Objectives: To evaluate oncological outcomes and voiding functions after orthotopic neobladder reconstruction with preservation of gynecologic organs in female bladder cancer patients.
Methods: A total of 30 consecutive female patients who underwent radical cystectomy and U-shaped ileal neobladder (constructed using 40 cm of a double-folded ileal loop) substitution were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 30 patients, 29 had urothelial carcinoma and 1 had leiomyosarcoma. Computed tomography was performed every 6 months. Urethroscopic examination was performed at 3-month intervals during the first and second years, and at 6-month intervals thereafter. Pressure flow studies, including urethral pressure profilometry, were performed 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.
Results: During a median follow-up of 35.7 months, 1 patient exhibited local recurrence and 6 patients died of bladder cancer. Maximum neobladder pressure examined 12 months after surgery improved significantly as compared with that examined after 3 months (P<.01). Maximal urethral closure pressure also improved significantly 12 months after surgery as compared with that after 3 months (P<.05). The capacity of the ileal neobladder 3 months after operation was 204+/-84 mL, and it showed a gradual increase, reaching 311+/-95 mL at 12 months (P<.01). None of the patients required catheterization for residual urine. Twenty-four patients (80%) remained completely dry day and night, voiding once or twice during the night.
Conclusions: Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction with preservation of gynecologic organs is feasible for female bladder cancer patients. Although the follow-up period was not long, the present technique provided acceptable oncological outcome and voiding function.
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