Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder Reconstruction after Renal Transplant

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is an effective curative treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. The orthotopic ileal neobladder has become a favorable choice of urinary diversion as it offers superior quality of life, cosmetic outcome and the potential for normal voiding. We treated two patients with bladder cancer who previously underwent renal transplant for end-stage renal disease. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction was performed in both patients. One patient had two renal transplants and underwent transplant nephrectomy at the time of cystectomy. In the other patient, the native kidneys were still present and the ureters were anastomosed to the neobladder. There is excellent function of the neobladder. There were no increased complications seen in these patients. Our cases demonstrate that an orthotopic ileal neobladder is safe and feasible after renal transplant and should be offered to these patients.     

Orthotopic bladder substitute in renal transplant recipients: experience with Studer technique and literature review

Renal transplant recipients with high‐risk bladder cancer following cystectomy need a urinary diversion preserving the renal function and possibly maintaining body image, while still offering the best oncological outcome. The aim of this report is to describe our experience of radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder with Studer technique in this population, and to review the literature. We performed radical cystectomy and Studer ileal neobladder in four male patients (median age 67 years) after median time of 9.5 years following renal transplantation. Pathology revealed pT1HGN+ transitional cell carcinoma in one case, pT1HGN0 in two and pT3aHGN0 in one. Two patients presenting aggressive disease (N+ and pT3a) died of tumour progression after 20 and 14 months, respectively, while the other two are alive after 56 and 36 months of follow‐up with no evidence of disease, stable serum creatinine (2.29 and 1.6 mg/dl) and mild metabolic acidosis. Day and night‐time urinary continence were satisfactory in all patients. Good functional outcomes have been reported in the 20 cases of ileal orthotopic neobladder with different techniques published so far and the global experience of 24 cases with a median follow‐up of 39 months documents a cancer specific survival of 62.5%.     

女性保留内生殖器膀胱全切原位回肠新膀胱尿流改道术的临床疗效

目的:探讨女性保留内生殖器膀胱全切患者行原位回肠新膀胱尿流改道术的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析我院2005年7月~2012年5月48例女性膀胱肿瘤患者的临床资料,均采取保留内生殖器的膀胱全切术并行原位回肠新膀胱尿流改道术。48例患者中移行细胞癌46例,腺癌2例;原发肿瘤32例,复发性肿瘤16例;多发性非肌层侵犯肿瘤17例,肌层浸润性膀胱肿瘤31例。结果:48例患者的平均手术时间260(210~360)min,平均输血量280(0~1200)ml。术后47例患者获得随访,随访6~84个月,平均36个月。术后12个月白天控尿率为97.9%(46/47),夜间控尿率为93.6%(44/47)。新膀胱尿道吻合口漏3例。术后6个月IVU检查输尿管狭窄2例。无子宫、子宫附件及阴道转移复发。结论:对于符合适应证的女性膀胱癌患者,保留内生殖器、阴道前壁、自主神经及完整尿道,行膀胱全切并行原位回肠新膀胱尿流改道术,临床疗效满意,术后患者生活质量高,可作为广泛开展的术式。     

Clinical outcome of orthotopic neobladder replacement in patients with a solitary functioning kidney

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of orthotopic neobladder creation in patients with a solitary functioning renal unit at the time of surgery. METHODS: This study included a total of 18 patients (15 men and three women) with a solitary functioning kidney who underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer followed by orthotopic neobladder replacement. Of these, an ileal, ileocolic or sigmoid colon neobladder was constructed in 11, three or four patients, respectively. Clinical data from these patients were retrospectively reviewed to clarify the significance of neobladder creation in patients with a solitary functioning kidney. RESULTS: During the observation period of this series (mean, 44.2 months; range, 15-95 months), there were nine early complications in six patients (wound infection, ileus, urine leakage and pulmonary embolism in four, three, one and one, respectively) and 10 late complications in nine patients (severe metabolic acidosis, vesicourethral anastomotic stricture, ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture and neobladder calculi in six, two, one and one, respectively). Severe metabolic acidosis occurred in six (five ileal neobladders and one ileocolic neobladder); however, there were no significant differences in preoperative renal function and serum electrolytes as well as postoperative voiding function between patients with and without severe metabolic acidosis. These six patients required administration of sodium bicarbonate, and their metabolic status was normalized thereafter. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in renal function and serum electrolytes between these two groups throughout the observation period, and none of the patients demonstrated renal deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest, despite the analysis including a small number of patients with a short follow-up period, orthotopic neobladder replacement could provide comparatively satisfactory results in patients with a solitary functioning kidney; hence, a solitary kidney should not be regarded as a contraindicated factor for neobladder creation after radical cystectomy.     

Cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder in a male patient 12 years after kidney transplantation; good preservation of the renal function

In case of cystectomy, some forms of urinary diversion can impair the graft function of renal transplant patients. Here we present the case of a 70-year-old male with carcinoma of the bladder 12 years after renal transplantation. Immunosuppression was achieved with Cyclosporin A (200 mg/day) and Prednisone (5 mg/day). The patients serum creatinine level was 1.4 mg/dl. Following cystectomy, an orthotopic ileal neobladder was constructed by means of Studer technique, and the afferent ileal loop was anastomosed to the graft ureter. Pathology revealed pT1 G3 N+ transitional cell carcinoma. Ten months later, periaortic nodal recurrences necessitated four cycles of chemotherapy with Epidoxorubicyn and Gemcytabine. To date, 20 months after cystectomy, the patient is stable, with day and night-time urinary continence. His serum creatinine level is 1.3 mg/dl, and there is no evidence of hydronephrosis or acidosis. We conclude that the orthotopic ileal neobladder is an effective form of urinary diversion in renal transplant patients requiring cystectomy, allowing good preservation of the renal function.Abbreviations BCG Bacillus Calmette Guèrin     

Continent orthotopic ileal neobladder after kidney transplantation in a patient with urothelial cell carcinoma associated with Chinese herb nephropathy

A 58-year-old man underwent kidney transplantation on November 14, 2002 for end-stage kidney disease after Chinese herb nephropathy. Immunosuppressive therapy was maintained with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylpredonisolone. He was diagnosed with right ureteral cancer and underwent right nephroureterectomy on December 13, 2003. Then, he underwent left nephroureterectomy for left ureteral cancer on March 5, 2004. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with multiple bladder cancers and carcinoma in situ. On August 31, he underwent radical cystectomy with an orthotopic ileal neobladder (Studer's method). The postoperative course was uneventful. After 3 years follow-up, this patient shows no evidence of recurrence and his serum creatinine level is stable (1.7 mg/dL). The continence is maintained during both day and night; he voids without intermittent self-catheterization. We suggest that an orthotopic ileal neobladder is a safe method of urinary diversion after cystectomy in kidney transplant recipients.     

腹腔镜下膀胱全切除、原位回肠新膀胱的尿流动力学分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜膀胱全切除、原位回肠新膀胱的临床效果。方法 对8例行腹腔镜膀胱全切除、原位回肠新膀胱患者进行排尿情况的记录和尿动力学检查。结果 8例患者均可自主控制排尿（1例夜间轻微尿失禁）,在新膀胱充盈过程中均可出现胀痛感觉,膀胱平均容量377．5ml,压力17．9cmH2O,最大尿流率18．1ml／s,最大尿道闭合压68．5cnH2O,功能性尿道长度3．7cm。结论 腹腔镜根治性全膀胱切除、原位回肠新膀胱术较传统的开放手术创伤更小,但贮尿囊一样具有容积较大、内压较低和可控性较好的优点,排尿良好,值得临床推广。     

