OBJECTIVETo report the surgical techniques and results of an 8-year follow-up study of 42 patients with a modified orthotopic ileal neobladder restoring normal anatomical relationship.

METHODSTotal cystoprostatectomy was performed extraperitoneally. A 45 - 50 cm segment of the ileal loop was isolated, detubularized, and reconfigured into an "M"-shape to form a pouch. Bilateral ureters were implanted by inserting 1 cm distal segment into the pouch. The bottom of pouch was opened and anastomosed with the urethra.

RESULTSForty-two patients were followed up for 6 to 96 months,90.5% of whom were continent in the daytime, and 85.7% at night. Two patients had a difficulty in urination. The average volume of the pouch was (361 +/- 48) ml at 12 months postoperation. Urodynamic examination showed the average peak voiding pressure was (86.8 +/- 21.4) cm H(2)O. The average maximum flow rate (Qmax) was (18.4 +/- 6.1) ml/s. No remarkable ureter reflux and obstruction were found. No patient was detected to have urethral carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONSExtraperitoneal cystectomy can avoid the tumor contamination of the abdomen and intestinal interference of the operative field. The ureter-inserting implantation technique is a simple anti-reflux anastomosis method with less ureter stenosis rate. Isolating the neobladder and ureters from the peritoneal cavity can reduce the postoperative complications, such as adhesive ileus, internal hernia, and urine leakage into the peritoneal cavity. The neobladder is similar to the original bladder in position, volume, shape and anti-reflux ureter connection.