Acid-base and electrolyte balance in urinary intestinal orthotopic reservoir: Ileocecal neobladder compared with ileal neobladder

Objectives. To compare acid-base and electrolyte balance in ileocecal and i leal neobladders. Methods. Acid-base and electrolyte balance were studied in 45 patients with an ileocecourethrostomy and 18 patients with an ileal reservoir. The mean follow-up was 51 months. Results were compared with regard to both the type of operation and the time since surgery. Results. No significant differences were found with regard to either the ty pe of operation or the length of follow-up. A preserved renal function is i mportant in maintaining a healthy status. Conclusions. The use of 35 to 40 cm of ileum or 10 cm of cecum with the ile ocecal junction seems to be safe even after a long follow-up. The length ra ther than the kind of bowel used for bladder replacement appears to be impo rtant in safeguarding hydroelectrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. This is p articularly true in the presence of preserved renal function. UROLOGY 54: 6 29-635, 1999. (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc.