The orthotopic neobladder

Not Only Length Matters! Impact of the Ileal Width on the Capacity of the Orthotopic Neobladder: The AADAPT Formula Tested on the Animal Model

Background

The capacity of a given shape of an orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB) varies significantly, although the same length of preterminal ileum is utilised.

Objective

To investigate the variability of the human ileal width and to create a mathematical formula that calculates its impact on the neobladder capacity.

Design setting and participants

During 50 consecutive cases of robotic pelvic surgery, a segment of preterminal ileum was identified and the width was measured. A mathematical formula was created to calculate, for a given ileal length and width, the neobladder capacity and, for a given ileal width and neobladder capacity, the length of the (pre)terminal ileum to harvest. The accuracy of our model was tested on 28 pouches created by swine ileum.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The interindividual variability of the ileal width and its impact on the ileal neobladder capacity was investigated.

Results and limitations

The mean hemicircumference of the human distal ileum is 2.43 ± 0.39 cm (range 2-3.5 cm). According to our geometric model and as confirmed in the swine model, an increase of 1 cm in ileal width increases the neobladder capacity by 85%. The Pearson correlation coefficient reported a strong positive relationship between the formula-calculated and effective volumes of the pouch (r = 0.97). Moreover, for the same target capacity, 1 cm of difference in the ileal width implies harvesting 20 cm less ileum. A lack of testing on humans and application only to spheroidal neobladders are the main limits.

Conclusions

The ileal width impacts the capacity of the ONB. For a given type of ONB, no standard length of ileum should be harvested; instead, the length should be tailored to the width of the ileum for a given patient. Clinical studies are required to confirm our model.

Patient summary

We demonstrated the variability of the ileal width among humans, and we provided a mathematical formula tested on swine that evaluates the impact of the ileal width on the capacity of the orthotopic ileal neobladder.

Comparative Analysis of Elderly Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy With Ureterocutaneostomy or Ileal Conduit With a Special Focus on Bowl Complications Requiring Surgical Revision

Objectives

Ileal conduits (ICs) carry an additional perioperative complication risk due to the bowel procedure. This analysis compares surgical outcomes in patients ≥75 years of age with ureterocutaneostomy (UCN) and IC after cystectomy (Cx).

Methods

Data of 527 patients included in a retrospective cystectomy database of two high volume centers (2008–2020) were queried to identify elderly patients (≥75 years) who underwent Cx either with IC or UCN. Patient characteristics of all patients [age, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)], perioperative parameters (operation time, blood loss, transfusions, tumor stage), and postoperative complications (clavien >IIIA, intensive care unit (ICU) stay) were compared. As special focus, bowel complications requiring surgical revision (rBCs) were analyzed. In patients with IC, the rate of ureteral implantation stenosis (USt) was recorded. As a population of special interest, patients ≥80 years of age were analyzed separately. Categorical data were compared using Fisher exact test, and continuous data were compared using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 163 patients ≥75 years of age (125 IC, 38 UCN) were identified. Patients with UCN were older and presented with a higher CCI, though differences were not statistically different. Surgery with palliative intent was more frequent in patients with UCN (37 vs. 10%). Operation time in UCN was significantly shorter (233 vs. 305 min, p = 0.02), while blood loss and transfusion rate were comparable. Overall complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIA–IVB) was comparable (UCN 34% vs. IC 37%). However, rBC was a rare complication in UCN (3/38) as compared to patients with IC (15/125). Frequency of postoperative ICU stay (UCN 16% vs. IC 16%) and 90-day mortality did not differ (UCN 3/38 patients, IC 5/125 patients). Regarding long-term follow-up, USt requiring revision or permanent stenting was seen in 18/125 (14%) patients with IC. In patients >80 years of age, results were comparable to the main cohort. Low event rate regarding complications and bias inherent of a retrospective analysis (selection bias, unequal distribution in case numbers) precludes detection of statistical differences regarding patients' characteristics and overall complication rate.

