Laparoscopic radical cystectomy and continent orthotopic ileal neobladder performed completely intracorporeally: the initial experience

PURPOSE: We introduce the operative technique of laparoscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder with a Studer limb performed completely intracorporeally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure was performed in 1 man and 1 woman. Using a 6 port transperitoneal approach, radical cystectomy in the female patient and radical cystoprostatectomy in the male patient were completed laparoscopically with the urethral sphincter preserved. Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was done. A 65 cm. segment of ileum 15 cm. from the ileocecal junction was isolated, and ileo-ileal continuity was restored using Endo-GIA staplers (U.S. Surgical, Norwalk, Connecticut). The distal 45 cm. of the isolated ileal segment were detubularized, maintaining the proximal 10 cm. segment intact as an isoperistaltic Studer limb. A globular shaped ileal neobladder was constructed and anastomosed to the urethra. Bilateral stented ureteroileal anastomoses were individually performed to the Studer limb. All suturing was done exclusively using free-hand laparoscopic techniques and the entire procedure was completed intracorporeally. An additional case is described of Indiana pouch continent diversion in which the pouch was constructed extracorporeally. RESULTS: Total operative time for laparoscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder was 8.5 and 10.5 hours, respectively, with a blood loss ranging from 200 to 400 cc. Hospital stay was 5 to 12 days and surgical margins of the bladder specimen were negative in each case. Both patients with orthotopic neobladder had complete daytime continence. Postoperative renal function was normal and excretory urography revealed unobstructed upper tracts. During followup ranging from 5 to 19 months 1 patient died of metastatic disease, while the other 2 are doing well without local or systematic progression. CONCLUSIONS: Laproscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder performed completely intracorporeally are feasible.     

Sacral neuromodulation for refractory detrusor overactivity in women with an artificial urinary sphincter

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation as an alternative therapeutic option in women with an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) who had de novo irritative urinary symptoms (urgency/frequency) refractory to conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 2002 we implanted an AUS in 350 women and detrusor overactivity developed in 14. Six of the 14 patients responding positively to a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (greater than 50% subjective/objective improvement) were implanted with an S3 neuromodulator within 42.8 weeks (range 21 to 106) of AUS implantation. Followup included analysis of the voiding diary, a pad test and urodynamic assessment. RESULTS: After 30.5 months followup (range 14 to 40) 1 patient was dry, 4 were improved and treatment failed in 1. At 12 months mean voiding frequency daily had decreased from 17 (range 12 to 23) to 8 (range 4 to 12) and the mean number of leakages episodes daily had decreased from 14.7 (range 8.5 to 17) to 6 (range 4 to 10). Mean voided volume had increased from 121.7 (range 90 to 170) to 180 ml (range 120 to 225), mean first desire to void volume had increased from 117 (range 88 to 190) to 183 ml (range 130 to 275) and mean functional bladder capacity had increased from 325 (range 200 to 530) to 372 ml (range 250 to 580). Uninhibited bladder contractions had resolved in 4 of 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In women who already have an AUS with urge incontinence sacral neuromodulation can help resolve symptoms. Because this therapy does not compromise the potential for future treatment, it appears to be an alternative option in these patients. It can postpone or avoid more mutilating surgery and self-catheterization.     

