Comparison between results of ileal conduit and continent ileal bladder (VIP), after radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to analyze the results achieved with the ileal bladder according to the VIP (vescica ileale Padovana) procedure. METHODS/RESULTS: We compared the results obtained in 31 patients with invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical surgery (22 underwent the ileal conduit procedure and 9 were treated by orthotopic bladder substitution) and analyzed the early complications, long-term results and physiological data of the group submitted to the VIP procedure. In the patient group submitted to the VIP procedure, there was only one case who required removal of the new bladder due to an enteroneovesical fistula. Another case developed medium serrate anular stricture of the bulbar urethra about 8 months postoperatively and was treated by endoscopic urethrotomy. The uroradiologic and urodynamic evaluations confirmed urinary tract stability integrity of renal function and good adaptation of the new reservoir. The andrological studies showed complete sexual potency in 2 of 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The VIP procedure appears to be a good technique, with complications no greater than those of traditional urinary diversion, and improves the quality of life of patients undergoing radical surgery for invasive bladder cancer.