Influence of intestinal segment and configuration on the outcome of augmentation enterocystoplasty

Advances in Urinary Diversion: From Cutaneous Ureterostomy to Orthotopic Neobladder Reconstruction-A Comprehensive Review

Bladder cancer ranks as the 10th most prevalent cancer globally with an increasing incidence. Radical cystectomy combined with urinary diversion represents the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, offering a range of techniques tailored to patient factors. Overall, urinary diversions are divided into non-continent and continent. Among the first category, cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal conduit represent the most common procedures while in the second category, it could be possible to describe another subclassification which includes ureterosigmoidostomy, continent diversions requiring catheterization and orthotopic voiding pouches and neobladders. In this comprehensive review, urinary diversions are described in their technical aspects, providing a summary of almost all alternatives to urinary diversion post-radical cystectomy.

Augmentation cystoplasty in the patient with neurogenic bladder

PURPOSE

To review the indications and techniques of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB) while also examining the long-term outcomes, complications, and follow-up surgeries.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles related to AC and NGB.

RESULTS

AC is indicated for an overactive or poorly compliant bladder refractory to conservative therapies, such as anticholinergic medications and bladder botulinum toxin injections. A variety of surgical techniques using gastrointestinal segments, alternative tissues, and synthetic materials have been described, though bowel remains the most durable. Ileocystoplasty is the most common type of AC, which uses a detubularized patch of ileum that is anastomosed to a bivalved bladder. Some patients undergo concomitant surgeries at the time of AC, such as catheterizable channel creation to aid with clean intermittent catheterization, ureteral reimplantation to treat vesicoureteral reflux, and bladder outlet procedure to treat incontinence. Following AC, the majority of patients experience an improvement in bladder capacity, compliance, and continence. Most patients also experience an improvement in quality of life. AC has significant complications, such as chronic UTIs, bladder and renal calculi, metabolic disturbances, bowel problems, perforation, and malignancy. AC also has a high rate of follow-up surgeries, especially if the patient undergoes concomitant creation of a catheterizable channel.

CONCLUSIONS

Enterocystoplasty remains the gold standard for AC, though more research is needed to better evaluate the morbidity of different surgical techniques and the indications for concomitant surgeries. Experimental methods of AC with tissue engineering are a promising area for further investigation.

Ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of augmented bladders during kidney transplantation: a review of urological complications and outcomes

BACKGROUND

In patients with bladder augmentation undergoing kidney transplantation, conventional technique recommends anastomosing the transplanted ureter to the bladder. We report our technique of ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the enterocystoplasty, and review the urological outcomes of transplantation in these patients.

METHODS

Seven patients (mean age: 26 years (range 24-54 years), two females, five deceased donors) with augmented cystoplasty and subsequent kidney transplantation by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Following standard vascular anastomosis and reperfusion of the transplanted kidney, ureteric implantation involved continuous 5/0 polydiaoxanone anastomosis between the spatulated ureter and full thickness bowel portion of the cystoplasty over a 6-Fr double J stent. A second peri-anastomosis layer of bowel plication was performed to prevent reflux using interrupted 3/0 vicryl sutures. Short-term urological and kidney function outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Causes of renal failure included: posterior urethral valve with reflux nephropathy (two patients), bilateral vesicoureteric reflux (two patients), lumbosacral agenesis with neurogenic bladder (one patient), tuberculosis of the urinary tract with post-infective ureteric stricture (one patient), and lupus nephritis (one patient). Bladder reconstruction was performed at median duration of 103 months (35-171 months) before transplantation. Gastrocystoplasty was performed in two patients while colon and/or ileum were used in the remaining six. After transplantation, all reconstructed bladders except one had a Mitrofanoff for clean intermittent self-catheterization, 5-8 times per day. There were no post-operative ureteric/surgical complications. Delayed graft function occurred in three of seven patients. 30-day asymptomatic bacteriuria rate was three out of seven after stent removal. 1-year post-transplantation, patient and graft survival were 100%. Mean serum creatinine was 142.7 (standard deviation: 51.48). Median number of hospital admissions for urinary tract infections was 0.225 (range 0-0.40). Over a median follow-up period of 4 years (2-7 years), one graft failed from acute T-cell-mediated rejection. This patient passed away from cardio-respiratory collapse after a seizure, 35 months post-transplantation. As of June 2018, the other six kidney grafts were functioning. No complications including calculi formation and/or malignancy were reported.

CONCLUSION

In patients with previously augmented bladders now undergoing kidney transplantation, ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the cystoplasty appears to be safe.

The past, present and future of augmentation cystoplasty

What's known on the subject? And what does the study add? There is a wealth of evidence on the development, indications, outcomes and complications of augmentation cystoplasty (AC). Over the last decade, new evidence has been emerging to influence our clinical practice and application of this technique. AC is indicated as part of the treatment pathway for both neurogenic and idiopathic detrusor overactivity, usually where other interventions have failed or are inappropriate. The most commonly used technique remains augmentation with a detubularised patch of ileum (ileocystoplasty). Controversy persists over the role of routine surveillance following ileocystoplasty for the detection of subsequent bladder carcinoma; however the indication for surveillance after gastrocystoplasty is clearer due to a rising incidence of malignancy in this group. Despite a reduction in the overall numbers of AC operations being performed, it clearly still has a role to play, which we re-examine with contemporary studies from the last decade.