Conclusion

UCN is an alternative to IC in elderly and/or frail patients. Severe bowel complications are numerically less frequent and operation time is minimized.

Neuroimaging Study Investigating the Supraspinal Control of Lower Urinary Tract Function in Man With Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder

Introduction: Recent studies employing functional imaging methodology have revealed reference brain regions of urinary tract function, namely, the midbrain periaqueductal gray matter, thalamus, and cingulate and prefrontal cortices. The orthotopic ileal neobladder is a desirable method for urinary diversion after radical cystectomy, but its supraspinal control remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate brain activity while maintaining urinary urgency and voluntary urinary control in male subjects with ileal orthotopic neobladders by performing functional MRI (fMRI) during a block design experiment. Materials and Methods: Patients were recruited at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of the Sun Yat-sen University from October 2017 to May 2019. Two tasks were performed during fMRI scanning: (1) repeated infusion and withdrawal of sterile saline solution into and out of the neobladder to simulate urgency; and (2) repeated contraction of the pelvic floor muscle with a full neobladder to induce inhibition of micturition since the subjects were asked not to urinate. The obtained data were visualized and statistically analyzed. Results: Sixteen subjects were recruited in the study, and data were obtained from 10 subjects: mean age 60.1 years, average postoperative time 20.2 months, and daytime continence rate 100%. The parahippocampus, frontal lobe, vermis, and anterior cingulate cortex were activated with large bladder volumes, and the thalamus and caudate nucleus were deactivated during voluntary urinary control. Conclusion: A complex supraspinal program is involved during ileal orthotopic neobladder control, which is significantly different from that with normal bladders, in which the original intestine visceral volume sensation is preserved.

Surgical techniques, oncologic and functional outcomes of two types of modified ileal orthotopic neobladders

Background

In recent years, the construction of orthotopic neobladder has become the focus of research. Our study is aim to illustrate and evaluate surgical techniques, oncologic and functional outcomes of two types of modified ileal orthotopic neobladders (IONB).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed of 64 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) + Xing’s neobladder (n=41), Institute of Urology Peking University neobladder (IUPUB) (n=23) at two tertiary referral centers. Then demographic characteristics, operation outcomes were analyzed. In addition, postoperative complication rates, oncologic outcomes, continence, and neobladders’ function were further evaluated.

Results

All LRC + IONB were carried out in 64 patients successfully. Pathological results show that 63 were urothelial carcinoma and 1 was adenocarcinoma. Time to flatus was 3 [1–6] d in Xing’s neobladder group while 3 [2–5] d in IUPUB group (P=0.049). In terms of overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), there is no statistical difference between the two groups. Overall, grade 1–2 complications were 36%, grade 3–4 complications were 1.6% on the 30th day, and 15.6%, 1.6% respectively on the 90th day. On the whole, daytime and night continence were 96.4%, 83.6% respectively one year after operation.

Conclusions

The two types of modified IONB are safe and feasible. The technical improvements significantly simplify the procedure and decrease the difficulty of the surgery, probably shorten the operative time and reduce blood loss. Furthermore, they take the advantage of less late complications and comparative good functional outcomes without affecting the prognosis of oncology. In addition, Xing’s neobladder is more beneficial to the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.

[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.

Longitudinal experience with Studer neobladders: Outcomes and complications

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to assess the longer-term functional, anatomical, and metabolic outcomes of patients who underwent Studer neobladder (SNB) urinary diversion.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent SNB at a single center from 1995-2017 (n=116) was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, pathological data, and longer-term functional, anatomical, and metabolic outcomes were collected from hospital records. The primary outcome was voiding function of patients at most recent followup. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, renal function, nephrolithiasis, infections, and metabolic outcomes.

RESULTS

Excluding those with incomplete followup data, 72 patients with a minimum followup of one year were included for analysis. Median followup was 70±11 months, with 52.8% of patients having ≥5 years of followup. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was used by 22.2% of patient at most recent followup, which was mostly necessitated by bladder overdistension, deteriorating renal function, or recurrent urosepsis despite timed voiding. Patients experienced more daytime and nighttime urinary incontinence in the early postoperative setting, which improved over time. Generally, renal function declined over time; poorer long-term renal function was predicted by hydronephrosis within one year (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer-term followup of SNB reveals significant but manageable complications. Gradual decline in renal function was common. Strict adherence to bladder emptying protocols (e.g., timed voiding or CIC) may reduce incidence of renal deterioration, metabolic disorders, and urinary dysfunction. Early onset (<1 year) of hydronephrosis may indicate a need for intervention to preserve long-term renal function.

Complications and quality of life of ileal conduit, orthotopic neobladder and ureterocutaneostomy: systematic review of reports using the Clavien-Dindo Classification

INTRODUCTION

Radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion (UD) are two steps of the same surgical procedure involving likely complications and important impact on quality of life (QoL). The literature was reviewed to identify recent studies reporting UDs complications occurred 90 days after surgery and graded by Clavien-Dindo Classification System (CCS).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive systematic Medline search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Scopus databases to identify reports published in English starting from 2013 using key words related to review outcome (i.e. neobladder, ileal conduct, ureterocutaneostomy, cystectomy, QoL). Complications were defined as minor or major whether the CCS grade was ≤2 or ≥3, respectively. Then, manuscripts references were screened to identify unfounded studies. Only studies using CCS to report surgical complications were considered.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Retrieved studies were reported according to two main items of complications and QoL. About UDs complications, fourteen studies were identified incorporating overall 4436 patients. Up to 50% of patients experienced at least one low-grade complications (CCS≤2) requiring pharmacological treatment to be healed. On the other hand, high-grade complications (CCS≥3) occurred in 0.7-42% of cases and required surgical interventions (CCS 3a and 3b) or life support (CCS=4). Finally, mortality (CCS=5) rated between 0.4-7%. Regarding QoL, six studies were analyzed with overall 445 patients. Most of them were retrospective and showed conflicting results whether the external UDs were better than neobladder in term of impact on QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a standardized system such as CCS improves analyses of literature. However, rigorous patient selection for UD type makes unable a randomized comparison between UDs in terms of complications and QoL impact.

Nontraumatic posterior urethral stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Posterior urethral stenoses and contractures are complications after treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), localised prostate cancer (PCa), and orthotopic neobladder formation, compromising prognosis and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors related to aetiology, prevention and treatment of non-traumatic posterior urethral stenosis and contractures.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

Review of the published evidence related to posterior urethral stenosis and contractures after PCa treatment, BPH therapies and orthotopic neobladder formation. PubMed database search with English and Spanish papers considered. Cohort studies, case series, prospective and retrospective studies and review papers were included.

SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE

Posterior urethral stenoses and contractures are common, leading to significant morbidity. A worsening on voiding quality should rise some concerns. Careful surgical and/or radiotherapic techniques prevent their development. Endoscopic therapies are the initial approach, with complex urethroplasties often required. Subsequent urinary incontinence, the most important sequelae, may need artificial sphincters.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-traumatic posterior urethral stenoses could be important complications, potentially compromising the outcomes of initial therapy. They could require complex surgeries leading to urinary incontinence.

Risk Factors for Developing Metabolic Acidosis after Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Neobladder

Purpose

To investigate the serial changes of metabolic acidosis and identify associated risk factors in patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder.

Material and Methods

From January 2010 to August 2014, 123 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder reconstruction for bladder cancer were included in this study. Metabolic acidosis was defined as a serum bicarbonate level less than 22 mEq/L and impaired renal function was defined as a GFR <50ml/min. The presence of metabolic acidosis was evaluated at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with development of metabolic acidosis.

Results

Metabolic acidosis was observed in 52%, 19.5%, and 7.3% of patients at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery, respectively. At 1 month after surgery, impaired renal function was the only independent risk factor associated with metabolic acidosis (OR 3.87, P = 0.046). At 1 year after surgery, diabetes was the only independent risk factor associated with metabolic acidosis (OR 5.68, P = 0.002). At 2 years post-surgery, both age and diabetes were significant risk factors associated with metabolic acidosis.

