Caecocystoplasty for intractable interstitial cystitis: long-term results

To evaluate the role of orthotopic substitution caecocystoplasty in intractable interstitial cystitis refractory to conservative measures by looking at long-term follow-up results.

We present a retrospective review of eleven patients who underwent a trigone-preserving orthotopic substitution caecocystoplasty for intractable classical interstitial cystitis. All patients received conservative treatment for a mean period of three years. They were followed up for a mean period of nine years (range 4-14 years) with evaluation of symptoms, biochemistry, ultrasound scan and flexible cystoscopy.

Symptomatic relief was universal with an increase of bladder capacity to normal. There was no mortality and the postoperative morbidity was minimal. Intermittent self-catheterisation due to high residual volumes was necessary in two patients. There was no significant urinary reflux or metabolic complications noted. Two patients required a cystectomy after four and six years respectively due to recurrent trigonal disease in one and urethro-trigonal hypersensitivity following intermittent self-catheterisation in the other patient. One patient developed an advanced adenocarcinoma in the caecal segment seven years following the primary operation.

A sustained relief of symptoms is noted after trigone-preserving orthotopic substitution caecocystoplasty in intractable classical interstitial cystitis. It may not be appropriate in patients with urethro-trigonal disease or hypersensitivity. There is low long-term morbidity due to the operation but is associated with malignancy in the augmentate. Long-term follow-up is necessary to identify malignant change in the bladder.