Reoperation for Channel Complications in Children With Continent Cutaneous Catheterizable Channels: The Test of Time.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the durability of continent cutaneous catheterizable urinary channels (CCCC) in children and assess whether channel complications continue to arise with extended follow-up. Previous studies demonstrated that complications of CCCC cluster in the early years following surgery. METHODS: The database of a tertiary center was queried for patients≤21 years who underwent CCCC. Patients with <6 years of follow-up were excluded. Patients were invited for follow-up to assess continence. Clinic visits and hospital admissions were reviewed for channel complications requiring reoperation. Complications were analyzed against patient and channel characteristics and time since initial surgery. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2012, a total of 120 patients underwent CCCC at a median age of 6.8(0.4-21) years and a median follow-up of 11.4(6.6-27) years. CCCC were created using the appendix, Monti channels and tapered ileal segments in 74(61.7%), 33(27.5%) and 13(10.8%), respectively. Continence relied on the extra-mural serous lined principle in 85.8% and the stoma was anastomosed to the umbilicus in 90%. Dryness with catheterization intervals of 3 hours or longer was eventually achieved in 90.8% with similar rates among different channel types (P=.149). 26(21.7%) required 42 interventions to treat channel complications with 32.5% occurring >5 years following initial surgery irrespective of the channel type (P=.978). On multivariate analysis, ileal channels had 3.372 higher odds of needing reoperation compared to appendicovesicostomy (95%CI=1.240-9.166; P = .037). CONCLUSION: A high reoperation rate is anticipated throughout the lifetime of CCCC. Appendicovesicostomy has a low complication risk relative to ileal channels.

Assessing trends in urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed recent trends in both urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States and patient- and hospital-related characteristics. We also identified variables associated with undergoing continent diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database and identified 27,170 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion from 2004 to 2013. Patient demographics, socioeconomic variables, and hospital-related factors were compared between incontinent and continent diversion and trended over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with undergoing continent diversion. RESULTS: Overall, 23,224 (85.5%) and 3,946 (14.5%) patients underwent incontinent and continent diversion, respectively. Continent diversion declined from 17.2% in 2004 to 2006 to 12.1% in 2010 to 2013 (P < 0.01). When analyzing high-volume facilities, those performing ≥75% minimally invasive radical cystectomy had fewer continent diversions (10.2%) compared to centers with higher rate of open approach (19.7%), P < 0.01. Higher income, facility located in the West, academic programs, high-volume facilities, and patients traveling >60 miles for care were significantly associated with undergoing continent diversion. Rate of continent diversion has declined in most patient- and hospital-related subgroups. Compared to 2004 to 2006, patients in 2010 to 2013 were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities, and be operated on at a high-volume academic facility. CONCLUSION: The rate of continent diversion has declined to 12.1% in the United States. Hospital volume and type, patient income, distance traveled for care, and geography are significantly associated with undergoing continent diversion. Even among high-volume and academic centers, the rate of continent diversion is declining.

[Appendicovesicostomy (Mitrofanoff procedure) in children: Long-term follow-up and specific complications]. / Dérivations urinaires continentes trans-conduit selon Mitrofanoff chez l'enfant : suivi à long terme et complications spécifiques.

