Urologic function and urodynamic evaluation of urinary diversion (Rome pouch) over time in gynecologic cancers patients.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the urologic late complications and urodynamics outcome adopting teniamyotomies technique to create a low-pressure reservoir using the cecum, ascending colon and proximal part of the transverse colon without detubularization (Rome pouch).

METHODS

Twenty-eight consecutive patients affected by gynecological cancer and submitted urinary diversion with "Rome pouch" technique were included. After 3 and 12 months from the surgical procedure patients were submitted to urodynamic evaluation of the neobladders. Excretory urography was performed in all patient. Abdominal X-ray, serum electrolytes, creatinine and cultures of the reservoir are obtained during every visit. Long-term urologic complications were recorded. Patient quality of life was assessed using a 10 cm grade visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Urodynamics performed 12 months postoperatively showed that the mean maximum reservoir capacity was 439.9+/-58.9 cm H(2)O. The mean reservoir pressure at maximum capacity was 19.2+/-8.4 cm H(2)O (no contractive wave during the filling in any patient). The mean maximum closure pressure in the efferent tube, at maximum capacity, was 88.8+/-32.3 cm H(2)O. Continence was excellent for 26 (93%) and 23 (92%) patients at 3 and 12 months respectively. A total of 9 (32%) and 6 (24%) patients suffered late complications at 3 and 12 months follow-up respectively. However only one patient with pouch leakage underwent surgical pouch revision.

CONCLUSION

Our experience demonstrated that Rome pouch creation with multiple teniamyotomies has good capacity with low internal pressure and good continence with a low rate of late urologic complications. Thus, comparing results to those of other continent pouch models, the Rome pouch technique represents a valid alternative.