Objective: The Hautmann neobladder is a bladder replacement technique frequently proposed after total cystectomy for bladder cancer. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the patients' urinary continence after this operation, based on clinical and urodynamic data.
Materials and methods: The functional assessment was based on 26 patients from a series of 45 consecutive Hautmann bladder replacements performed between February 1994 and May 1999. These 26 nonselected patients (21 men and 5 women) with a mean age of 56 years (range: 38-68) accepted the principle of functional assessment of continence at visits held 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively including clinical interview, urodynamic studies and fibroscopy. Only one patient presented with preoperative stress incontinence. The mean follow-up of these 26 patients was 22 months (range: 10-60). Three patients, including two women, died from progression of their bladder tumour at the 12th, 20th and 32nd postoperative months.
Results: Urodynamic studies showed a mean maximum capacity of the ileal reservoir of 420 ml (range: 316-571), a maximum filling pressure of 15 cmH2O (range: 2-24) and a maximum urethral closure pressure of 49 cmH2O (range: 31-74). According to the evaluation criteria used, the satisfactory continence rates, as assessed by the patients were 62%, 77%, 84.6% during the day and 42%, 615%, 77% at night, at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively.
Conclusion: The Hautmann neobladder ensures satisfactory diurnal and nocturnal urinary continence in more than 75% of cases after the 6th postoperative month. Continence is an evolving parameter especially during the first postoperative year. The selection of patients in good general condition and motivated for management of their new urinary situation remains an essential prerequisite to obtain a good functional result.