OBJECTIVE: In children, intermittent catheterization by appendicovesicostomy according to Mitrofanoff is an interesting alternative to the urethral approach. Objective of the study was to evaluate the rate of appendicovesicostomy's specific complications. METHOD: From 1997 to 2017, data on children treated and followed for an appendicovesicostomy in an academic institution were collected retrospectively. Rates of surgical complications specifically encountered on appendicovesicostomy, time of onset, frequency, and necessity of surgical reinterventions have been reported. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were operated on and followed for a median of 6.2 years [0.3-24]. Fifty percent had a complication, occurring after a median of 8 months [2-90], and 38% required at least one surgical revision. If complication occurred, adjustment of medical treatment and intermittent catheterization was effective in 12% of patients, endoscopic or over-fascial surgery was necessary in 17% of cases, and under-fascial revision in 21% of cases. Median time to complication was 4 months [1-90] after creation or revision of appendicovesicostomy. Thirty-height percent of difficult channel catheterization were reported, of which 46% were over or under-fascial stenosis. Inaugural urinary incontinence was 18%, and only 9% if using the appendix. At the end, 97% of appendicovesicostomy were continent. CONCLUSIONS: Appendicovesicostomy is a high risk of complications and postoperative revisions surgery, in order to have a functional continent channel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder reconstruction in elderly female patients over 70 years old: morbidity, functional and oncological long-term results]. / Zystektomie mit Anlage einer Ileumneoblase bei der über 70-jährigen Frau : Morbidität, funktionelle und onkologische Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: As life expectancy is increasing the incidence and therefore the number of elderly female patients with bladder cancer is also increasing. The aim of this study was to assess long-term clinical, functional and oncological outcome in elderly women (≥70 years) who were treated by radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder reconstruction for invasive bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 121 women with clinically organ-confined invasive urothelial carcinoma underwent radical cystecomy with an orthotopic ileal neobladder in Ulm between 1995 and 2010. The clinical course, functional, pathological, and oncological outcome of these women were analyzed retrospectively and compared between patients ≥70 (n=24) and <70 years of age (n=97). All complications which occurred during the first 90 days after surgery were analyzed in detail, defined and classified according to the modified Clavien system. RESULTS: The overall 90 day complication rates were 66.7 % and 62.5 % for patients ≥70 and <70 years, respectively. Of these 54.2% and 44.8% were minor complications and 12.5 % and 17.7 % were major complications, respectively. Infections were the most frequent cause of complications with 36.7 %. Univariate analyses revealed that neither age nor comorbidity (ASA score) were significant predictors of perioperative complications. The daytime continence rates were comparable in both age groups (71% versus 82%, p=0.64); however, younger patients showed significantly higher night time urinary continence rates (43% versus 89%, p=0.013). Neither univariable nor multivariable analyses indicated that age ≥70 years had a significant impact on tumor-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: Chronological age per se does not seem to be a contraindication for the creation of an orthotopic ileal neobladder; however, the risk of postoperative incontinence seems to increase with age.

Urinary diversion trends at a high volume, single American tertiary care center.

PURPOSE: We analyzed patient characteristics and practice patterns at our institution with time, and identified current patterns and factors contributing to the choice of urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 553 consecutive radical cystectomy and urinary diversions performed from January 2000 to July 2005. Multivariate analysis was done to determine significant differences in diversion choice. RESULTS: We analyzed the records of 539 patients, including 338 with an ileal conduit and 201 with a neobladder. Patients with a neobladder were younger (mean age 62 vs 71 years) and had fewer comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than 2 in 31% vs 69%) than those with an ileal conduit. Mean age and the percent of American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 cases increased during the study. Neobladder represented 47% of urinary diversions in 2000 and 21% in 2005. On multivariate analysis age (p <0.001), gender (p = 0.004), surgery year (p = 0.002), American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than 2 (p = 0.004), organ confined disease (p = 0.01) and surgeon (p <0.001) independently predicted diversion choice. Patients were dichotomized into young (younger than 65 years) and old (65 years old or older) groups. Overall 59% of younger and 26% of older patients received a neobladder (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant trend toward the more liberal use of ileal conduit urinary diversion. Patients with female gender, advanced age, significant medical comorbidity or locally advanced disease were less likely to undergo neobladder urinary diversion. This trend is partly explained by surgeon preference combined with an aging, more comorbid patient population. Neobladder continues to be the most commonly performed urinary diversion in patients younger than 65 years.

Mitrofanoff continent catheterizable conduits: top down or bottom up?