Conclusion

Approximately, half of patients experienced metabolic acidosis one month after ileal neobladder reconstruction. Preoperative impaired renal function was the most significant risk factor for developing metabolic acidosis in the early postoperative period. However, the incidence of metabolic acidosis decreased to less than 20% 1 year after surgery, and diabetes was an independent risk factor during this period.

Patients with an Orthotopic Low Pressure Bladder Substitute Enjoy Long-Term Good Function

PURPOSE

Orthotopic bladder substitution has been performed on a regular basis for more than 30 years and yet data on long-term functional outcomes are still lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 181 men and 19 women who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with ileal orthotopic bladder substitution from 1985 to 2004 and who had 10 years or more of followup.

RESULTS

Median age at radical cystectomy was 63 years (IQR 57-69). Median followup was 167 months (IQR 137-206). Daytime and nighttime continence rates peaked 24 months postoperatively and decreased slightly thereafter during almost 2 decades. At 10, 15 and 20 years daytime continence rates were 92%, 90% and 79%, and nighttime continence rates were 70%, 65% and 55%, respectively. During the day and at night fewer than 3% and 10% of patients, respectively, had urine loss 100 ml or greater at any time 10 years or longer after surgery. At 10 and 20 years 11 of 200 patients (6%) and 1 of 29 (3%), respectively, had to perform clean intermittent self-catheterization. After an initial postoperative decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate the subsequent decrease was less than 1 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) per year. A total of 81 complications were observed in 42 of the 200 patients (21%) 10 years or longer after radical cystectomy with pyelonephritis as the most frequent cause.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who survive up to 20 years after radical cystectomy and diversion with an ileal orthotopic bladder substitution may enjoy satisfactory urinary continence and retain the ability to void spontaneously while experiencing no more than a physiological decrease in renal function.

Urinary diversion: long-term functional aspects

Functional aspects and quality of life (QOL) of patients with a urinary diversion (UD) represent important issues in Urology. Any form of UD has its specific problems. In experienced hands and with regular long-term follow-up, serious complications can be avoided and excellent long-term results can be achieved. Thus, the selection of an appropriate UD is critical to patient's long-term satisfaction. Patients must be fully counseled in all types of UD and should have ready access to all options. There are 3 kinds of factors to be considered in the selection of UD: patient, physician, and general factors. In the pre-operative counseling, it is mandatory to explain all factors that over time may contribute to affect the patient's urinary tract function and QOL, mainly linked to long-term complications of UD. One of the most important requirements for any bladder substitution is that it should not jeopardize the renal function. There are many urological and non-urological potential reasons for deterioration in renal function following UD. Continence results after neobladder (NB) are difficult to compare between series published in the literature because of a lack of consensus of definitions, varied follow-up periods, and different mechanisms of data collection. In up to 22% of patients with NB, significant residual urine volumes were observed. The overall patients' QOL reported in most articles was good, irrespective of the type of UD. QOL of patients with a well functioning NB seems to be significantly better than other forms of diversion. Well-designed randomized prospective trials are warranted to render definitive conclusions.

Orthotopic bladder substitution (neobladder): part I: indications, patient selection, preoperative education, and counseling

Bladder substitution following radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer (transitional cell carcinoma) has become increasingly common and in many centers has evolved to become the standard method of urinary diversion. In determining the best type of urinary diversion for a specific patient, consideration must be given to both the morbidity associated with surgery and the potential positive impact on the patient's quality of life. Decision-making and perioperative care is ideally multidisciplinary, involving physicians and nurse specialists in urology, continence, and ostomy therapy. Physiotherapists may also be involved for pelvic floor muscle retraining. This article highlights preoperative considerations for patients undergoing radical cystectomy with a focus on issues specific to orthotopic bladder substitution as the method of urinary diversion. The second article in this 2-part series will outline postoperative strategies to manage these patients.

