Indications for continent diversion after cystectomy and factors affecting long-term results

Neobladder "Function": Tips and Tricks for Surgery and Postoperative Management

Orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction is a continent urinary diversion procedure increasingly used in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer following radical cystectomy (RC). It represents a valid alternative to the ileal duct in suitable patients who do not prefer a stoma and are motivated to undergo adequate training of the neobladder. Careful patient selection, taking into account the absolute and relative contraindications for ONB as well as an adequate recovery protocol after surgery are integral to the success of this procedure and the oncological and functional outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize the current data on RC with ONB in terms of patient selection, preoperative preparation, surgical techniques and functional (continence and sexual activity) and oncological outcomes, with particular attention to the management of complications and the impact on quality of life (QoL).

Urethral recurrence after radical cystoprostatectomy: Experience from a high-volume tertiary referral centre

Objectives:

To report our urethral surveillance programme and urethral cancer recurrence rate following radical cystoprostatectomy (RC).

Patients and methods:

A retrospective analysis of clinical and histopathological data of men who underwent RC and urethral surveillance, between January 2011 and October 2016.

Results:

RC was performed for 491 men; 31 and 19 men had a synchronous (malignancy, n = 10, 32.3%) and interval (malignancy, n = 6, 31.6%) urethrectomy, respectively. The remaining 441 men underwent surveillance; 183 (41.5%) men had at least one urethroscopy, 14 (3.2%) urethrectomies were performed and 12 (2.7%) specimens confirmed urethral recurrence (UR). Within the URs, 7/12 (58.3%) men presented symptomatically and 5/12 (41.7%) were detected through surveillance. At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 21.8 (9.7–36.7) months, the 2-year disease-specific survival in men who had synchronous urethrectomy was 71.4% (versus no urethrectomy (84.6%) interval urethrectomy (92.9%) and urethrectomy for recurrence (83.8%)).

Conclusion:

UR following RC is low in men without risk factors for urethral disease. Annual urethroscopy and urine cytology may not be feasible and appropriate in all men after RC, and does not appear to impact survival at 2 years. A risk-adapted approach may allow the avoidance of annual urethroscopy in asymptomatic men post RC.

Level of Evidence:

3b

[Metabolic acidosis in neobladder patients : Risk factors and treatment options]

BACKGROUND

In cystectomy patients who underwent neobladder creation, the intestinal mucosa of the neobladder is in constant contact with urine, which may result in chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) due to specific absorption capabilities of the intestinal mucosa. Despite being a prevalent comorbidity, the risk factors for CMA and its diagnostic parameters are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

This review examines the risk factors associated with the development of CMA and their prevalence in patients with a neobladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed database to detect studies about the topics CMA and neobladder that were published between 2000 and 2020. The prevalence and risk factors for CMA in neobladder patients were assessed by reviewing 23 studies.

RESULTS

Acidosis is most prevalent during the first year after surgery (25-70%). Risk factors are renal failure, high continence, old age and diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CMA is at its highest during the early postoperative period for neobladder patients, so for this time period, weekly diagnostic investigations are recommended according to the German S3-guidelines for the "Früherkennung, Diagnose, Therapie und Nachsorge des Harnblasenkarzinomsent für Neoblasepatienten". Blood gas tests should not only be used to analyze the pH value but also to detect and counteract acid-base imbalance issues in time. The recommended normalization of serum bicarbonate levels with oral bicarbonate follows patient-specific therapy strategies.

[Quality of life of patients carrying an urinary diversion]

INTRODUCTION

A urinary diversion is more often needed in the context of total cystectomy for bladder cancer. This pathology and this surgical resection alter the quality of life of patients. This article reviews the consequences of urinary diversions on patients' quality of life and ways to minimize them.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A systematic review of the literature search was performed from the databases Medline (NLM, Pubmed) and Embase, focused on the following keywords: "cystectomy"; "urinary diversion"; "quality of life"; "stoma"; "education". Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language, date of publication (last 30 years) and relevance. Prospective and retrospective studies, in English or French, review articles; meta-analysis and guidelines were selected and analyzed. This search found 218 articles. After reading titles and abstracts, 30 were included in the text, based on their relevance.

RESULTS

The informed choice of the urinary diversion contributes to its acceptance by the patient and to improve the urinary-related quality of life. The selection criteria must be analyzed and presented to the patient in a multidisciplinary way, involving surgeon, physician, nurse, physiotherapist and stomaterapist. By means of the care networks, the choice of the patient should not be limited by the experience of the surgical and paramedical team. There is no clear evidence about the superiority of a derivation over others regarding the quality of life of patients.

CONCLUSION

The quality of life of patients carrying an urinary diversion depends less on the type of diversion than on whether the diversion is chosen by the patient himself. Patient information by all stakeholders involved in its communication is therefore essential.

