Long-term results of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy

To assess, in a retrospective study, the long-term results of neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy, as this is the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Data were retrieved for all patients with muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated by radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder substitution between 1988 and 1998. All perioperative and long-term complications were recorded. The voiding pattern, frequency of micturition and continence were assessed, and a complete urodynamic profile recorded. In all, 102 patients underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in the study period; their mean (range) follow-up was 73 (36-144) months. Neobladder substitution was with an ileocaecal segment in 35 patients, sigmoid colon in 34 and ileum in 33. Early complications occurred in 32 patients (31%) although open surgical intervention was required in only nine (9%). The death rate after surgery was 3.9%. Late complications occurred in 31 patients (30%) and were primarily caused by uretero-enteric and vesico-urethral strictures (9% each). Most patients had daytime (89%) and night-time (78%) continence. The mean maximum pouch capacity (mL) and pouch pressure at capacity (cmH(2) O) were 562.5 and 23 (ileocaecal), 542 and 17.8 (sigmoid) and 504 and 19.1 (ileal), respectively; the mean postvoid residual was 29, 44 and 23 mL, respectively. Nine patients with ileocaecal neobladders, and 20 and seven with sigmoid and ileal neobladders, required clean intermittent catheterization. Twenty-four patients had recurrence of disease, of whom 20 died. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction requires complex surgery but has an acceptable early and late complication rate in properly selected patients. It provides satisfactory continence without compromising cure rates.