Characterization of Standard Urine Properties in Noncomplicated Orthotopic Ileal Neobladders: A Prospective...

To characterize the standard physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of urine in patients with noncomplicated orthotopic ileal neobladders.

This is a prospective study that included 100 male patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder between 1993 and 2013. All included patients were in a good health and having satisfactory function of the reservoirs with normal upper tract with a minimum 1-year postoperative follow-up. We excluded patients with oncological failure, those with diversion-related complications, those who were maintained on clean intermittent catheterization, or those who have symptoms of urinary tract infection. Patients with medical diseases that may affect urine properties (eg, diabetes mellitus) or receiving special medications (eg, diuretics, alkali therapy, or antibiotics) were also excluded. The patients were subjected to urine analysis, blood chemistry, pH, and blood gases; the results were compared to a control group of 40 normal male volunteers.

Urine analysis in diverted patients showed higher urine pH than in control group but it is still acidic. Pyuria, proteinuria, hematuria, and positive culture were significantly higher in diverted patients. The chemical analysis showed lower urinary calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine contents in diverted patients than in the control group. Serum creatinine was significantly higher in diverted patients, whereas blood pH and bicarbonate were lower, but these values are within normal.

Urine from uncomplicated orthotopic ileal reservoirs is acidic. Pyuria, proteinuria, minor degrees of microscopic hematuria, and positive nitrite reaction are normal findings. We also have normal findings for lower urinary calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine contents in patients.