Short ileal segment for orthotopic neobladder: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to present the construction of a neobladder with a modified pouch technique using 25-35 cm of terminal ileum.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients whose pouch was constructed from 25-35 cm of terminal ileum (short pouch [SP] group) were prospectively evaluated vs 41 patients whose pouch was constructed from 50-70 cm of terminal ileum (long pouch group). Pouch volume, post-void residual (PVR) volume, need for catheterization, continence and voiding frequency were evaluated at 3 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

SP group patients had significantly smaller pouch capacity (440 vs 840 mL, P < 0.001) at month 12, and smaller PVR at postoperative months 3 (11 [0-43]vs 40 [0-147] mL, P < 0.001) and 12 (10 [0-90]vs 72 [0-570] mL, P < 0.001). SP group patients had significantly higher voiding frequency on postoperative month 3 (10 vs 9, P < 0.001) and 12 (7 vs 6, P < 0.005). Continence was significantly improved in the SP group compared with the long pouch group after 12 months (63.2% vs 34.1%, respectively, P = 0.034). Full continence improved significantly over time (P < 0.001) in the SP group, from 26.3% at month 3 to 63.2% at month 12.

CONCLUSION

A pouch constructed from 25-35 cm of terminal ileum provides adequate capacity, smaller PVR, satisfactory continence and a better 24-h voiding frequency pattern during the first postoperative year.

Bladder augmentation and artificial sphincter implantation: urodynamic behavior and effects on continence

OBJECTIVE

To quantify changes in bladder capacity, pressure and compliance after isolated bladder augmentation or augmentation associated with implantation of an artificial sphincter, and to compare the various types of augmentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic studies were performed in a group of 38 patients (18 males and 20 females; age range 2-19 years), who underwent a type of bladder augmentation.

RESULTS

The bladder improved in capacity in all patients (mean values: initial 137 ml, final 336 ml, individual increase 229 ml; 434%) except two, in which the augmentation was done with ureter. The mean pressure improved (initial 32 cm of H(2)O, final 14, decrease per patient 18 cm of H2O; 49%). The curve of compliance, progressively increasing typical of hyperreflexia and poor compliance, present in 70% of the cases preoperatively, improved in 78% cases postoperatively, although there were several different patterns. Urodynamic behavior was analyzed with regard to the tissue used for augmentation (ileum, ureter or sigmoid colon). In the sigmoid colon group, there were no significant differences in the urodynamic behavior of the bladder neo-reservoir in relation to the configuration used.

CONCLUSION

With bladder augmentation comes an increase in bladder capacity, a reduction in pressure, and an improvement in compliance and continence. The level of change in capacity, pressure and compliance varies with the tissue used and the length and caliber of the insert. When the procedure is carried out using sigmoid colon tissue, there are no noteworthy differences among the various possible configurations.

Bladder augmentation for the treatment of chronic tuberculous cystitis. Clinical and urodynamic evaluation of 25 patients after long term follow-up

AIMS

Clinical and urodynamic evaluation of the late outcome of 25 patients with chronic tuberculous cystitis who underwent bladder augmentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty men and five women with median age of 40 years were evaluated. The tubularized ileocecal segment was used in 8 cases, the detubularized sigmoid in 13, and the tubularized sigmoid in 4. Patients underwent a postoperative clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Miccional diurnal frequency of more than 2 hr together with patient satisfaction as assessed by the quality of life question of the ICSmaleSF questionnaire was considered a good result.

RESULTS

The average postoperative follow-up was of 11.1 +/- 9.1 (1 to 36) years. A good result was seen in 80% of the patients. Bad results occurred statistically in the cases using tubularized sigmoid and in patients with prostatitis. Patients with good results showed augmented bladders with normal sensation (P = 0.03) and greater capacity (P < 0.01) and compliance (P < 0.01) than did those with bad results. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of involuntary contractions (P = 0.27) but in the good result patients, the contractions started with greater bladder filling volume (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The sigmoid should be detubularized but the ileocecal segment may be used in its original tubularized form to augment the bladder with chronic tuberculous cystitis. Augmented bladder with capacity of more than 250 ml, good compliance, and normal sensation are necessary for diurnal frequency of more than 2 hr. The presence of involuntary contractions does not lead to a decrease in the diurnal frequency.

Total and immediate daytime and nighttime continence with a right colonic neobladder--What makes it possible? An 11-year followup

PURPOSE

We report the long-term functional results of the colonic neobladder and provide the physiological and urodynamic foundations for them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 1993 to February 2004, 38 patients with cystectomy received a neobladder constructed from detubularized, remodeled right colon and intact cecum following our design at the urology service at our institution. Most patients underwent urodynamics and videourodynamics as postoperative followup. We defined total continence as not using any protection whatsoever (neither pads nor a night alarm), which was immediate upon removing the urethral catheter.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients achieved total daytime continence immediately and the remaining 1 was totally continent after 30 days (100%). Nighttime continence was total and immediate in 36 patients (92%) and satisfactory in 2. Micturition was immediate, satisfactory and total in 37 patients with an average maximum flow of more than 26 ml per second. The patient who did not achieve micturition required clean intermittent catheterization. Videourodynamic studies revealed that continence resulted from the low pressure developed in the large capacity reservoir (more than 600 ml) and from intact intestine haustral contractions, which ejected urine toward the detubularized and remodeled area. In turn, micturition was attained through a combination of abdominal wall tension and mass contractions of the nondetubularized segment, which generated a pressure of more than 100 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional results of this new neobladder are significantly greater than those achieved with other procedures already described in the literature because of the different way in which it functions.

