[3 years' experience with the ileum neobladder--the first 108 patients]

Between April 1986 and April 1989, each of 108 patients received an ileum neobladder, 94 patients for total bladder substitution after radical cysto-prostatectomy and 14 for augmentation of a fibrotic and contracted bladder following tuberculosis, interstitial cystitis or radiotherapy of the pelvis. The operative technique is standardized, relatively simple and safe, and it prevents upper urinary tract deterioration and reflux. Continence is preserved in more than 80% of all patients by the function of the external urethral sphincter and by the high capacity and the low internal pressure of the intestinal reservoir. Follow-up of more than 3 months postoperatively was possible in 96 patients, the evaluation including micturition behavior at home and a urodynamic investigation. Stress incontinence requiring correction by an artificial sphincter was found in 3 and nocturnal incontinence necessitating some external device in 6 patients. There was no perioperative mortality. Local tumor recurrence and/or metastases occurred in 14 patients; 7 patients died postoperatively, 5 owing to tumor progression, 1 of pneumonia and serve metabolic acidosis, and 1 owing to septicemia of unknown cause. Re-operation was necessary in 13 patients, in 6 because of mechanical ileus or intra-abdominal abscess, in 3 because of stenosis of the uretero-ileal anastomosis, in 1 because of tumor progression, in 1 because of vesico-vaginal fistula, in 1 patient because of incisional hernia, and in 1 because of wound dehiscence. Urethrotomy or dilatation of urethral strictures was necessary in 8 patients. All other early and late complications were rare and could be managed by conservative means.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)