Functional Assessment of the Hautmann Ileal Neobladder with Chimney Modification Using Uroflowmetry and a Questionnaire

Urinary diversion reconstruction is essential after radical cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction is accepted as a fine option. This study included 51 patients, who underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction by a Hautmann ileal neobladder with chimney modification from 2006 to 2014. Functional outcomes were evaluated using a questionnaire and uroflowmetry. Perioperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 36.1 months. Eighty-six percent of patients voided without clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) assistance. CIC was used 1-2x per day or every time they voided in 8% and 6% of patients, respectively, and 71% of patients were continent. The percentages of patients who used 1, 2, 3-4, and ≥5 pads per day were 15%, 6%, 2%, and 6%, respectively. Daytime and nighttime continence were achieved in 86% and 69% of patients, respectively. Daily mucus leakage was reported in 69% of patients. The mean maximum neobladder capacity, voided volume, postvoid residual volume, and maximum flow rate were 413.2 mL, 370.6 mL, 43.7 mL, and 20.8 mL/s, respectively. Eighteen early and 5 late complications developed in 13 and 5 patients, respectively. Reoperations were needed in 7 patients. The Hautmann ileal neobladder with chimney modification provided satisfactory results regarding functional outcomes.

Morphological and functional analysis of a cohort of patients undergoing orthotopic ileal neobladder

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted between January 2001 and December 2013 to evaluate patient's outcomes after radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder from a morphological and functional point of view at a median follow-up of 2 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 eligible patents were included. We first report our technical modifications to Studer's neobladder. Sequently, after a medium follow-up of two years, we assessed morphology of the reservoir and voiding functionality of this patients cohort, submitting them to specific questionnaires and to uroflowmetry.

RESULTS

Early and late postoperative data are available for 36 patients. From the morphological follow-up, 2 years after surgery, six patients had hydroureteronephrosis for vescico-ureteral reflux in four cases (11% of total) and uretero-neobladder anastomosis stenosis in the other two (5.6% of total). Neobladder shape always remained spherical, with a relative right lateralization in eight cases (22.2%). Regarding the nine patients subjected to uroflowmetry, seven (77.7%) highlighted the lack of postvoid residual urine, with a maximum urinary flow rate within the normal range in six of them.

DISCUSSION

Improvements in surgical technique may help to reduce complications rate. From uroflowmetry analysis, we can observe that the mean filling pressure following surgery was relatively stable and urinary flow rate was mostly satisfactory. In patients without postvoid residual urine, all referred absence of daily incontinence and good quality of life.

CONCLUSION

From this morpho-functional evaluation, our orthotopic Studer-modified ileal neobladder seems an ideal solution for urinary diversion, presenting functional features similar to native bladder and assuming a well-defined morphology, not changing in time.

Risk of end stage kidney disease after radical cystectomy according to urinary diversion type

PURPOSE

The risk of renal insufficiency has historically been viewed as a long-term consequence of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. However, there are little data on the long-term rate of end stage kidney disease after urinary diversion and few studies have compared end stage kidney disease rates by diversion type. In a large, population based cohort we evaluated the risk of end stage kidney disease in patients who received an ileal conduit vs continent urinary diversion after cystectomy for bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the SEER-Medicare 1992 to 2010 data set we identified 4,015 patients treated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, excluding those with preexisting renal disease or clinically significant preoperative hydronephrosis. The outcome of interest was end stage kidney disease stratified by diversion type. We used a Cox proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis controlling for demographic, tumor and comorbidity characteristics.

RESULTS

End stage kidney disease developed in 7.2% of patients, including 84% with an ileal conduit and 16% with continent urinary diversion. Median followup was 34 months (IQR 12-73). On multivariate analysis no increased risk of end stage kidney disease was associated with continent diversion (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.78-1.44, p = 0.71). Overall the estimated risk at 5, 10 and 15 years was 8.3% (95% CI 7.1-9.5), 16.9% (95% 14.6-19.2) and 24.4% (95% CI 20.3-28.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in the rate of end stage kidney disease was identified when comparing ileal conduits to continent urinary diversion. A significant risk of end stage kidney disease in the long term was identified in patients with post-cystectomy survival beyond 5 years.

The Studer orthotopic neobladder: long-term (more than 10 years) functional outcomes, urodynamic features, and complications

PURPOSE

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are the standard treatment for invasive bladder cancer. We analyzed the long-term (>10 years postoperatively) functional outcomes, complications, and urodynamic findings in a single center series of patients who underwent cystectomy and a Studer ileal neobladder substitution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 108 Studer pouches constructed during 1990 and 2011 was performed. Data were analyzed in terms of long-term (>10 years) outcomes. Complications, incontinence, voiding difficulties, upper urinary tract changes, overall satisfaction, and urodynamic findings of the reservoir were obtained.