Ileal orthotopic neobladder (modified Hautmann) via a shorter detubularized ileal segment: experience and results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical, urodynamic, functional, radiological and metabolic results of the ileal (modified Hautmann) orthotopic neobladder over 10 years of experience.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1992 and March 2002, 124 men (mean age 62.4 years, range 44-76) with advanced bladder cancer had a radical cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion via an ileal orthotopic neobladder (modified Hautmann). Only 40 cm of small bowel (detubularized ileum) was used to construct the reservoir, as a modification of the method described by Hautmann. All patients were followed periodically and their data recorded.

RESULTS

While no patients died during surgery six died (mortality rate was 5%) in the first 30 days afterward (two of them from causes unrelated to the urinary diversion surgery). The early reoperation rate was 14%; there were early complications not requiring surgery in 40 (34%) and later reoperation rate was required in 20.6%. The mean (range) maximum neobladder capacity was 550 (310-720) mL, the maximum intravesical pressure at maximum capacity 26.4 (11-48) cmH(2)O, and the minimum and maximum flow rates 25.2 (16-64) and 17.5 (11-30) mL/s, respectively. Day- and night-time continence rates were 92% and 90% after 4 years. While there was no electrolyte imbalance, there was mild to moderate metabolic acidosis in 58% of patients. There was no urethral tumour recurrence in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Detubularization of ileum to form a neobladder gives a more favourable low-pressure and high-capacity reservoir. Therefore, a shorter ileal segment can be used for orthotopic urinary diversion, to avoid various metabolic dysfunctions when using detubularized bowel, but the surgery is not as free of complications as the original technique.

Anastomose cólon-trígono vesical em cães

Realizou-se anastomose cólon-trígono vesical em 12 cães adultos (cinco machos e sete fêmeas), sem raça definida e clinicamente normais. Todos os animais mantiveram a continência urinária imediatamente após a cirurgia. Amostras da região de transição cólon-trígono vesical foram colhidas aos 30 e 60 dias após a cirurgia para exames histopatológicos. Observou-se infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear na região de anastomose com invasão do epitélio de transição da bexiga sobre a mucosa do fragmento intestinal. A técnica mostrou-se simples e eficiente para a reparação da bexiga, com o cólon funcionando como substituto da bexiga, preservando as funções renal e vesical.

Enterocystoplasty

Despite the problems of augmentation cystoplasty, on balance it has been a much better form of management of the lower urinary tract in patients with bladder neuropathy or high pressure detrusor contractions than the alternatives of rectal diversion, indwelling catheter or external urinary diversion. The metabolic consequences do not seem to interfere with general health in the medium term. The risk of perforation appears to be present with other forms of augmentation cystoplasty or bladder replacement. However, the results are far from perfect and the ideal technique will be one that: removes the need for intraperitoneal surgery and prevents the risk of intestinal adhesions; stops the development of intestinal mucus and stone formation; prevents the metabolic complications and potential bony complications during adolescence; at the same time improves the patient's resistance to UTI; maintains the same degree of long-term, good, low-pressure urine storage and the consequent improvement and stability of the upper urinary tract.

Cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats that underwent colocystoplasty: experimental study

PURPOSE

Cyclophosphamide and its derivatives induce hemorrhagic cystitis. A substantial number of patients receive bladder augmentation or replacements using bowel. If patients who have undergone colocystoplasty need treatment with cyclophosphamide before or after the operation, does hemorrhagic cystitis develop? We evaluated the histological changes produced in the colon wall and bladder related to cyclophosphamide and its derivatives in rats that underwent colocystoplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex were grouped according to whether they received a single 200 mg./kg. dose of cyclophosphamide, underwent colocystoplasty, underwent each technique or served as controls. The technique of colocystoplasty was the same in all groups. Results were analyzed according to previously reported criteria, by the gross appearance of the bladder and colon segment used for colocystoplasty, and by histological changes.

RESULTS

Two weeks after surgery colocystoplasty had not resulted in secondary changes in the implanted colon segment or original bladder, while there were only nonspecific changes of an inflammatory type in the anastomotic area. After cyclophosphamide administration the animals lost considerable weight and in the bladder area we observed hemorrhagic cystitis that was greater in males than in females, and greater in isolated bladder than when the bladder was sutured to the colon segment. In the colon there was no inflammation or hemorrhage damage of the hemorrhagic cystitis type in the bladder. A total of 12 days after colocystoplasty there were no secondary histological changes except in the anastomotic area. A single 200 mg./kg. dose of cyclophosphamide caused substantial weight loss and hemorrhagic cystitis. Cystitis was quantitatively greater in males than in females and greater in isolated bladder than in bladder anastomosed to the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

Administering a single dose of cyclophosphamide did not result in lesions in the colon segment used for colocystoplasty analogous to those of the bladder, such as hemorrhagic cystitis.

