Reconstruction of Urinary and Gastrointestinal Tracts in Patients Submitted to Pelvic Exenteration and Sphincter Preservation

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Reports in the literature regarding reconstruction of the lower urinary tract with orthotopic ilealneobladder post radical cystectomy for either non-transitional cell bladder tumors or other pelvic malignancies are rare. In suchcases, the reconstruction with orthotopic neobladder may represent a technical and therapeutic challenge, especially due topatients’ previous treatments like radiotherapy. To evaluate the feasibility and oncological results of the reconstruction ofurinary and gastrointestinal tracts in patients submitted to pelvic exenteration. Methods: From April 1995 to January 2004, 13patients with pelvic malignancies and non-transitional cell bladder tumors were submitted to pelvic exenteration. Bladderreconstruction was accomplished through orthotopic ileal neobladder in all cases. Seven patients had total pelvic exenterationwith anal sphincter-sparing procedure done as well as double-stapled colorectal anastomosis. Results: The mean age was 50years. In 6 patients late complications, such as hydronephrosis and urinary infection, were observed. No patient presented daytimeurinary incontinence after 6 months. During the follow-up period, no urethral recurrences were noted and all patientsremained with their functional neobladders. Two patients died of treatment-related causes and three died of cancer; sevenpatients are alive with no evidence of disease and one is alive with cancer. Overall and cancer-specific survival at 24 and 60months was 77.0% and 57%, respectively, and the mean of follow-up was 47% months (median 43 month). Conclusions:Urinary sphincter preservation and bladder reconstruction with orthotopic ileal neobladder with or without concomitant fecalsphincter preservation is a valuable option in patients with non-transitional cell bladder tumors or other pelvic malignancies thatrequire radical cystectomy for curative purposes.