机器人辅助全腹腔镜下"紫砂壶型"原位回肠新膀胱的临床疗效分析

目的探讨机器人辅助全腹腔镜下"紫砂壶型"原位回肠新膀胱患者的尿控和肿瘤学预后。 方法以2017年5月至2019年6月连续进行的10例机器人辅助根治性膀胱切除+回肠原位新膀胱术患者为研究对象，男9例，女1例，年龄（63±11）岁，极高危非肌层浸润膀胱癌5例，肌层浸润性膀胱癌5例；术后随访时间为12～37个月。记录手术视频、术后90 d内并发症、随访期间患者的尿控恢复、分肾功能、上尿路影像学结构改变以及肿瘤学预后。 结果10例患者均顺利完成全腹腔镜下机器人辅助根治性膀胱切除回肠原位新膀胱手术，手术时间（584±56）min，出血量（655±275）ml，术后进食时间1～3 d；1例患者术后6个月行切口疝修复术，其余无Ⅲ级以上并发症。5例（50%）患者术后6～12个月尿流动力学检查提示最大尿流率及平均尿流率分别为（6.3±4.5）ml/s、1.80（0.30）ml/s，术后新膀胱充盈尿量及残余尿量分别为（525±273）ml、161（227）ml，患者日间完全控尿9例（90%），夜间完全控尿8例（80%）。随访期间，发现4侧肾盂轻度扩张，监测分肾功能正常。1例患者术后18个月出现肺转移，其余患者未发现局部复发及转移。 结论"紫砂壶型"回肠原位新膀胱是在Studer型、VIP型回肠新膀胱基础上的储尿囊成型技术改进，术后新膀胱功能良好，能有效保护上尿路形态，恢复排尿功能。     

Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder in Females: Impact of the Urethral Resection Line on Functional Results

We present our functional experience with orthotopic bladder replacement in female patients dependent on the urethral resection line. Between November 1986 and July 1998 42 women underwent orthotopic urinary tract reconstruction with an ileal neobladder at our institution: 26 patients underwent radical cystectomy (RCx) with subsequent ileal anastomosis to the urethra, and 16 underwent simple cystectomy (SCx) with preservation of the bladder neck. Fourteen of 22 patients following RCx and 3 of 14 patients following bladder neck-sparing cystectomy void naturally. Clean intermittent catheterization is necessary in 8 of 22 and 11 of 14 patients, respectively. Perfect continence with no pads at 1 year postoperatively was achieved in 15 of 18 evaluable patients following RCx and 10 of 11 patients following bladder neck sparing. Incontinence requiring one or more pads is present in 3 of 18 patients and 1 of 11 patients, respectively. Subjectively satisfactory continence was achieved in 16 of 18 patients following RCx and in all patients following bladder neck-sparing surgery. Our conclusions are that radical cystectomy as well as a bladder neck-sparing cystectomy does provide satisfactory functional results in the majority of patients. However, the urethral resection line does slightly influence the rate of incontinence as well as the requirement for intermittent catheterization. RCx does translate into a lesser requirement for CIC, whereas bladder neck sparing results in slightly better continence rates.     

腹腔镜膀胱癌根治—原位回肠新膀胱术(附5例报告)

目的探讨腹腔镜膀胱癌根治—原位回肠新膀胱术的临床疗效。方法 2008年11月至2011年4月,采用5点穿刺经腹入路,先行腹腔镜下膀胱癌根治,继而体外构建回肠新膀胱,最后腹腔镜下行新膀胱尿道吻合,实施腹腔镜膀胱癌根治—原位回肠新膀胱术5例。皆为男性,平均年龄67岁。结果手术时间420～600min,平均480min,术中失血量350～800ml,平均400ml。术后淋巴结及手术切缘均阴性。随访3～24个月,除1例有轻度夜间尿失禁外,其余患者均昼夜控尿良好。代膀胱充盈良好,容量200～350ml,平均270ml。平均最大尿流率12ml/s。1例出现勃起功能障碍。结论腹腔镜膀胱癌根治—原位回肠新膀胱术创伤小、出血少、并发症少且疗效满意。     