Surgical complications of bladder augmentation: comparison between various enterocystoplasties in 133 patients

OBJECTIVES

Ileal and sigmoid augmentation are equally effective at increasing bladder capacity and compliance. Therefore, knowledge of the incidence of major complications, including perforation, small bowel obstruction (SBO), anastomotic complications, calculus formation, and indications for revision may be useful in choosing the ideal segment. We compared the complications of ileocystoplasty and two types of sigmoidocystoplasty that required reoperative surgery.

METHODS

Between 1981 and 1997, 158 patients with a mean age of 11 years (range 2 to 25) underwent augmentation cystoplasty. Ileum or sigmoid colon was used in 133 patients, who were the subjects of this study. The mean follow-up was 64 months (range 6 to 185). Indications included neurogenic bladder (n = 100), bladder exstrophy (n = 12), cloacal exstrophy (n = 6), posterior urethral valves (n = 3), and miscellaneous (n = 12). Ileum was used in 65 patients and sigmoid colon in 68. Of these, 48 underwent conventional colocystoplasty and 20 seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium (SCLU). Seventy-nine percent required additional procedures to achieve continence or facilitate catheterization, which included bladder neck procedures in 56% or continent stomas alone in 23%.

RESULTS

There were no deaths or complications of bowel anastomosis. Overall, continence was achieved in 95%. Spontaneous bladder perforation was highest in patients with neurogenic bladder. Calculi developed more frequently in patients with continent stomas (P = 0.04) and in patients with bladder/cloacal exstrophy (32%) than in patients with neurogenic bladder (P = 0.01). Additional procedures and route of catheterization did not increase the risk of perforation. One patient with SCLU with known hypercalciuria developed bladder calculi.

CONCLUSIONS

Sigmoid colon showed a trend of a lower rate of SBO with no difference in perforation or stone formation compared with ileum. Primary diagnoses of bladder or cloacal exstrophy and continent stomas are risk factors for the development of calculi. SCLU has a low rate of surgical complications and no incidence of perforation or SBO thus far; therefore, we advocate the use of SCLU when feasible, and sigmoid as the preferred bowel segment for augmentation cystoplasty.

Augmenting the augmented bladder: treatment of the contractile bowel segment

PURPOSE

Bowel used for bladder reconstruction regardless of detubularization occasionally retains its contractile properties. Of 323 patients who underwent primary enterocystoplasty we identified 19 who continue to have high pressure bladder contractions and required augmentation of the previously augmented bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reason for repeat augmentation, upper tract changes, original and secondary bowel segments used, and urodynamic findings were evaluated in all patients. Current status and followup also were noted.

RESULTS

After initial augmentation 8 patients had persistent incontinence, 5 bladder perforation, 3 isolated upper tract changes, 2 incontinence and bladder perforation, and 1 incontinence plus intractable pain. Preoperative urodynamics revealed detrusor pressures from 30 to 100 cm. water. All patients had adequate bladder outlet resistance. The original bowel segments used were sigmoid in 12 cases, stomach in 4, ileum in 2 and cecum in 1. Bowel segments for re-augmentation were ileum in 16 cases and sigmoid in 3. Of the 11 patients with incontinence 10 are now dry. All cases of upper tract changes resolved. Mean followup since re-augmentation is 52 months.

CONCLUSIONS

If the outcome of bladder augmentation is less than optimal, it is important to reevaluate the bladder dynamics. In rare instances these patients may continue to have high pressure contractions with a functionally small bladder capacity. In such situations reaugmentation with an additional bowel segment is an excellent alternative to a difficult clinical problem and provides good results in the vast majority of cases. This treatment may not totally alleviate the contractions but it does decrease them and increase the volumes at which the contractions occur, making them no longer clinically or functionally significant.

In vitro functional properties of the rat bladder regenerated by the bladder acellular matrix graft

PURPOSE

To assess the response of rat urinary bladder regenerated by the homologous bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG) to in vitro electrical and pharmacologic stimuli.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In Sprague-Dawley rats, partial cystectomy (>50%) was performed, followed by BAMG augmentation cystoplasty. After 4 months, organ bath studies of tissue strips in 10 were used to compare the contractility of the BAMG regenerates and the corresponding host detrusor smooth muscle.

RESULTS

The BAMG regenerates exhibited contractile activity to electrical field stimulation and a qualitatively identical pattern of response to muscarinic, purinergic, alpha- and beta-adrenergic drug administration and nitric oxide. At 4 months after surgery, the maximum forces of contraction of the BAMG regenerates to carbachol stimulation amounted to close to 80% of the host bladder response. With electrical field stimulation, they equaled 44% and 62% of the host bladder response after 2.5 and 4 months, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of receptors for neurotransmitters that these functional in vitro studies implied.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides further evidence that augmentation cystoplasty with the BAMG leads to functional regeneration of the rat bladder detrusor smooth muscle.

Functional rat bladder regeneration through xenotransplantation of the bladder acellular matrix graft

OBJECTIVE

To determine the decreased antigenicity of the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG) through xenotransplantation and to assess the in vivo and in vitro functional properties of the rat urinary bladder thus regenerated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After partial cystectomy (> 50%), BAMGs prepared from hamster, rabbit and dog urinary bladders were grafted to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats; 10 control rats underwent partial cystectomy only. Urinary storage and voiding function were monitored in 15 animals using a specially designed 'micturition cage' and cystometry. After 4 months, organ-bath studies and histological techniques were used to evaluate bladder regeneration in vitro in the grafted animals.

RESULTS

Clinically relevant antigenicity was not evident; no animal died from rejection and all bladder wall components regenerated in all BAMG xenografts. However, the degree and quality of regeneration varied. Muscularization, peak pressure, and bladder capacity were higher in the hamster BAMG-grafted animals, whereas in vitro contractility and compliance were best in the dog BAMG-regenerated bladders. All grafted bladders had significantly better capacity and compliance than the autoregenerated bladders after partial cystectomy alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The present in vivo and in vitro studies show that BAMG-augmentation cystoplasty can lead to morphological and functional regeneration of the rat bladder, preserving its low-pressure reservoir function. Because BAMG-regenerated bladders show functional innervation that is similar to normal bladders, they can work in coordination with the host bladder components, thus generating adequate intravesical pressure to produce sustained voiding. The decreased antigenicity makes heterologous BAMG transplants feasible without immunosuppression.

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.

Seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium: experience with 16 patients

OBJECTIVES

Report of initial clinical experience with seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium (SCLU), a new operation to increase bladder capacity and compliance without incorporating intestinal mucosa into the urinary tract. We have previously reported the technique and results of this procedure in a canine model.

METHODS

Sixteen patients underwent SCLU at two institutions. Their charts were reviewed retrospectively. The patients have been observed for a mean of 12 months.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the bladder capacity increased an average of 2.4-fold from a mean of 139 mL (+/- 23.7 SEM) to 335 mL (+/- 38.9 SEM) in 14 patients (P < 0.001). Two patients required reaugmentation. Preoperative and postoperative bladder end filling pressures were available in 13 patients and decreased from a mean of 51.6 cm H2O (+/- 4.2 SEM) to 27.7 cm H2O (+/- 2.4 SEM) (P < 0.001). Of the 16 patients, 13 were incontinent preoperatively; 5 had renal insufficiency. Three patients have undergone renal transplantation following SCLU. After SCLU, 13 patients were dry day and night, 1 incontinent at night only, and 2 remained incontinent. Ten patients have undergone postoperative bladder biopsy. Seven demonstrate urothelium covering the augmented portion of the bladder, 2 have regrowth of colonic mucosa, and 1 shows a mixture of colonic mucosa and urothelium.

CONCLUSIONS

The results presented suggest that SCLU is a viable alternative to the more conventional forms of bladder augmentation in selected patients.

Long-term results and complications using augmentation cystoplasty in reconstructive urology

One hundred and twenty-two augmentation cystoplasties performed over an 8-year period were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 37 years (range 2-82 years). There were 82 female patients. The primary urodynamic diagnosis was reduced compliance in 92 (77%) patients and detrusor hyperreflexia/instability in the remainder. The clinical diagnostic groups were: spinal cord injury/disease in 32 (27%), myelodysplasia in 27 (22%), interstitial cystitis in 21 (17%), idiopathic detrusor instability in 13 (11%), radiation cystitis in 8 (7%), Hinman-Allen syndrome in 5 (4%), and miscellaneous in 11 (9%). A detubularized ileal augmentation was used in 82 (67%) patients. In 36 (30%) a detubularized ileocecocystoplasty was fashioned and in the remainder detubularized sigmoid was used. In 19 patients augmentation accompanied undiversion. Sixteen patients had a simultaneous fascial sling for urethral incompetence. Mean follow-up was 37 months (range 6-96 months). There was no postoperative mortality. During follow-up 4 patients died from unrelated causes, 11 have been lost to follow-up, and 5 patients await planned transplantation. Bladder capacity was increased from a preoperative mean of 108 ml (range 15-500 ml) to 438 ml (200-1,200 ml) postoperatively. Of the 106 assessable patients, 80 (75%) had an excellent result, 21 (20%) were improved, and 5 (5%) had major ongoing problems. During the period of follow-up, 17 (16%) patients underwent revision of their augmentation. Twenty-four (21%) patients developed bladder stones and 30% of these did so more than once. Urinary incontinence became manifest in 15 (13%) patients but required surgical treatment in only half of these. Pyelonephritis occurred in 13 (11%) patients. Five patients developed small bowel obstruction following discharge from hospital. There were 7 instances of reservoir rupture in 5 (4%) patients. Augmentation cystoplasty has a pivotal role in the treatment of a broad range of lower and upper urinary tract problems. Careful patient selection and close follow-up are essential.

Seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium: experimental study

OBJECTIVES

Enterocystoplasty without bowel mucosa would be useful to prevent most complications related to the presence of bowel in the urinary tract. However, past attempts to remove the mucosa from intestinal segments have resulted in fibrosis and contraction of the patch. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that such contraction can be prevented by combining the principle of detrusorectomy and seromuscular colocystoplasty, covering the denuded urothelium with a de-epithelialized colonic segment, a procedure we named seromuscular colocystoplasty lined with urothelium (SCLU).