OBJECTIVE: During augmentation and Mitrofanoff procedures, conduits are usually implanted into the posterior bladder wall. Anatomical considerations may necessitate an anterior conduit. To compare the relative drainage efficiency in patients with posterior and anterior conduits, we studied their rates of bladder stone formation and urinary tract infection (UTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified exstrophy patients who underwent augmentation and Mitrofanoff between 1991 and 2003. Patients with 3 years or greater follow-up were included. Fifty-four patients fit this criterion, with a conduit implanted anteriorly (33) or posteriorly (21). We compared rates of bladder stone formation and UTI. Stomal revisions and the status of the bladder neck were also noted. RESULTS: Stone formation and UTI rates were higher in the anterior conduits, although only UTI showed a statistically significant difference. Patient demographics were similar between the two groups, including age and sex. The rates of stomal complications and the bladder neck status were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with anterior conduits had an increased risk of UTI and bladder stone formation compared to those with posterior conduits, although this was not significant in the case of bladder stone rate. This may indicate sub-optimal bladder drainage and should be addressed with careful preoperative counseling and close follow-up.

Open versus laparoscopy-assisted radical cystectomy: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is confined to centers where advanced laparoscopy is performed, and its role is not yet well clear. Our aim was to evaluate, through a prospective comparative study, the advantages of the laparoscopic compared with an open approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2002 to December 2005, all the patients in our center who were found to have muscle-invasive bladder cancer without clinical evidence of lymph-node involvement and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score <4 were included in a prospective nonrandomized study. Group A (N = 22) underwent open radical cystectomy, whereas group B (N = 20) underwent laparoscopy-assisted radical cystectomy. The two groups were demographically comparable. We evaluated the mean age, clinical stage, ASA score, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative complications and transfusions, type of diversion, time of catheterization, analgesic consumption, start of oral nutrition, rate of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, pathologic diagnosis of the specimen, number of lymph nodes removed, and the oncologic outcome. RESULTS: No significant statistical difference was observed between the two groups in intraoperative and postoperative parameters except for analgesic consumption and the start of oral nutrition (P < 0.05). The mean operative time was 260 minutes (range 210-290 minutes) for group A and 284 minutes (range 260-305 minutes) for group B. The mean blood loss was 770 mL (range 450-870 mL) in group A and 520 mL (range 400-620 mL) in group B. The rate of autologous transfusion was 18% in group A and 10% in group B. Seventeen ileal diversions and five neobladder creations were performed in group A, whereas the Bricker diversion was used in 10 cases in group B, and a neobladder was chosen in the 10 other cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy-assisted radical cystectomy is a safe procedure, like open surgery, but it offers the advantage of minimal invasiveness, represented by reduced analgesic consumption and early recovery of peristalsis with rapid oral nutrition.

The Lahey clinic experience with continent urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morbidity, mortality and clinical outcome of catheterizable continent urinary reservoirs (CUR) with orthotopic neobladders (ONB) at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1985 and October 2001, 238 patients (84 women and 154 men) had a continent urinary diversion, including 125 ONBs and 113 CURs. The charts of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and the patients interviewed by telephone when possible (for continence data and overall satisfaction). Over the 16 years the relative frequency of ONB diversion increased steadily and thus the mean follow-up was significantly longer for the CUR (9.4 years) than for the ONB group (5.2 years) (P < 0.001). This bias was addressed by comparing these large groups for the early outcome only. Separately, the long-term outcome was analysed, comparing the 40 most recently constructed CURs with all 113 ONBs; this gave a mean follow-up of 5.2 years for ONB and 5.9 years for CUR (not significant, P = 0.23). RESULTS: Of the 238 continent diversions, 125 were ONBs and 113 CURs; most patients had a diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma before surgery. The mean age at surgery was 59.1 years for the ONB and 54.8 years for the CUR group (P < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely than women to have had an ONB. There were two deaths after surgery in the ONB and none in the CUR group. The hospital stay was significantly longer for the CUR than for the ONB group; the likelihood of an intensive care unit stay, estimated blood loss and reoperation rate were higher in the CUR group. There was no significant difference in the rates of short-term (<30 days) complications. The analysis of the time-controlled groups showed significantly more long-term (>30 days) complications and of reoperation in the CUR group. Fifty-one patients with ONB and 19 with CURs were contacted by telephone; of those with an ONB, 43 (84%) had daytime continence (<1 pad/day) while 13 (25%) were continent at night (<1 pad). Fifteen of 19 with a CUR reported full day and night-time continence. From separate telephone interviews, overall satisfaction was high for both groups (mean 4.5, scale 0-5), expectations were met in 92% for both, and 94% in both would choose the same procedure again if confronted with the same set of circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Both ONB and CUR offer an excellent functional outcome, as reflected by patient satisfaction and continence rates.

