ILEOCOLIC NEOBLADDER IN THE WOMAN WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS AND A SMALL CONTRACTED BLADDER

Bladder substitution with an ileocolic segment after total cystectomy was performed in 5 women with a severely contracted bladder secondary to interstitial cystitis. The urethra was divided at the bladder neck in 2 patients and distal to it in 3. The latter 3 patients empty the b ladder to completion and void naturally, while the former 2 have a lar ge post-void residual volume and require intermittent self-catheteriza tion. Mean patient age was 50 years and mean followup was 52 months. A ll patients have complete diurnal and nocturnal continence, and are fr ee of all symptoms related to interstitial cystitis. Total bladder rep lacement in women with interstitial cystitis and a contracted bladder significantly improved the quality of life and is an ideal alternative to other forms of urinary diversion.