Uretero-Ileal Anastomosis in Orthotopic Neobladder: Antireflux versus Direct Techinique

Objectives

We report on the long-term functional results of the orthotopic VIP neobladder and compare the outcome of the antireflux technique for ureteral implantation versus direct anastomosis. Patients and MethOds. Between 1998 and 2009, 84 patients underwent cystoprostatectomy and orthotopic VIP neobladder for invasive bladder carcinoma. 96 renal units were reimplanted using the Enine-Ghoneim antirefluxing technique (group 1). The direct Nesbit end-to-side technique for ureteral reimplantation was applied in 72 renal units (group 2). The mean follow-up period was 54 months (range, 10–154 months).

Results

Of the 96 renal units who underwent the Enine-Ghoneim technique, 12 (12.5%) had uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture and 4 (4.1%) had reflux. Of the 72 renal units who underwent direct anastomosis, 11 (15.2%) patients had reflux, 2 (2.7%) had uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture. The incidence of stricture formation in the Enine-Ghoneim technique is significantly higher than direct anastomosis. The incidence of reflux in preoperatively dilated ureters was significantly higher in direct ureteral anastomosis than antireflux technique. The incidence of stone formation, renal scaring and pyelonephritis was comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

Direct uretero-ileal anastomosis in orthotopic bladder replacement is more reasonable than the Enine-Ghoneim antireflux technique in non-dilated ureters. The benefit of the antireflux technique has been overestimated despite the frequency of stricture formation.

Bladder Reconstruction and Diversion during Colorectal Surgery

Extirpative procedures for advanced colorectal cancers can involve multivisceral pelvic resections. In patients without evidence of distant metastatic disease, a reasonable therapeutic effect can be expected when negative surgical margins are obtained. For patients with bladder involvement, the decision to perform a bladder-sparing procedure or a total pelvic exenteration will be based on the extent of the primary lesion as well as patient characteristics. In this article, the authors describe bladder-sparing techniques with and without enterocystoplasty as well as options for urinary diversion in patients requiring total pelvic exenteration. Contraindications and clinical decision making regarding bladder reconstruction or replacement are discussed.

Studer orthotopic ileal bladder substitute construction - surgical technique and complication management: one-center and 12-year experience

PURPOSE

We have performed Studer neobladder creation in 61 patients (53 male and 8 female). The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes, to review the surgical technique modification, postoperative complications management and metabolic disturbances.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients were retrospectively studied and followed-up. The follow-up: 12 years to 2 months. 44 patients (41 male and 3 female) returned for a control visit. All completed IIQ-7 questionnaire. Continence was analysed. Kidney ultrasound, post void residual and uroflowmetry, blood tests (electrolytes, kidney markers, acid-base balance) were performed. All patients were divided into two groups: I (with Zuber mineral water intake) and group II (without Zuber mineral water intake) for acid-base balance analysis.

RESULTS

Early complications occurred in 13.1% (enterocolitis, neobladder-urethral anastomosis leakage, pyelonephritis, and lymphorrhoea). Late complications occurred in 14.0% (stricture of the neobladder-urethra anastomosis, urosepsis secondarily to bilateral hydronephrosis, stone formation, and pyonephrosis). In the follow-up 88.6% of patients revealed normal continence. The nocturnal incontinence, nocturia, and external or indwelling catheter were reported in 9, 6 and 5 patients, respectively). In IIQ-7 the mean negative impact of continence level on patients quality of life was 10.08% ± 14.47%. The mean Qmax., Qave., post void residual were 15.8 ± 4.9 ml/s, 7.9 ± 3.0 ml/s, and 151.2 ± 139.2 ml, respectively. Patients who regularly intake the Zuber present significant decrease of BE deficiency as compared to patient without Zuber usage.

CONCLUSIONS

The Studer neobladder is the alternative urinary diversion. This is the difficult, skill demanding procedure, nevertheless gaining experience with self modifications resulted in decrease of complications. The Zuber mineral water intake ameliorates the base excess deficiency after Studer creation.