Functional characteristics of the Camey ileal bladder

We studied postoperatively 14 men who underwent urinary diversion with a Camey ileal bladder in association with radical cystoprostatectomy. Clinical and urodynamic evaluations revealed that the ileal bladder provides a moderate pressure reservoir (mean pressure at capacity 37 cm. water) and offers the patient reliable daytime continence. The mean capacity of 362 ml. allows for a voiding interval of 2.2 hours but it is not adequate for storage of urine produced through the night, so that nocturnal enuresis results universally. Even after 2 years of followup the tubular-shaped ileal reservoir maintained physiological contraction waves of segmentation and peristalsis typical of human ileum. Voiding is accomplished by abdominal straining and an intraluminal pressure of more than 50 cm. water is required to maintain the urine flow. Mean peak flow rate was 19 ml. per second. Reflux was prevented successfully in 86 per cent of the renal units. Metabolic acidosis was seen in 43 per cent of the patients. While the ileal bladder falls short of being the ideal form of continent urinary diversion, it offers a psychologically attractive technique to selected and highly motivated male patients faced with the need for urinary diversion.