METHODS

SCLU was performed in 14 female mongrel dogs weighing 20 to 25 kg. We performed the procedure with and without preservation of the intestinal submucosa and in animals with intact and previously reduced bladders. We describe a new animal model of reduced bladder capacity. Bladder capacity and histology were evaluated 1 to 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Twelve bladder specimens were available for analysis. In all cases, the seromuscular patches remained viable and well vascularized. When the intestinal submucosa was not preserved in the patch, there was moderate contraction of the patch with subepithelial fibrosis and the bladder capacity was not preserved. In contrast, when the submucosa was preserved, there was no fibrosis and the capacity was preserved. In animals with previously reduced bladder capacity by either subtotal cystectomy or talc-induced fibrosis, SCLU effectively augmented bladder capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the contraction of the intestinal patch in seromuscular enterocystoplasty can be avoided by the preservation of both the bladder urothelium and lamina propria, together with the submucosa and muscularis mucosa of the intestinal patch.

Conservative management of suspected bladder rupture after augmentation enterocystoplasty

Bladder rupture after augmentation enterocystoplasty is a potentially life-threatening condition. We reviewed our experience with 13 patients who presented to our institution with 15 episodes of sudden onset of abdominal pain and rebound tenderness, and were diagnosed on clinical grounds to have peritonitis secondary to a suspected bladder augmentation rupture. (Three patients had had similar episodes treated previously elsewhere with abdominal exploration and repair of an augmentation rupture.) These episodes were initially managed with hospitalization, bladder drainage with an indwelling catheter, intravenous antibiotics and serial abdominal examinations. Cystogram and/or computerized tomography was diagnostic in only 3 of 7 cases in which it was performed. In 13 of 15 instances signs and symptoms of peritonitis quickly resolved, and intermittent catheterization was resumed after a mean of 12 days. In the remaining 2 patients delayed surgical repair of a bladder rupture was done in 1, and exploration and repair of an incarcerated internal hernia were done in 1. Although prompt abdominal exploration is the gold standard for suspected bladder augmentation rupture, treatment of peritonitis as bladder rupture in patients with a bladder augmentation by nonoperative techniques was successful in 87% of episodes.

The ileal neobladder: 6 years of experience with more than 200 patients

Between April 1986 and April 1992, 211 consecutive men underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction by means of the ileal neobladder. There have been 5 perioperative deaths for an operative mortality rate of 2.4%. The early complication rate for issues not directly related to the neobladder was 7.5% compared to a 6.5% directly neobladder-related early reoperation rate. Neobladder-related late complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation have been acceptable, including ileus (2%), abscess (1%), colon-reservoir fistula (1.5%), hydronephrosis (1%), ureteral stenosis (3.6%) and transurethral incision of the urethroileal anastomosis (7%). Overall, only 29.3% of our patients had no complication, whereas 32% suffered significant problems requiring rehospitalization or reoperation. The remainder of the patients suffered minor but not negligible problems. Excellent continence was achieved early and increased with time: 85% of the patients were perfectly dry night and day by 3 years. At this date only 5.5% of the patients had nighttime incontinence, while 6% wear protection for occasional accidents. Intermittent catheterization is necessary in 3.5% of the patients because of the inability to void or maintain a post-void residual volume of less than 100 ml. Despite the fact that some price must be paid for excellent continence, natural voiding and undisturbed body image, the ileal neobladder continues to be our procedure of choice for male patients after cystectomy provided there is no evidence of prostatic or urethral involvement. Our results should stimulate earlier patient and physician acceptance of cystectomy.

Perforation of the augmented bladder

In 12 of 264 children treated with enterocystoplasty 15 spontaneous perforations occurred. Of the 12 children 9 had myelodysplasia. All segments of the gastrointestinal tract were used for the augmentation and most were detubularized. Surgery to increase bladder outlet resistance was done in 8 cases. At the time of each perforation 9 children had sterile cultures, however, 3 died of overwhelming sepsis. Presenting signs included abdominal pain in 8 cases, septic shock in 4 cases and shoulder pain in 4 older myelodysplastic children with diaphragmatic irritation from escaping urine. Cystography demonstrated a leak in 10 of 11 cases. Urodynamic studies revealed good compliance with low maximum filling pressure in 8 of 10 children. Hyperreflexia was noted in only 5 cases and outlet resistance greater than 85 cm. water was demonstrated in 5. Histological analysis showed changes in the bowel wall consistent with ischemia but suture granulomas were present in areas adjacent to the perforation site or thinned areas in biopsy or autopsy specimens. In addition to the theory that overdistention may cause enterocystoplasty perforation, current detubularization techniques may produce areas of relative ischemia, which become accentuated when the augmented bladder is distended beyond a reasonable volume.

Perforation of the gastric segment of an augmented bladder secondary to peptic ulcer disease

Gastrocystoplasty consists of bladder augmentation using part of the gastric body. We describe a child in whom peptic ulcer disease developed in the gastric portion of the bladder, with subsequent perforation of the ulcer. Chronic renal failure, hypercalcemia and oliguria are potential ulcerogenic conditions commonly present in patients with gastrocystoplasty. Perforation of the ulcer is a potentially fatal complication. Periodic cystoscopy and prophylactic treatment with hydrogen blockers and alkalization of the urine should be considered in patients with those risk factors.