Impact of body mass index on radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Radical cystectomy has a significant rate of morbidity and it is important to elucidate the factors that contribute to this risk. Obesity is a major problem in the United States and is associated with increased health hazard. Morbid obesity may even preclude definitive surgical treatment. This study examines the impact of body mass index (BMI) on radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 498 patients who underwent radical cystectomy primarily for bladder cancer from July 1, 1990 to May 10, 2002. Patient BMI was defined as normal (less than 25 in 151), overweight (25 to 29.9 in 198), obese (30 to 34.9 in 98) and morbidly obese (35 or greater in 51). The bivariate relationships among BMI categories and clinical parameters were assessed using the chi-square test, the analysis of variance and the log rank test. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression models. RESULTS: Median followup for the cohort was 3.3 years. Mean BMI was 28 and 70 of the study group was above normal weight. Compared to normal BMI, upper weight BMI groups were younger (p <0.0001), and had increased estimated blood loss (p = 0.01) and operative time (p = 0.001). Complication number (p = 0.0004) was increased in these groups but complication severity was similar (p = 0.54). Morbidly obese patients underwent incontinent diversion more often (p = 0.03). In multivariate models increased BMI was independently associated with increased estimated blood loss (p = 0.004), prolonged operative time (p = 0.006) and increased complication rate (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased BMI independently poses a greater perioperative risk to the patient and contributes to the technical challenge of the cystectomy. This is most appreciated in the morbidly obese population and likely contributes to a greater use of incontinent diversion in this group. The increased perioperative risk associated with elevated BMI is significant but not prohibitive and should not preclude cystectomy as definitive treatment.

Comparison of three types of continent urinary diversions in a single center.

The results including the complication and continence rates for 3 types of continent urinary diversion were evaluated. From 1992 to 1998 we performed 58 continent urinary diversions after radical cystectomy for invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. All three types of continent diversions and ileal loop procedures were discussed and patient preferences were determined. The patient preference rate for continent urinary diversion was 96.6%, and half of these patients wanted to be completely dry. Mean age of the patients was 58.2 years. Of the 58 patients, 9 (15.5%) had a Kock pouch, 15 (25.8%) had a Kock neobladder and 34 (58.6%) had sigmoidorectal pouch (Mainz-II pouch). Early and late complication rates of the three different continent diversions were evaluated. The number of complications, such as urine leakage, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, reflux and stone formation, were similar in all three types of diversions. Two (5.9%) Mainz pouch II patients who had stopped oral alkalinization demonstrated severe hyperchloremic acidosis. Spontaneous pouch rupture occurred in 1 of the Kock pouches. Reoperation rates were higher with the Kock pouch and Kock neobladder cases. Daytime continence rates for the Kock pouch, Kock neobladder and Mainz II pouch were 77.7%, 86.7% and 100% respectively. Even though complete dryness may not be achieved in every patient, orthotopic bladder substitution appears to be the best choice after radical cystectomy. Although it carries the risk of life-long oral alkalinization therapy, the Mainz pouch II is associated with an excellent continence rate and may be a good alternative for patients who desire to be dry.

Continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir (Miami pouch): the University of Miami experience over 15 years.

