Bladder replacement after radical cystectomy using detubularized right colonic segment.
Bladder replacement after radical cystectomy offers the cancer patient the possibility of restoration to a functional level not possible with the standard means of urinary diversion. Herein we present our experience using a detubularized right colonic segment to create functional reservoirs in 2 male patients and a continent reservoir in a female patient. Cystometric analysis reveals capacious reservoirs, low basal pressures, and a tendency toward pressure spikes at higher filling volumes. All 3 patients are continent at volumes up to 400 cc with preservation of the upper urinary tracts and the absence of reflux. We believe the simplicity of this technique and the encouraging results will contribute to more widespread application of continent and functional reservoirs.