Neovesical-urethral anastomotic stricture after orthotopic urinary diversion: presentation and management

To assess the frequency, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of bladder neck contractures (BNCs) among patients who had an orthotopic urinary diversion after radical cystectomy.

We retrospectively examined our single-institution database of 788 patients who had a radical cystectomy from 1 January 1996 to 4 January 2006 for BNC; variables evaluated included presentation, degree of stricture/contracture, clinical management, and outcomes after management.

Of the 374 patients who had an orthotopic urinary diversion, 11 (2.9%) men developed BNC; four BNCs were between 17 F and 22 F, six were <17 F, and one was pinhole-sized. Nine of the 11 patients presented with voiding difficulties, one in complete retention after complicated urinary tract infection, and one with new-onset nocturnal urinary incontinence. The treatment of BNC included cystoscopic dilatation in the clinic in six and under anaesthesia in three, and transurethral incision with a Collins knife or holmium laser in seven. After treatment, all patients were instructed to use continuous intermittent catheterization (CIC). Ten patients had follow-up data available after the intervention, with a mean (range) follow-up of 40.6 (10.6-98.0) months. Six patients were stricture-free for a mean period of 35.4 (10.6-98.0) months, while four patients had a recurrence within a mean of 7.4 (1.3-17.1) months. At the last follow-up, nine of the 10 patients were using CIC. No patient had significant daytime or night-time incontinence after treatment.

BNC develops in a small proportion of patients undergoing orthotopic urinary diversion, with most patients presenting with voiding difficulty. Most will require transurethral incision rather than an office-based dilatation. After endoscopic incision to correct BNC, we recommend CIC to ensure complete emptying and to maintain the patency of the anastomotic stricture.