[Function of neobladders in women after cystectomy]

Since 1999, Rigshospitalet (RH) and Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby (SKS) have been offering women an orthotopic neobladder following cystectomy. The aim of the present study was to describe the function of the neobladders in women by examining continence and voiding function. Cancer stage, cancer recurrence, complications and mortality are also described.

The data was retrospectively collected from patient files. Between 1999 and 2006, a total of 20 female patients at RH and SKS underwent reconstructive surgery with a neobladder. Continence and voiding function were evaluated from existing tests and examinations performed during follow-up.

The average follow-up was 3.1 years (range: 0.4-7.4). The average age was 57.1 years (40.1-70.6). Fifteen patients (75%) were continent during the daytime, and three of the patients (15%) were incontinent during the night-time. Five patients (25%) were partly incontinent during the day- and night-time, but in two of the patients the incontinence was related to recurrence. Eight patients (40%) used intermittent catheterization as a supplement to the spontaneous voiding. Ten patients (50%) had early complications. Six patients (30%) had late complications. The most common complication was pyelonephritis. Fifteen patients (75%) were alive at the end of follow-up, and twelve patients (60%) were without recurrence.

Neobladders in women after cystectomy function adequately. Patients achieve a high degree of continence and acceptable bladder emptying. However, the best functional results were seen in patients without cancer recurrence.