Sigmoid orthotopic neobladder after radical cystectomy for bladder tumour: an Indian experience

To determine the long-term results of constructing a sigmoid neobladder after radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

The study included 170 patients with TCC of the bladder and a normal sigmoid colon. After radical cystectomy the neobladder was formed by completely detubularizing an isolated sigmoid colon segment. Subsequently patients were followed by clinical, biochemical, radiological and urodynamic assessments.

Four patients died soon after surgery; the neobladder-related delayed complications were death in three patients, loss of five renal units, and electrolyte imbalance in five patients. Uretero-intestinal anastomotic narrowing was another frequent delayed complication. Most (97%) patients had nocturnal incontinence, and most voided with a good stream with a minimal postvoid residual urine volume.

The sigmoid neobladder, despite some limitations, is the best option for diverting urine after radical cystectomy.