Orthotopic bladder substitution in women: functional evaluation.

PURPOSE

Orthotopic bladder substitution following cystectomy in women has recently been introduced at some specialized centers. Studies of such a procedure should consider the oncological and functional outcomes. We analyzed only the functional results of orthotopic bladder substitution since followup is too short (about 2 years) for a valid oncological assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 1994 to November 1997, 60 women with a mean age of 48.3 years underwent standard radical cystectomy and orthotopic diversion (ileal W-neobladder with subserous tunnel in 47 and hemi-Kock reservoir in 13). The oncological criterion was organ confined invasive bladder cancer.

RESULTS

There was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative complications included fatal pulmonary embolism in 1 woman, deep vein thrombosis in 2, prolonged ileus in 1 and fistula of the vaginal pouch in 3, which was repaired successfully. Cancer recurred in the pelvis in 2 cases and as distant metastases in 5. Of the patients 43 had been followed for a mean of 20.2 months (range 6 to 36), and 32 were continent day and night, 1 was totally incontinent, 2 had daytime stress incontinence and 6 had nighttime incontinence. Six women had difficulty emptying the pouch spontaneously with concomitant residual urine due to acute angulation between the urethra and pouch.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic bladder substitution after standard radical cystectomy in select women provides a satisfactory functional outcome. Failure of complete emptying seems to be due to anatomical rather than functional reasons.