[Total cystectomy and W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder for bladder cancer]

To investigate the clinical effect of total cystectomy and W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder for bladder cancer.

Total cystectomy and W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder were performed on 29 male patients and 3 female patients. After the cystectomy, 35-40 cm terminal ileal segment was isolated to make W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder. Bilateral uretero-ileal anastomoses were constructed by nipple technique, urethral stump was sutured to the lowest portion of the ileal pouch.

All surgeries were completed successfully. Patients were able to void by increasing the abdominal pressure, daytime continence rate was 87.5% and nighttime continence rate was 78.1%. The mean neobladder capacity was 410.6 mL and the mean postvoid residual urine was 22.7 mL at 6 months. After the surgery, ileal neobladder leakage occurred in 3 (9.4%) patients, mild ileus occurred in 2 (6.3%) patients, ileo-urethral anastomosis stricture developed in 1(3.1%) patient, and dysuria occurred in 3 (9.4%) patients because of the mucus. THe complications were treated properly and satisfactory results were obtained. Erection was preserved in 5 of the 9 male patients with normal erectile function, and normal sexual function was preserved in 1 female patient who underwent uterus-sparing cystectomy. The mean follow-up was 15 months. One patient died of distant metastasis and pneumonia, while other patients survived without tumor.

Total cystectomy and W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder have the advantages of voiding through the native urethra, satisfactory continence, low complication rates of upper urinary tract damage and electrolyte imbalance. W-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder may be considered as the first option of urinary diversion after cystectomy. Postoperative management should focus on complications and follow-up.