A multi-institutional study of orthotopic neobladders: functional results in men and women

To analyse the incidence of diurnal incontinence (DI) and nocturnal incontinence (NI), the need for intermittent catheterization (IC),and the rate of ureteric obstruction (UO) among a group of men and women with ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders in four countries.

In all, 138 patients (113 men and 25 women) had an orthotopic neobladder constructed after radical cystectomy for carcinoma. The mean(range) age was 61.3 (28-76) years and the follow-up 41 (6-144) months. All patients underwent surgery by experienced surgeons associated with the Confederation of American Urology. A retrospective evaluation was designed to review the functional results and the incidence of UO. The technique of orthotopic neobladder construction was at each surgeon's discretion. Various detubularized bowel segments were used, including ileum, colon or sigmoid. Patients were followed by chart reviews and personal interviews at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery and then every 6 months, and were evaluated by a physical examination, urine analysis, cytology and renal ultrasonography.

An ileal or colonic neobladder was constructed in 74 and 64 patients, respectively. Five (7%), 23 (31%), 10 (14%) and 14(9.6%) with an ileal neobladder developed DI, NI, IC and UO, respectively; the respective values for patients with a colonic neobladder were eight (12%), 19 (30%), seven (11%)and 15 (12%). Statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test showed no significant differences between the ileal and colonic neobladder groups or with gender.

Using this specific protocol for evaluating many men and women with ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders showed no significant differences in the incidence of DI, NI, IC or UO. Neobladders constructed from detubularized bowel, irrespective of bowel segment(s) used, can provide satisfactory diurnal results. A moderate incidence of NI and UO continue to be a problem.