Clam enterocystoplasty in the neuropathic bladder

Clam enterocystoplasty has proved to be the most effective treatment for severe detrusor instability resistant to conservative treatment (Bramble, 1982; Mundy and Stephenson, 1985). More recently it has become the procedure of choice in patients with neuropathic bladders with hyper-reflexia or severely impaired compliance, provided that the bladder is of reasonable size and that gross fibrosis and/or diverticular formation of the bladder wall has not occurred. Fifty-nine patients have undergone the clam procedure as part or all of their reconstruction in the past 4 years. Although uncontrolled incontinence was the commonest indication, impaired renal function was the indication in 14 patients and need for undiversion in seven. Currently all but four are voiding satisfactorily or are on intermittent self-catheterisation, though six have significant stress incontinence. The clam procedure is easier, quicker and as satisfactory as substitution cystoplasty in selected cases.