The influence of urinary diversion on experimental gastrocystoplasty

Gastrocystoplasty is used to augment the bladder of patients with decreased renal function to prevent development or worsening of metabolic acidosis. We recently observed a perforated peptic ulcer in the gastric portion of a defunctionalized gastrocystoplasty. We postulated that the lack of buffering action of urine precipitated peptic ulcer disease in the gastrocystoplasty. To explore this possibility further, we conducted an experiment. In 12 adult female mongrel dogs (weight 15 to 26 kg.) the bladder was divided into right and left segments. One kidney was removed and both hemibladders were capped with a vascularized segment of gastric body. Thus, 1 side (wet) remained exposed to urine, while the other side (dry) was drained to the abdominal wall with a cystostomy tube. The animals were divided into 2 groups: 9 in group 1 received no drugs to modify gastric secretion and 3 in group 2 received a hydrogen (H2) blocker. Three animals in group 1 had perforation of the vesical part of the dry gastrocystoplasty 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively and were sacrificed. The others were sacrificed 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Serum gastrin levels remained normal in all animals. Gross and histological examinations of the augmented bladders in group 1 revealed ulcerations of the bladder segment of the wet and dry gastrocystoplasties but the lesions were more numerous and prominent on the dry side in all animals, particularly those in which the perforations occurred. A peptic ulcer was noted in the gastric portion of the dry gastrocystoplasty in 1 animal. The bladder epithelium of the dry gastrocystoplasty showed glandular metaplasia in several animals in this group. In group 2 the wet gastrocystoplasty showed normal histology except in 1 dog that had mild inflammation and focal superficial ulceration in the vesical portion. On the other hand, the dry gastrocystoplasty showed severe inflammation and ulcerations in 2 animals, and mild inflammation of the vesical portion in 1. There were no perforations in this group. This experiment demonstrates that gastrocystoplasty produces cystitis but that these changes are more prominent in the absence of urine, as indicated by the severity of the lesions, perforations and metaplasia. Peptic ulcer disease occurred in the gastric portion of the dry gastrocystoplasty in 1 animal. The use of H2 blockers decreases the incidence of ulceration in wet gastrocystoplasty but it seems to have less influence on the ulceration of dry gastrocystoplasty. Clinicians must be alerted to the risk of perforation of dry gastrocystoplasty.

Ileocecocystoplasty for the management of refractory neurogenic bladder: surgical technique and urodynamic findings

A total of 21 incontinent adults with a neurogenic bladder who were refractory to conservative management underwent a modified technique of ileocecocystoplasty. Followup ranged from 1 to 6 years (mean 3.1 years). To ensure a wide anastomosis the augmentation was accomplished by suturing a detubularized ileocecal patch to a large posterior based bladder flap anchored to the psoas muscles. Postoperatively 20 of 21 patients were continent. The remaining woman was cured after surgical correction of sphincteric incontinence. Mean bladder capacity increased from 185 +/- 17 to 595 +/- 43 ml. (standard error). Mean maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 53 +/- 6.3 to 16 +/- 2.3 cm. water (p less than 0.0001). Followup revealed a persistently large capacity, low pressure reservoir in all patients. No patient required anticholinergic medication. None experienced acid-base imbalance, tumors in the augmented bladder or upper tract deterioration. We conclude that this technique of ileocecocystoplasty is suitable for the management of patients with a refractory neurogenic bladder.

Ischemic necrosis: a hypothesis to explain the pathogenesis of spontaneously ruptured enterocystoplasty

Spontaneous enterocystoplasty rupture represents a devastating and potentially fatal late complication. Previously proposed mechanisms of rupture include catheter trauma, chronic infection, avulsion of adhesions between the bowel patch and peritoneum, and chronic overdistension with elevated intravesical pressures. We have witnessed this complication 4 times in 3 patients 5 weeks to 46 months postoperatively. Tissue specimens from 3 episodes in 2 patients with detubularized sigmoid enterocystoplasties were available for histological examination. All patients had a neurogenic bladder from myelomeningocele, all had an AMS800 artificial urinary sphincter and all had a documented history of chronic distension from inadequate emptying of the augmented bladder. At exploration, all of the ruptures were found within the bowel segment near the bladder apex in an area remote from the anastomotic line. In each case tissue specimens from the rupture site showed marked vascular congestion, intramural hemorrhage, abundant hemosiderin laden macrophages, myofiber atrophy and intravascular thrombi. These features are interpreted to reflect the sequelae of vascular compromise and ischemia. We propose that enterocystoplasty rupture results from ischemia, possibly due to chronic overdistension and subsequent vascular compromise. This mechanism may account for many of the previously reported cases of enterocystoplasty rupture.

Seromuscular enterocystoplasty in dogs

An experimental canine model was developed to evaluate the possibility of using seromuscular segments of intestine for bladder augmentation. Of the 10 dogs 5 had bladder augmentations with seromuscular segments of sigmoid and 5 with seromuscular segments of ileum. After 8 weeks we observed that the seromuscular segment was viable and covered with urothelium but intense shrinkage had occurred. Because of the many theoretical advantages of performing bladder augmentation with intestinal segments free of mucosa, we believe that further investigation to elucidate the possible cause of retraction of the seromuscular segment is needed.

Bladder augmentation: experience with 129 children and young adults

From 1977 to 1989 bladder augmentation was performed in 56 male and 73 female patients from 1 to 35 years old (average age 12.7 years). In 59 cases augmentation was performed as part of an undiversion operation. Indications for augmentation included neurogenic bladder, severely scarred bladder from prior operations, noncompliant bladder after previous treatment of severe urethral valves, small bladder in former exstrophy patients, epispadias with a small bladder, cloacal exstrophy, and small, noncompliant bladder after therapy for cancer, trauma, cloaca and miscellaneous conditions. We used 145 bowel segments, since 16 patients had 2 bowel segments. Segments included cecum in 65 cases, sigmoid in 46, small bowel in 24, stomach in 4 and left colon in 1. The most common complication was stones. Detubularized bowel for augmentation of small noncompliant bladders allows functional reconstruction in a wide range of urological disorders that were formerly treated by diversion. Reconstruction is possible in many previously diverted patients if bladder augmentation is used.