Voiding dysfunction following removal of eroded synthetic mid urethral slings

PURPOSE: Voiding dysfunction following genitourinary erosion of synthetic mid urethral slings is not clearly reported. We investigated the incidence of voiding dysfunction in patients following sling excision due to vaginal, urethral or intravesical mesh erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review identified 19 patients with genitourinary erosion of polypropylene mesh slings. Comprehensive urological evaluation was performed in all patients, and perioperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Voiding dysfunction was defined as refractory storage symptoms, emptying symptoms and pelvic pain. All subsequent medical and surgical interventions were recorded. RESULTS: In 19 patients a total of 11 vaginal, 7 intravesical and 5 urethral erosions occurred. Mean patient age was 52 years (range 32 to 69) and average followup was 8.4 months (range 3 to 34). Average time from symptom onset to sling removal was 10.1 months (range 1.5 to 38). Of the 19 patients 14 (74%) presented with multiple symptoms. Symptoms varied, including refractory pain, recurrent infections and bladder storage/emptying dysfunction. Urodynamic studies were abnormal preoperatively and postoperatively in 9 of 13 (69%) and 4 of 6 patients (67%), respectively. Following surgery lower urinary tract symptoms resolved completely in only 4 of the 19 patients (21%). Stress incontinence recurred in 8 of the 19 patients (42%). Five patients underwent simultaneous pubovaginal sling, of whom none had recurrent stress urinary incontinence. Only 9 patients (47%) considered themselves dry with no pads following surgery. Four patients required further surgery for refractory voiding symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Voiding dysfunction is not an uncommon finding after sling excision in the setting of genitourinary erosion. It may cause additional patient morbidity.     

改良腹腔镜根治性膀胱切除术加Studer原位回肠新膀胱重建初步研究

目的:总结11例腹腔镜根治性膀胱切除、标准淋巴结清扫加Studer原位回肠新膀胱重建的经验,评价此术式肿瘤学结果与功能性结果。方法:2008年7月～2011年5月,选择11例肌层浸润性膀胱肿瘤患者实施腹腔镜根治性膀胱切除加下腹壁小切口行Studer原位回肠新膀胱重建术,对手术时间、淋巴结数量、围手术期并发症、出血量、输血量、生存率、上尿路形态与功能、控尿情况进行分析。结果:平均手术时间为6.17(5.5～7.5)h,平均出血量为300(0～800)ml,仅1例输血400ml,平均清扫淋巴结数15(5～30)个,无围手术期死亡,围手术期并发症发生率为18.19%(2/11)。上尿路检查,提示18.19%(2/11)术后拔出双J管后出现双侧肾盂及输尿管的轻度暂时性扩张,其中1例血肌酐上升。随访15(1～67)个月,1例鳞癌死于广泛转移,91%(10/11)无复发生存。患者日间完全控尿率达到90%(9/10);夜间完全控尿率70%(7/10),小于1块尿垫20%(2/10)。结论:选择适当病例行改良的腹腔镜根治性膀胱切除、标准淋巴结清扫加下腹壁小切口行Studer原位回肠新膀胱重建术取得了满意肿瘤学与功能性结果;Studer原位回肠新膀胱顺向蠕动输入袢能够保护上尿路形态与功能。     

Adjustable continence therapy for the treatment of urinary incontinence after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in women

The management of urinary incontinence after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction is a very challenging situation. We report on a patient that developed a neobladder–urethro–vaginal fistula successfully treated but resulting in severe urinary incontinence that was cured after the periurethral insertion of adjustable silicone balloons.     

Functional and oncological outcomes after orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in women

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction (ONR) in women, highlighting functional and oncological outcomes, as ONR has been used increasingly for urinary diversion in women after radical cystectomy (RC), largely due to a better understanding of the natural history of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) and of the anatomy underlying the female continence mechanism, but defining the safety and long‐term efficacy of ONR remain important to expanding its use.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 59 women who had RC with ONR between 1995 and 2006 at the Mayo Clinic. Their records were reviewed for clinicopathological demographics, and functional and oncological outcomes.

RESULTS

The median (range) age at surgery of the women was 62 (20–82) years, and the median follow‐up was 29.2 (1–141) months. Fifty‐three women had RC for malignant disease, including UCC in 47. Five women (8.5%) required resection of the anterior vaginal wall during surgery, while 39 (66%) had concurrent hysterectomy. One patient had a positive surgical margin, at the left distal ureter, on final pathology. Thirteen (22%) patients had perioperative complications, including two (3%) who required reoperation. In addition, three patients (5%) developed a neobladder‐vaginal fistula after RC with ONR, requiring surgical repair. At the last follow‐up, daytime urinary continence (defined as needing no pads) was reported by 44/49 (90%) patients, while 28/49 (57%) had achieved continence at night. Seventeen (31%) patients required intermittent self‐catheterization to facilitate emptying of the neobladder. Fifteen (28%) women had recurrence of disease, at a median of 8 (2–36) months after ONR, including seven (13%) who developed a pelvic recurrence. Twelve (20%) patients died during the follow‐up, with four (8%) dying from UCC at a median of 14 (11–65) months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

