uretero-enteric anastomoses should not be assessed purely surgically, but also physiologically for their capacity to preserve renal functionality and prevent reflux. Correctly performed anastomoses adapted to the single techniques of continent diversion are extremely important, bearing in mind parameters such as the length of the intramural tract and the calibre of the ureters. The linchpin, however, is the continence mechanism, achieved by using valves that are physiologically present (ileocecal valve) or by constructing valves from intestinal segments. Careful evaluation of the various methods for this purpose, from the flutter valve to Mitrofanoff's principle, highlights the diversity of these mechanisms, due to different pressor balances, and of their validity and reliability, both physiopathologically and with regard to long-term continence. The outcome is that the choice of intestinal segment to be used, the type of reconfiguration, the uretero-entero anastomosis and the valvular mechanism techniques are not casual and/or preferential, but based each time on pressure factors present in the type of urinary diversion.

Advantages of converting incontinent to continent urinary diversion

A modified Mainz pouch with catheterizable stoma was constructed in six patients who had originally undergone incontinent urinary diversion by ureteroileostomy 7 to 22 years previously for bladder exstrophy or neurogenic bladder with total urinary incontinence. The surgical technique differed from the standard as follows: after stomal excision, the preexisting ileal loop was detubularized and combined with additional ileal and colonic segments for pouch construction. In patients in whom the original ureteroileal anastomoses were patent and the contrast medium refluxed freely to the upper urinary tract during loopography, the ureters were not reimplanted but kept intact. In all patients the ileal valve was connected as stroma to the umbilicus. In addition, two patients underwent construction of a standard Mainz pouch. One had had primary ureterosigmoidostomy and the other one ureterostomies, 10 and 3 months previously, respectively. The urodynamic characteristics of the reservoir were normal in all. In six ureteropelvic units dilation improved significantly and in two patients the bilateral loop-ureter reflux diminished. Long-term follow-up (up to 45 months) showed no further impairment of the kidneys.

Functional characteristics of the continent ileocecal urinary reservoir: mechanisms of urinary continence

We evaluated urodynamically 14 patients with a continent ileocecal urinary reservoir. Reservoirs were constructed of detubularized right colon alone (4 patients), or augmented with ileum (2) or with a U-shaped ileal patch (8). All reservoirs were placed in the abdomen and used plicated terminal ileum as the efferent continence mechanism. Twelve patients are completely continent with intermittent catheterization at 4 to 8-hour intervals. Two patients suffer mild nighttime incontinence. Mean reservoir volume was 675 ml. Intermittent intestinal contractions were noted in the plicated ileal segment and reservoir but they occurred more frequently in the former and were either synchronous with or preceded those in the reservoir. Mean and maximal contraction pressures were 24 and 47 cm. water, respectively, in the reservoir and 40 and 151 cm. water, respectively, in the plicated ileal segment (p equals 0.043 and less than 0.001, respectively). The highest reservoir contractions occurred in the 2 patients with nocturnal incontinence. The method of construction bore no consistent correlation with mean or maximal contraction pressures, contraction frequency or continence. Careful urodynamic assessment suggests that the ileocecal urinary reservoir is a relatively low pressure, nonrefluxing and continent bladder substitute. The plicated terminal ileal segment acts as an effective sphincter that responds to pressure elevations in the reservoir. Its simple construction and easy catheterization make it an attractive alternative to intussuscepted ileal segments.