A simple ileal substitute bladder after radical cystectomy: experience with a modification of the Studer pouch

Bladder substitution using pouches designed from detubularized bowel is gaining widespread acceptance among urologists and their patients. However, few clinical reports have described the effectiveness of the orthotopic neobladder fashioned from ileum in the manner described by Studer. Since 1988, we have used the Studer technique with minor modifications in 20 men who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Early morbidity from the procedure was minimal, although 2 patients later had anastomotic strictures. Significant late complications included low vitamin B12 levels in 4 patients and persistent hyperchloremia in 1. A total of 18 patients achieved diurnal continence but 9 of these had enuresis. Neobladder compliance and emptying were satisfactory in the 12 patients evaluated urodynamically. Upper tracts remained stable in all patients at a median followup of 24 months (range 9 to 60). Isolated episodes of bacteriuria occurred in 11 patients but followup urine cultures have remained sterile in all continent patients. The Studer ileal neobladder is a simple, effective alternative for urine storage, upper tract preservation and efficient voiding.