[Use of ultrasonography in morphofunctional evaluation of orthotopic neo-bladder]. / L'impiego dell'ecografia nella valutazione morfofunzionale delle neovesciche ortotopiche di sostituzione.

Seventeen patients submitted to radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder replacement according to Reddy's technique were studied at the 1, 3, 6 and 12-month, then annually follow-up by physical examination, intravenous pyelogram, cystourethrography, suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography and complete urodynamics. Sixteen patients (94%) reported day-time urinary continence and twelve patients (70%) day-time and nocturnal continence. Cysto-manometry showed a mean bladder capacity of 450 cc with a maximal endocavitary pressure of 40 cm. H2O and satisfactory peak flow rate. Vesico-ureteral reflux was never detected at roentgenography. Ultrasonography may be useful in the study of a possible reflux or stenosis of the neovesico-ureteral junction by detecting renal scars or dilatation of the renal cavities. Sovrapubic ultrasonography can quantify the capacity of the neo-bladder (300-600 cc), study its shape, walls and contractions that do not cause the involuntary opening of the neo-bladder neck. Transrectal ultrasonography studies the bladder neck shape and its dynamic function. Residual urine volume never exceeded 50 cc. Ultrasonography demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability and limited the application of more invasive roentgenographic procedures.