RESULTS

We evaluated 19 out of 50 patients who had lived for over 10 years postoperatively. Another 31 patients were not traced: 7 patients died following recurrence, 15 died due to exacerbation of a comorbidity, and 9 patients were lost to follow-up. Concerning complications, 6 patients had an atrophied kidney, 5 patients had moderate hydronephrosis, 5 patients had chronic recurrence of pylelonephritis, and 2 patients had voiding difficulty because of bladder neck stricture due to clean intermittent catheterization. One patient underwent an operation due to intestinal obstruction. Seven patients had incontinence; all 7 patients showed intermittently at night and 2 patients even in waking hours. Maximum bladder capacity was 484.1±119.2 mL, maximum flow rate was 13.6±9.7 mL/sec, and post-void residual urine volume was 146.8±82.7 mL.

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes with the Studer orthotopic ileal neobladder have an acceptable complication rate and good functional results. However, potential adverse outcomes such as renal deterioration, dysfunctional voiding should also be considered.

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.

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.

Development and progression of urothelial carcinoma

Urothelial carcinomas are well known to feature multifocal development in the urinary tract, both synchronously and asynchronously. This phenomenon can be explained by either seeding of cancer cells in the urinary tract or field cancerization. As there are two characteristic morphological patterns of urothelial carinomas, papillary and nodular, published papers were here reviewed to understand the development and progression of urothelial carcinoma regarding multifocality due to seeding or field changes with reference to the type of urothelial carcinoma. From animal experiments using rats, mice and dogs treated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydoroxybutyl) nitrosamine, and from pathological observation of human cystectomy specimens on step-sectioning and molecular analysis, nodular carcinomas appear to either develop via papillary carcinomas or de novo. Clinical aspects of multifocal tumor development are outside of the scope of this review, although an understanding of the mechanisms underlying multifocality and the papillary/nodular morphological relationship is important to determine follow-up strategies for patients treated for primary urothelial carcinomas and for reconstruction of the urinary tract after cystectomy.

Twenty Years Experience With an Ileal Orthotopic Low Pressure Bladder Substitute—Lessons to be Learned

PURPOSE

We present the long-term results of a large consecutive series of patients undergoing ileal orthotopic bladder substitution following radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 1985 and 2005 orthotopic bladder substitution with an ileal low pressure reservoir was performed in 482 patients (including 40 women) after radical and, if possible, nerve sparing cystectomy. In 447 cases the procedure was combined with an afferent ileal isoperistaltic tubular segment. The patients were followed prospectively.

RESULTS

In the 482 patients 61 early (less than 30 days) diversion related complications requiring prolonged hospital stay or readmission were noted and 115 late complications required treatment. At 1 year continence was good in 92% of patients during the day and in 79% at night. At last followup 93% of patients could void spontaneously. Of 442 evaluable men 99 (22.4%) reported having erections without and 68 (15.4%) with medical assistance. Ureteroileal stenosis was observed in 12 of 447 (2.7%) patients. Urethral recurrence was detected in 25 of 482 (5%) patients. A total of 15 (5%) patients received vitamin B12 substitution. Renal parenchyma decreased only in patients with preoperative or postoperative ureteral obstruction. After 10 years patients with normal renal function had no long-term acidosis and in 20 patients the incidence of osteoporosis resembled that of the normal population.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileal orthotopic bladder substitution combined with an afferent ileal tubular segment allows for good long-term functional results provided patients are restrictively selected, postoperative instructions are followed carefully, and typical complications such as outlet obstruction and hernias are treated early.

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.

Which patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder or prostatic urethra are candidates for an orthotopic neobladder?

Bladder replacement has become a standard method of urinary diversion in adults undergoing cystectomy. When faced with a treatment decision, the patient and urologist are most comfortable if information is available on short- and long-term possible outcomes of the proposed intervention and on the magnitude of the expected effect. This article presents and discusses absolute and relative contraindications for orthotopic neobladders that may help optimize the clinical results with these procedures. As our own series has progressed, so has our philosophy regarding patients who are candidates for an orthotopic reconstruction. All men who require radical cystectomy as treatment for bladder cancer are initially thought to be appropriate candidates for orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction. Given the criteria presented in this article approximately, 80% of men are considered acceptable candidates for a neobladder. By these criteria, 65% of women are adequate candidates for an orthotopic bladder.

Bladder reconstruction: a critical reappraisal

The operative management of muscle invasive bladder cancer has been dramatically advanced by the advent of orthotopic reconstruction. Several studies reported during the past year have further demonstrated the utility of this form of urinary diversion. The long-term safety and efficacy of bladder replacement with respect to both surgical and metabolic complications has been demonstrated. As series include more patients with sufficient follow up, we are gaining a better appreciation of the results of treatment that patients and urologists can expect in terms of function and risk of complications. Taken together, published studies have made the following important points. Exenterative surgery as currently performed alters pelvic floor/urethral physiology. Early reports of complications in studies with short periods of follow up are not meaningful. When basic principles and complication rates are established for a procedure in the long term, sufficient follow up is required before it can be established that a modification to that procedure really is better. The occurrence of retention in a female patient with orthotopic bladder continues to be poorly understood.