ONR provides a safe and effective option for urinary diversion in women, with oncological and functional outcomes similar to those for men. Thus, the technique remains a preferred option for urinary diversion in appropriately selected women treated with RC.     

Critical evaluation of the problem of chronic urinary retention after orthotopic bladder substitution in women

PURPOSE: We studied the possible causes of chronic retention after radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder substitution in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and January 2001, 136 women with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 52 +/- 8 years underwent standard radical cystectomy and orthotopic substitution for organ confined bladder cancer. Videourodynamics, pelvic floor electromyography, pelvic floor magnetic resonance imaging and pan-endoscopy were done. In the last 37 cases some technical modifications were adopted to circumvent the development of chronic urinary retention. RESULTS: One woman died postoperatively of massive pulmonary embolism. Of the 100 patients evaluable at a mean followup of 36 months 95 were continent in the daytime, 86 were continent at night, 2 were completely incontinent and 16 were in chronic retention. Videourodynamics showed that retention was mechanical in nature due to the pouch falling back in the wide pelvic cavity, resulting in acute angulation of the posterior pouch-urethral junction. In addition, herniation of the pouch wall through the prolapsed vaginal stump was observed in most cases. Pelvic floor electromyography demonstrated complete pelvic floor silence during voiding. No abnormality of the pelvic floor or rhabdosphincter was noted on magnetic resonance imaging. Pan-endoscopy showed a normal urethra with no urethroileal stricture. A 4 mg. dose of the alpha1-adrenergic blocker doxazosin daily was ineffective, excluding the possibility that sprouting from adjacent adrenergic neurons into the denervated proximal urethral muscles may have been the cause of this problem. After omental packing behind the pouch, suturing of the peritoneum on the rectal wall to the vaginal stump, suspension of the latter by the preserved round ligaments and suspension of the pouch near its dome to the back of the rectus muscle at cystectomy the incidence of chronic retention decreased from 18.7% (14 of 75 cases) before to 8% (2 of 25) after modifications. Furthermore, after vaginal wall descent was mechanically corrected by a pessary there was significant improvement in evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: Strong evidence was provided that chronic urinary retention after orthotopic substitution is due to anatomical rather than to functional or neurogenic reasons. Modifications to increase back support of the pouch with ventral suspension near its dome and support the vaginal stump are recommended to avoid this complication.     

Sigmoid neobladder in women after radical cystectomy

PURPOSE: Neobladder reconstruction using an intestinal segment is the common procedure of choice in men after cystectomy. Recently this procedure has been extended to women. We present our surgical and functional experience with the sigmoid neobladder in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 women 49 to 74 years old (mean age plus or minus standard deviation 60 +/- 8.5) with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction with a modified sigmoid neobladder after nerve and urethral support sparing cystectomy. After at least 3 months voiding pattern and continence status were evaluated. Pressure flow studies and uroflowmetry were performed, the urethral pressure profile and neocystourethral angle were measured, and blood chemistry was analyzed. RESULTS: After at least 3 months complete daytime continence was achieved in 2 patients, while 8 had mild stress incontinence. At night 8 of the 11 women (72.7%) were continent with or without voiding at regular intervals. All except 1 patient voided to completion. Of the 2 patients with complete continence 1 needed clean intermittent catheterization 4 months postoperatively. Mean maximal urinary flow was 19.9 +/- 10.5 ml. per second. Excluding the woman who required catheterization mean residual urine volume was 15 +/- 13.7 ml. Postoperatively maximal urethral pressure was slightly lower and functional urethral length was about 10 mm. shorter than preoperatively. The mean neocystourethral angle was 131.9 +/- 21.7 degrees. Mean pH, bicarbonate and base excess were 7.38 +/- 0.03, 23. 48 +/- 2.34 mmol./l. and -0.92 +/- 2.50, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After nerve and urethral support sparing cystectomy a modified sigmoid neobladder may be constructed in women to obtain satisfactory continence and voiding results.     

