Decreased sensitivity of the membranous urethra after orthotopic ileal bladder replacement.

Objective: To determine whether the sensitivity of the membranous urethra i s an important factor to obtain continence after ileal bladder replacement. Material and Method: The sensitivity threshold after electrical stimulation of the membranous urethra by a ring electrode placed on a urethral cathete r was measured in 47 men after ileal bladder replacement (postoperative gro up). The control group consisted of 35 men before radical prostatectomy or cystoprostatectomy. Results: The mean sensitivity threshold of the membranous urethra was 9 +/- 2 mA in the control group and 27 +/- 11 mA in the postoperative group (p <0 .001). The sensitivity threshold of daytime continent and incontinent patie nts was 24 +/-9 and 39 +/- 10 mA. Respectively (p <0.001). Conclusion: The sensitivity of the membranous urethra decrease in patients after cystoprostatectomy and ileal bladder replacement. The sensitivity of the membranous urethra is better in continent patients than in incontinence after ileal bladder replacement.