OBJECTIVE: A patient with a recurrent central pelvic malignancy after radiation will require urinary diversion as part of the reconstructive phase of the pelvic exenteration. The aim of our study was to assess the result of our 15-year experience with a continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir, which is known as the Miami pouch. STUDY DESIGN: Since 1988, all patients who received a continent ileocolonic urinary reservoir in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Miami School of Medicine, were included in the study. Parameters that were evaluated during the study period include functional outcomes, early and late perioperative complications, and their treatment. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were identified from February 1988 to December 2002. Seventy-eight patients (87%) had a recurrent central pelvic malignancy, and 82 patients (91%) received radiation before the Miami pouch procedure. The non-reservoir-related morbidities were fever (76%), wound complication (30%), pelvic collection (12%), ileus/small bowel obstruction (12%), and postoperative death (11%). The most common reservoir-related complications were urinary infection (40%), ureteral stricture (20%), and difficulty with self-catheterization (18%). In our study, the overall complication rate that was related directly to the Miami pouch was 53%. Conservative treatment resolved>80% of these cases. The rate of urinary continence that was achieved in our patients was 93% during our 15-year experience with the Miami pouch. CONCLUSION: The Miami pouch is a good alternative for continent urinary diversion during exenteration or radiation-induced damage. The rate of major complications that require aggressive surgical intervention is acceptable. Most postoperative complications (80%) can be corrected with the use of conservative techniques that are associated with fewer deaths than reoperation and thus should be used first. The technique is simple and effective in women who are at high risk, who have undergone previous radiation therapy, and who have a high rate of functional success and is a profound advantage for a woman's psychosocial well-being.

[The modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz pouch II) as a continent form of urinary diversion]. / Die modifizierte Ureterosigmoidostomie (Mainz Pouch II) als kontinente Form der Harnableitung.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of the "Mainz Pouch II" urinary diversion at two different centers (the Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Bonn and the Ospedale "San Salvadore", Pesaro, Italy) in terms of different techniques of ureteral implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1995 and February 2003, the procedure was performed on 83 patients with 165 renal units (RU). Ureteral implantation with the Goodwin-Hohenfellner technique was performed in 57 RU, with the Abol-Enein modification in 23 RU and the Le-Duc procedure in 85 RU. Follow-up was available for 71 patients (85%) with a period of 1 to 82 months (mean 19.5 months, median 12 months). A non-validated questionnaire was used in the Bonn series to determine specific urinary diversion items. RESULTS: Early complications occurred in 12%, three requiring surgical intervention. Two patients died within the first 30 days after initial surgery. Pyelonephritis occurred in 12 RU (14% of the patients, 8.5% of the RU). Ureteral stenosis requiring reimplantation was found in two RU. The continence rate was 100% during daytime in the Bonn series; all but one patient had to get up for urination at night. A total of 63% of the patients were able to distinguish between stool and urine. CONCLUSION: Mainz pouch II is a quick, safe and easy to perform urinary diversion which serves as a satisfying alternative to other forms of continent diversion. Follow-up shows a low complication rate with good results in terms of continence; however, long term results have to be evaluated. There are no significant differences in complication rates for the different ureteral implantation techniques.

[Short-term results of radical cystectomy]. / Blizhaishie rezul'taty radikal'nykh tsistéktomii.

The paper presents the results of 114 radical cystectomies made in 1996-2002. The age of 114 patients (103 males, 11 females) ranged from 37 to 78 years (mean age 57.5 years). Transient cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 81.5% patients. Supravesical urine derivation was conducted by means of ureterocutaneostomy and transureteroureteronephrostomy in 9 (7.9%) patients, ureterosygmoanastomosis--in 43 (37.7%) patients, artificial orthotopic urinary bladder was created in 7 (6.1%) patients of a gastric segment and in 55 (48.2%) patients of the ileum. Postoperative complications were observed in 28 (24.6%) patients, intestinal obstruction being a prevailing complication. Five patients died: 2 of pulmonary artery thromboembolism, 1 of acute cardiac failure, 1 of sepsis and 1 of gastric bleeding. Continent methods of urine derivation were preferred, such as ureterosygmoanastomosis by Mainz-Pouch II and creation of orthotopic urinary bladder of the stomach or of the ileum.