[Review of a 14-year experience of augmentation enterocystoplasty. Observations on bowel dynamics]

Fifteen patients with low compliance bladder of varying etiologies (neurogenic bladder, radiation induced contracted bladder after radical hysterectomy, bladder tuberculosis and interstitial cystitis) underwent augmentation enterocystoplasty. The ileocecal tubular segment was used in 12 patients, ileal-patch in 2 and ileal-cup patch in 1. In all patients in whom partial reconstruction was done, the functional bladder capacity satisfactorily increased and the maximum detrusor pressure was low. The upper urinary tract did not deteriorate in 12 patients. Three died from recurrence of uterine or bladder cancer. Five neurogenic patients were managed by intermittent self-catheterization postoperatively. Another 10 patients was dry without voiding difficulty. Of 18 ureteral reimplantations in ileocecal cystoplasty, 13 had reflux without resultant progressive hydronephrosis. In 3 patients ureteral reimplantation was not required without reflux after ileal-patch and ileal-cup patch cystoplasty.

The ileal neobladder: experience and results of more than 100 consecutive cases

The ileal neobladder produces a completely detubularized, low pressure, high capacity reservoir constructed from ileum without any valves. From April 1986 through May 1989, 113 patients underwent this procedure at our institution. Of these patients 99 underwent simultaneous radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and 14 underwent bladder augmentation. The mean postoperative followup was 14.4 months, with a range of 1 to 36 months. There was no perioperative mortality. However, 7 patients died more than 2 months postoperatively: 5 of tumor progression, 1 of pneumonia and severe metabolic acidosis, and 1 of septicemia of unknown cause. Reoperation was necessary in only 13 patients; 10 patients required urethrotomy or dilation of urethral strictures. Day and night continence was preserved in 82.1% of all patients. Stress incontinence, which must be corrected by an artificial sphincter, was found in 4 patients (4.2%) and night-time incontinence that required an external device occurred in 5 (5.3%). Eight patients (8.4%) with mild stress incontinence required no further treatment. Pressure waves exceeding 22 cm. water seldom occurred and then only at maximum capacity. Our experience with this relatively simple system without a nipple is an overwhelming success. The need for reoperation is extraordinarily low and the high reservoir capacity results in continence from the beginning in most patients. The concept is sound and offers a genuine alternative to any form of cutaneous urinary diversion with an incidence of complications not higher than after standard supravesical urinary diversion.

Augmentation enterocystoplasty for the management of voiding dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients

A total of 12 spinal cord injury adults underwent augmentation enterocystoplasty for treatment of a high pressure neurogenic bladder. These patients suffered from urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infection, upper tract deterioration and severe autonomic dysreflexia. A sigmoid colon segment fashioned into a cup-patch was used in 11 patients and detubularized cecum was used in 1. The artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 3 patients at augmentation enterocystoplasty and in 1 after enterocystoplasty. After a mean followup of 15 months all patients were continent on clean intermittent self-catheterization, the upper tract had remained stable or had improved and the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia had disappeared. A third of the patients are on maintenance antibiotic therapy to control bacteriuria.

Functional and biochemical alterations in the rabbit urinary bladder following ileocystoplasty

Although the use of ileocystoplasty has increased significantly in recent years, very little is known concerning the smooth muscle properties of the implanted bowel segment. In a previous study, preliminary evidence was presented which indicated that the pharmacological response of the cytoplastic ileal segment to autonomic agonists changed toward that of the bladder. The present study extends and expands these preliminary observations on the physiology and pharmacology of augmentation cystoplasty. Augmentation cystoplasty with detubularized ileum was carried out in 16 rabbits. In vivo and in vitro physiological and pharmacological studies were carried out one and three months after surgery. The results can be summarized as follows: 1) in-vivo CMG at one month was similar to that of the preoperative bladder, but at three months there was a 24% increase in capacity, with the presence of multiple phasic contractions beginning at a volume of approximately 65% of capacity. 2) The frequency and magnitude of spontaneous activity in the cystoplastic ileum did not significantly alter from that of the normal ileum. 3) Cystoplastic ileum responded to muscarinic stimulation differently from the normal ileum. The bladder responded with an increase in the tension whereas the ileum responded with an increase in the frequency and amplitude of phasic contractions. The cystoplastic ileum responded with a pronounced sustained contraction with phasic contractions superimposed. The tonic contraction at three months was of a significantly greater magnitude than that at one month. 4) The qualitative and quantitative response to field stimulation of the cystoplastic ileum was altered from that of the ileum towards that of the bladder. 5) The normal bladder contains greater amount of creatine phosphate and lesser amounts of creatine than the normal ileum. Cystoplasty, after three months induced a change in the ileal segment towards the bladder (increased creatine phosphate and decreased creatine). 6) The normal ileum was found to have greater number of muscarinic receptors than the normal bladder whereas the cystoplastic ileum at three months was intermediate.