Ileocolic neobladder in the woman with interstitial cystitis and a small contracted bladder

Bladder substitution with an ileocolic segment after total cystectomy was performed in 5 women with a severely contracted bladder secondary to interstitial cystitis. The urethra was divided at the bladder neck in 2 patients and distal to it in 3. The latter 3 patients empty the bladder to completion and void naturally, while the former 2 have a large post-void residual volume and require intermittent self-catheterization. Mean patient age was 50 years and mean followup was 52 months. All patients have complete diurnal and nocturnal continence, and are free of all symptoms related to interstitial cystitis. Total bladder replacement in women with interstitial cystitis and a contracted bladder significantly improved the quality of life and is an ideal alternative to other forms of urinary diversion.