Undiversion in men following prior cystoprostatectomy and cutaneous diversion. Is it practical?

This report discusses the feasibility and functional outcome of conversion to an orthotopic Kock neobladder in 11 men (average age 58 years) who underwent cystoprostatectomy and cutaneous urinary diversion an average of 7.3 years previously are discussed. Cystectomy had been performed for bladder cancer in 9 men and for multiple failed bladder reconstructions in 2. No patient had any evidence of recurrent cancer. The reasons for conversion to a Kock neobladder included complications with the current form of diversion (stomal stenosis, leakage and so forth) and dislike of a cutaneous stoma. Average followup since neobladder conversion was 36 months. The exactness of the anastomosis to the urethra and the presence of a retained apex of the prostate were major factors in the technical success of the operation, degree of continence and satisfaction of the patients. All 4 patients who had some portion of retained prostate enjoy excellent continence without anastomotic stricture. In 2 of the early undiversion patients with direct membranous urethral anastomoses anastomotic strictures occurred and they subsequently chose to resume continent cutaneous diversion. The other 5 patients with anastomoses to the membranous urethral stump did well but 2 required an artificial urinary sphincter for continence. These latter 5 patients had more extensive pelvic mobilization of the urethra for more exact anastomoses. The satisfaction level of all 9 continuing neobladder patients, even if an artificial urinary sphincter was necessary, has been exceptional.