Urodynamic evaluation and long-term results of the orthotopic gastric neobladder in men

Purpose: Orthotopic neobladders are most commonly formed from colon and/or small bowel segments. However, after excellent results were reported in children, we constructed gastric neobladders in select men who had undergone cystectomy. Although gastric neobladders in adults have been reported to have decreased capacity, to our knowledge neither long-term followup nor urodynamic parameters have been reported in these patients. Materials and Methods: Gastric neobladder was performed in 8 patients following cystectomy for malignancy in 7 and undiversion in 1. Average followup was 43 months and all patients underwent urodynamic evaluations an average of 9.1 months after surgery. Patients also completed an incontinence questionnaire. The gastric neobladder group was compared to a similar group of patients who underwent neobladder construction from either small bowel (Kock/Hautmann/Studer) or ileocecal segments (Mainz). Results: The gastric neobladder group had significantly reduced mean bladder capacity compared to the ileal or ileocecal neobladder group (309 versus 551 cc, respectively, t = 0.001), while compliance was similarly decreased (27 versus 59 cc/cm. H2O, respectively, t = 0.04). Incontinence rates were greater in the gastric neobladder group (63%) compared to the ileal or ileocecal neobladder group (8% to 23%, t = 0.02). Complication rates were comparable. Revision or removal was required in 3 (38%) patients for severe incontinence, intractable dysuria and ureterogastric anastomotic stricture, respectively. Conclusions: Adult gastric neobladders as currently constructed are associated with poor urodynamic parameters and high incontinence rates. Routine use of gastric neobladders in adults is not recommended. They may be appropriate, especially as composites, in select cases such as renal failure or inadequate bowel length. The reasons for success in some patients and not in others are unknown.