原位肠代膀胱术远期疗效评价(附266例报告)

目的 总结评价原位肠代膀胱术的远期临床效果。方法 对1991-2003年266例因膀胱癌行膀胱全切手术患者资料进行分析。Hautmann回肠原位代膀胱术206例，Reddy原位结肠代膀胱术60例。131例患者在原标准术式基础上作了手术技术改进。总结手术改进前后患者控尿率和并发症发生率等。结果 获完整随访患者225例。回肠代膀胱术改进前后男性平均随访时间62（44-146）个月和38（4-67）个月；结肠原位代膀胱手术改进前后患者平均随访时间为62（51-131）个月和34（5-67）个月。手术改进可提高男性术后夜间可控率（P〈0．05），女性改善不明显（P〉0．05），总的近期和远期并发症发生率为13．8％和19．6％。男性肿瘤尿道复发9例（4％），女性无复发。结论 原位尿流改道术的远期临床疗效满意，并发症发生率低。手术技术改进可提高男性患者的夜间控尿率。     

A three-centre experience of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy: initial results

OBJECTIVE: To assess, in a retrospective three-centre series, the initial experience and results of patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 104 suitable consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction between June 1994 and April 2003. The initial histology, operating times, transfusion rates, complications, mortality rates, continence rates, potency rates, and cancer control rates were recorded. RESULTS: The median (range) follow-up was 48 (6-113) months; 90 patients had a reconstruction with a 'Studer' neobladder, 12 with a 'Hautmann W pouch' and two with a 'T pouch' ileal neobladder. There were 24 early complications, and in eight patients re-operation was required; there was one death after surgery. There were 14 late complications and 10 patients required re-operation. The daytime continence rate was 99% and the nocturnal continence rate 78%. Five patients required intermittent self-catheterization. Twenty-two patients died from local and/or distant recurrences, and four from other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction provides excellent continence rates, and both acceptable complication and mortality rates. Suitable patients undergoing radical cystectomy should be offered orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.     

The relationships among measures of incontinence severity in women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: We assessed the relationships among severity measures of urinary incontinence in women with stress predominant symptoms enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing 2 surgical techniques (Burch colposuspension vs pubovaginal sling) for stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 655 women underwent a standardized preoperative assessment that included the Medical, Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, 3-day voiding diary, 24-hour pad test, a supine empty bladder stress test and Valsalva leak point pressure measurements. Correlations were estimated using Spearman correlation coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. T tests at alpha=0.05 were conducted to compare the distributions of the continuous severity measure between patients with positive and negative supine empty bladder stress test. RESULTS: Baseline mean scores on Medical, Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging, Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire were 25.8, 151 and 171, respectively. Mean incontinence episode frequency and pad weight were 3.2 per day and 43.5 gm, respectively. Supine empty bladder stress test was positive in 218 patients, and 428 patients had valid Valsalva leak point pressure measurements with a mean Valsalva leak point pressure of 80 cm H(2)O. Weak to moderate correlations were observed between Medical, Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging, incontinence episode frequency, pad weight, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urogenital Distress Inventory. On the other hand, Valsalva leak point pressure correlated poorly with all variables measured. The sensitivity and specificity of the supine empty bladder stress test to predict intrinsic sphincter dysfunction were 49% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence severity measures correlate moderately with each other at best. While Medical, Epidemiological and Social Aspects of Aging demonstrated stronger correlations with the other measures of severity and quality of life, Valsalva leak point pressure did not. Supine empty bladder stress test did not demonstrate a clinically significant association among severity measures.