Experience with the orthotopic ileal neobladder in women: a mid-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with orthotopic bladder reconstruction in women, as currently the ileal orthotopic neobladder is the diversion of choice for women requiring a bladder substitute at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 1995 to March 2001, 29 women with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma underwent a nerve-sparing radical cystectomy and had an orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstructed. The outcome was evaluated at 2 and 6 months and then yearly, by a clinical history, physical examination, voiding diary, stress test and estimate of functional neobladder capacity. RESULTS: All patients were followed for at least 14 months (mean 27.5); there were no major complications related to the surgery. The mean (range) neobladder capacity 2 months after surgery was 250 (190-320) mL; at 6 months it increased, remaining stable for the remaining follow-up, at 450 (350-700) mL. Four patients (14%) had nocturnal incontinence and one stress urinary incontinence, associated with using three pads per day. Three patients (10%) required catheterization for a postvoid urinary residual of >100 mL. Of the 29 patients, seven died with metastatic disease and three from causes unrelated to the reservoir or bladder cancer. Currently, 19 patients (65%) are alive and disease-free, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. CONCLUSION: Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in women, using 40 cm of ileum, is safe and gives high continence and low urinary retention rates. Therefore, it should be advised as the first option in women with good renal function and a tumour-free bladder neck.     

腹腔镜下全膀胱切除原位回肠新膀胱重建术(附5例报告)

目的:介绍腹腔镜下全膀胱切除原位回肠新膀胱重建术的经验。方法:采用腹腔镜下全膀胱切除原位回肠新膀胱重建术治疗浸润性膀胱癌患者5例。方法是经腹壁小切口取出切除物,行回肠去管成形新膀胱,然后在腹腔镜下将新膀胱与尿道连续吻合。结果:5例患者手术成功,手术时间4.5~7.2h。腹腔镜手术中以超声刀及双极电凝行膀胱侧韧带、前列腺血管蒂及前列腺尖部切断止血,未使用钛夹、术中出血量180~550ml,平均输血400ml。术后4~5天恢复饮食,3周拔除输尿管支架管,4周拔除尿管。患者白天可完全控制排尿,2例夜间偶有尿失禁。1例术后尿漏,经引流治愈。结论:腹腔镜下全膀胱切除术具有创伤小、出血少、恢复快等优点;而回肠新膀胱和尿道连续吻合具有操作方便、省时、缝合紧密、可防止尿漏等优点。     

Orthotopic neobladder and subsequent renal transplantation

Continent urinary diversion has become an attractive alternative to traditional conduits after cystectomy in select patients, including those awaiting renal transplantation. We report a case of a surgically anephric dialysis patient who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder for recurrent superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and subsequent living-related renal transplantation 7 months later. We also discuss the perioperative adjuncts paramount to successful outcomes in such patients.     

Long-term results of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVE: 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. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 (cmH2O) 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.     

机器人辅助腹腔镜体内原位U形回肠新膀胱术的临床疗效观察及尿动力分析

目的探讨采用da Vinci Xi机器人系统完成机器人辅助腹腔镜下根治性膀胱切除（RARC）加体内构建原位U形回肠新膀胱术的临床疗效,并结合术后尿动力分析评价该术式对排尿的影响及可能机制。 方法以2020年6月至2021年3月连续进行的8例机器人辅助腹腔镜下根治性膀胱切除+体内原位U形回肠新膀胱术患者为研究对象,其中男7例,女1例,年龄63（18）岁,极高危非肌层浸润膀胱癌1例,肌层浸润性膀胱癌7例,术后随访时间为3~12个月。记录随访期间患者的尿控恢复、分肾功能、上尿路影像学结构改变以及肿瘤学预后。 结果8例手术均成功完成,并发症发生率37.5%,术后3个月日间完全尿控率87.5%,夜间功能性尿控率75.0%,术后6个月尿动力分析示：最大尿流率和平均尿流率分别为19.8（3.97）ml/s、5.05（0.94）ml/s,最大尿道压81.5（28.75）cm H₂O,新膀胱顺应性26.5（12.75）ml/cm H₂O。 结论RARC术后实施体内原位U形回肠新膀胱术是可行的,具有可重复性,是一种疗效确切、尿控恢复理想的膀胱根治性切除术后新膀胱替代方案。     

Ileocaecal vs ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To compare an ileocaecal orthotopic bladder, (which has been the standard procedure in Egypt for >30 years) with the ileal neobladder, as there is no ideal continent orthotopic bladder replacement for patients after cystectomy for bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1999 and December 2001, 60 patients with invasive bladder cancer were randomized into two groups. Group A comprised 29 patients who had radical cystectomy and reconstruction with an ileal neobladder (median age 50 years, 27 men and two women) and group B included 31 who had an ileocaecal bladder substitution after radical cystectomy (median age 51 years, 28 men and three women). RESULTS: The complication rate after surgery in group A was 17%, with two deaths, one from acute myocardial infarction and the other from haematemesis. In group B, the complication rate was 13%, with two deaths, one from a massive pulmonary embolism and the other from liver cell failure. Daytime continence was achieved in 93% of patients in group A and 90% in group B. The mean (sd) postvoid residual urine volume was larger in group A than group B, at 90 (72) vs 12 (20) mL. Acidosis and hyponatraemia were evident in the patients in group A but in none in group B (P < 0.05). The pelvicalyceal systems were preserved in 85% of patients in group A and 93% in group B during the 2-year follow-up. The mean (sd) renal cortical thickness was less in group A than in group B, at 1.8 (0.5) and 1.9 (0.2) cm, respectively. Although the cystometric capacity was greater and the basal pressure less in group A than B, these were not reflected in the degree of diurnal and nocturnal continence or back pressure on the renal units. CONCLUSION: Continence in both pouches was similar but the renal units were preserved better in the ileocaecal than in the ileal neobladder. Residual urine volume was greater in the ileal neobladder, with its potential complications of infection and stone formation, and acidosis was more evident.     

Results of the ureteral reimplantation with serous-lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W-neobladder

Background: Our experience in uretero‐ileal anastomosis using the serous‐lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W‐neobladder is presented. Methods: Between June 1998 and November 2001, 42 patients (40 men and two women) underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder for invasive bladder cancer. The ureters were reimplanted into serous‐lined extramural tunnels as described by Abol‐Enein and Ghoneim. However, we made minor modifications during the ureteral reimplantation in cases that necessitated distal ureteral excision and with grossly dilated ureters. Evaluation included clinical and radiographic studies to determine functional and oncological outcomes. Results: There was no operative mortality. The mean follow‐up period was 28 months (range 12–52). Early complications occurred in four patients (9.5%). An endarterectomy for acute popliteal arterial embolism, the excision of the pouchointestinal fistula and a temporary colostomy were performed in two of these four patients. The other two patients were treated conservatively. Late complications occurred in eight patients (19%). Reflux was observed in three renal units (3.7%), ureterointestinal strictures in another three renal units (3.7%) and urethroileal stenosis in two patients (4.8%). In all cases, stabilization or improvement of renal function was achieved. No metabolic complications were observed. Conclusions: Ileal W‐neobladder with a serous‐lined extramural tunnel is a safe, reliable form of lower urinary tract reconstruction. The method can be carried out with equal ease in grossly dilated ureters and in cases that necessitate distal ureteral excision.     