Long-term complications related to the modified Indiana pouch.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a single-institution, single-surgeon experience with 125 modified Indiana pouches performed during a period of 14 years and their long-term complications. The modified Indiana pouch is a widely accepted and often used form of continent urinary diversion. Few studies have established the long-term complication rates associated with the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 129 modified Indiana pouches constructed from March 1985 to August 1998 was performed, and the long-term complications and reoperation rates were tabulated. RESULTS: Complete information was obtained for 125 of the 129 charts, with a mean follow-up of 41.1 months (range 3 to 127). Complications occurred in 112 patients (89.6%; several patients had more than one complication), with a mean onset of 20.4 months (range 1 to 125) postoperatively. Seventy-three complications (58.4%) were due to the efferent limb, of which incontinence (defined as any leakage) was the most common (35 [28.0%]), followed by stomal stenosis in 19 (15.2%) and difficult catheterization in 12 (9.6%). Of the 26 pouch-related problems (21.8%) that occurred, the most common were stones in 13 (10.4%), perioperative leaks in 5 (4.0%), and perforations in 4 (3.2%). Ureteral anastomotic strictures were seen in 9 (7.2%). Other complications included gallstones in 32 (25.6%), kidney stones in 8 (6.4%), and small bowel obstruction in 6 (4.8%). Reoperation was performed in 65 patients (52.0%; several patients with more than one reoperation). Twenty-six (20.8%) of the patients required an open operation, and 39 (31.2%) received minimally invasive (percutaneous, endoscopic, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) procedures. Sixty percent of the reoperations were minimally invasive. Reoperation was due to stomal stenosis in 18 (14.4%), pouch stones in 13 (10.4%), ureteral strictures in 9 (7.2%), and parastomal hernias in 6 (4.8%). Small bowel obstruction required reoperation in 5 patients (4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, long-term complications of the modified Indiana pouch were mostly related to the efferent limb, and reoperations were usually due to stomal stenosis. Our data suggest that with longer follow-up, the complication and reoperation rates of the modified Indiana pouch appear to be higher than previously reported.

Orthotopic ileocolic neobladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy: history, technique and results of the Johns Hopkins experience, 1986-1998.

Reconstruction of the lower urinary tract using intestinal segments has become a standard component of the treatment of patients with bladder cancer. A variety of intestinal segments can be successfully used for this purpose. Between 1986 and 1998, the authors have used a composite ileocolic segment for neobladder reconstruction in patients desiring orthotopic reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. The early and late complication rates are 11% and 30%, respectively. Forty-five percent of men are potent postoperatively. Seventy-six percent of patients are continent both day and night. Three percent of our patients experience nocturnal enuresis, and 15% perform clean intermittent catheterization. Bothersome daytime stress urinary incontinence occurs in 3% of patients evaluated for this report. Although no contemporary studies demonstrate the superiority of a particular bowel segment for lower urinary tract reconstruction, the authors' long-term experience with the ileocolic neobladder suggests that this composite segment provides excellent results for lower urinary tract reconstruction after radical cystectomy.

Evolution of the Indiana continent urinary reservoir.

The Indiana continent urinary diversion evolved from the Gilchrist procedure. Full detubularization of the reservoir segment, tapering of the efferent limb with staples, plication of the ileocecal valve, and tunneled tenial implants have resulted in a reliable and reproducible continent cutaneous urinary reservoir. In this report the first 69 patients treated with these techniques are reviewed after a minimum 2-year followup. Overall day and night continence rates were 97% by 1 year after surgery. More than 80% of all patients are able to sleep a normal nighttime interval without catheterizing or leaking. Early plus late reoperation rates for problems related to the pouch were 17%. This rate compares favorably to other series of continent cutaneous reservoirs and even to series of ileal conduits.

The stapled continent ileocecal urinary reservoir in the surgical management of gynecologic malignancy.

