[Postoperative care of neobladder using a detubularized intestinal segment]

Neobladder using a detubularized intestinal segment was constructed in 74 cystectomized patients between October 1986 and July 1994. There were 65 males (87.8%) and 9 females (12.2%) with an average age of 63 years (range 36 to 77 years). The mean follow-up period was 35 months (range 7 to 85). Problems of postoperative care assessed were continence, renal function, metabolic consequences, neoplasms and other complications. Moreover, the impact of these problems on the quality of life was evaluated by a self-administered questionnaire. Continence in the daytime was achieved in 70/74 (94.6%) patients. Nocturnal incontinence was noted in 15/74 (20.3%) patients. Serum BUN and creatinine levels were maintained within normal limits. Metabolic acidosis (base excess < -5.0 occurred in 7/74 (9.5%) patients, 4 patients of whom needed alkalizing agents. Colon adenomas in neobladder were found and resected in 3 patients. The other postoperative complications were stone formation in neobladder in 4 (5.4%), urethral stricture in 7 (9.5%) and ureteral stenosis in 3 (4.1%) patients respectively, which were satisfactorily corrected by endourological procedures. As to quality of life assessment, the majority was satisfied, whereas 11% of the patients reported emotional distress and limitations in the usual physical activities by nocturnal incontinence. Our finding suggest that nocturnal incontinence is the most important problem and we need longer follow-up to evaluate the problems of metabolic consequences and neoplasms of the urinary tract.