腹腔镜女性膀胱癌根治性切除-原位回肠新膀胱术初步报告

目的探讨腹腔镜女性膀胱癌根治性切除-原位回肠新膀胱术的可行性。方法2003年2月～2006年7月,为8例女性膀胱癌患者施行腹腔镜膀胱、子宫、附件全切除-原位回肠新膀胱术。全麻,仰卧位,头低15°,大腿外展,膝关节屈曲。下腹部置入5个trocar。在髂血管分叉处剪开腹膜,游离输尿管,切断子宫圆韧带、卵巢韧带。沿盆壁向下游离子宫阔韧带,清扫盆腔淋巴组织。离断主韧带、骶韧带、双侧输尿管及膀胱侧血管蒂。于阔韧带基底部切开腹膜,沿子宫颈两侧游离打开阴道穹隆。切开前腹膜反折,游离膀胱前间隙,切断阴蒂背深静脉复合体,膀胱颈下方0.5cm处切断尿道。靠近阴道穹隆处横断阴道并封闭残端。在下腹正中线上做4～5cm切口,取出标本。切口外构建"M"形去管回肠储尿囊,输尿管"插入式"种植于储尿囊。储尿囊回纳腹腔,在腹腔镜下做储尿囊与尿道吻合。结果8例手术时间(344.5±42.1)min,术中出血(373.9±81.3)ml。术后随访6～46个月,平均26个月,其中>12个月6例,半年内均能自主排尿,1例日间偶有尿失禁,1例夜间尿失禁,1例排尿困难。膀胱容量(333.6±40.4)ml。残余尿量0～183ml,(51.2±18.1)m...     

Ileal neobladder and local recurrence of bladder cancer: patterns of failure and impact on function in men

PURPOSE: Creation of an ileal neobladder has become a standard procedure in patients undergoing cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer. We evaluated the impact of local recurrence on ileal neobladder function and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and February 1997, 357 men underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder substitution at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients to determine patterns of local recurrence and survival rates. RESULTS: Local recurrence developed in 43 of the 357 patients (12%), in whom median survival plus or minus standard deviation was 17 +/- 1.6 months and median time to recurrence was 10 months (range 2 to 41). Of the 43 patients with local recurrence at followup 36 had local advanced cancer on the final pathological evaluation (stage pT3a or node positive, or greater). A total of 17 patients (43%) had concomitant distant metastasis. Of the 43 patients 3 are alive at 36, 48 and 147 months, respectively. Death was due to disease in 36 cases, chemotherapy related complications in 3 and another cause in 1. Of the 43 patients 40 maintained good neobladder function. Local recurrence interfered with the upper urinary tract in 24 cases, neobladder in 10 and intestinal tract in 7. The neobladder was removed only in 1 patient due to a neovesical intestinal fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The local recurrence rate after orthotopic urinary reconstruction is 12%. Survival after local recurrence is diagnosed is limited despite multimodality therapy. However, most patients may anticipate normal neobladder function even in the presence of recurrent disease or until death. Thus, creating orthotopic diversion after cystectomy in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, including macroscopically or microscopically positive lymph nodes, is safe.     

Continence mechanism of the ileal neobladder in women: a urodynamics study

We undertook this study to evaluate the mechanism of continence in women who underwent modified radical cystectomy and creation of an ileal neobladder. Our surgical technique was modified in accordance with detailed anatomic dissection of female pelvises with attention to the innervation of the pelvic musculature and urethral sphincter. Ten women aged 41–71 years (mean 64.3 years) underwent nerve-sparing radical cystectomy and creation of an orthotopic neobladder with detubularized ileum. Videourodynamic evaluation was performed 6 months postoperatively to evaluate sphincteric and reservoir function. Seven of the ten patients were totally continent after the procedure, requiring no protective pad. Of these, one requires intermittent self-catheterization. Videourodynamic evaluation revealed a low-pressure reservoir with a mean capacity of 467 ml, and leakage did not occur during Valsalva maneuver. Three patients reported significant incontinence (more than one pad per day) after orthotopic reconstruction. These patients demonstrated intrinsic sphincteric deficiency with a low mean abdominal leak-point pressure of 48.3 cmH₂O. Two of these women had stress incontinence preoperatively. In conclusion, continence can be preserved in most women after modified radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder replacement. Success results from preservation of the intrinsic sphincteric mechanism and the creation of a low-pressure, compliant reservoir. A history of stress incontinence preoperatively appears to predispose to sphincteric weakness postoperatively.