Total cystectomy at the time of radical pelvic surgery for gynecologic malignancies is not uncommon. Many techniques have been developed for urinary diversion including the continent ileocecal urinary reservoir. Twenty-nine patients underwent construction of a continent ileocecal urinary reservoir during the reconstructive phase of an exenterative procedure or for the relief of urinary tract fistula between 1990 and 1993. All procedures were performed using the mechanical stapling devices using metal staples. The right and proximal transverse colon were mobilized to a length of 24 cm. The ileum was divided 8 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve and plicated using the stapling technique. The colonic segment was opened on its antimesenteric border and the reservoir was created by stapling in a fashion to reapproximate the distal ends to each other. The ureters were stented and implanted without tunneling. A large Malecot drain was placed in all the pouches for irrigation of the colonic mucosa in the postoperative period. The ileal stoma was fixed to the anterior abdominal wall as was the anterior surface of the pouch. Operative time ranged from 50 to 150 min for the pouch construction. All patients underwent retrograde contrast study of the pouch 7-10 days postoperatively to verify lack of anastomatic leaks. After recovery, all patients successfully self-catheterized the pouch three to five times daily without difficulty. Of the 29 patients, 17 (59%) had received prior radiation as part of therapy. All patients remained continent at the end of observation. One developed a fistula to the perineum after intraoperative placement of 125I seeds on the pelvic wall. One patient developed pouch stones; endoscopic evaluation of this pouch revealed no evidence of stones at the staple lines and metabolic workup demonstrated hypocitremia as the etiology for the stones. Mean reservoir volume was 550 ml. Mean follow-up is 15.8 months; 5 have expired due to recurrent disease and 19 (83%) remain alive. Only two patients have been admitted for urosepsis due to reflux pyelonephritis. The stapled continent ileocecal reservoir offers benefits to patients undergoing total cystectomy. Using the mechanical stapling devices decreases the operative time and has not resulted in stone formation or pouch leakage. The complications of the procedure are acceptable.

Radiographic evaluation of the urethral Kock ileal bladder substitute.

Fifty male patients who had undergone bladder substitution with a urethral Kock pouch after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, were evaluated in the immediate postoperative period by retrograde pyelography and pouch cystography, and at later follow-up by pouch cystography. Other radiologic procedures (urography, ultrasonography, CT, etc.) were not part of a routine program, but were used when clinically indicated. In 12% a ureteroileal anastomotic leakage was found; the leaks resolved with continued ureteral stenting. Extravasation at the anastomosis between the pouch and the urethra was seen in 55% at the first cystography. It resolved within one month in all cases by simply leaving a catheter in the bladder. On the late cystograms reflux was observed in 6% of patients, whereas stone formation in the pouch was not encountered. A careful radiologic follow-up of patients with urinary diversions is essential to minimize postoperative complications.

Seven years experience with the Mainz pouch procedure.

In 1983 we created a form of continent urinary diversion termed the Mainz pouch procedure utilizing cecum and ileum. For creation of the reservoir 10 to 15 cm of cecum and ascending colon as well as two terminal ileal segments of equal length are isolated and detubularized. The posterior wall of the pouch is completed by anastomosis of the ascending colon with the terminal ileal loop starting at the inferior aspect. The latter is then anastomosed with the next proximal ileal segment. The ureters are implanted in an antirefluxive manner in the open end technique through a submucosal tunnel of 4 to 5 cm of length. For bladder augmentation the pouch is anastomosed to the bladder remnant. For bladder substitution a buttonhole incision at the most inferior aspect of the cecal pole or the appendix is used for end-end anastomosis to the membrancus urethra. For continent diversion and additional 8 to 12 of ileum are isolated in order to create an ileal intussuscepted valve. Alternatively the appendix can be used. Continence is achieved by submucosal embedding of the appendix into the cecal pole. A total of 281 patients underwent the Mainz pouch procedure, 54 for bladder augmentation, 7 for bladder replacement and 200 for continent urinary diversion. We encountered early complications in 15 of the 281 patients (5.3%). Late complications were observed in 63 patients (22.4%). The major complications we encountered were stone formation inside the pouch in 17 patients and stomal stenosis in 19. Fifty-two of the 54 patients with a bladder augmentation are completely continent (mean follow-up: 50 months, range: 10 to 83 months). All of the 27 patients who received a bladder substitution after radical cystectomy are continent during daytime. Three of these patients who do not empty their bladder at regular four hour intervals have leakage during the night (follow-up: 23 to 69 months). The revision rate due to nipple gliding and subsequent incontinence could be greatly reduced by the use of staples for fixation of the ileal nipple and the use of the appendix. For correction of the most frequently occurring complications standardized techniques have been developed.