To introduce a modified technique for urethral anastomosis in orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.

Between January 2002 and August 2008, about 141 consecutive patients (130 men and 11 women) underwent total cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in which a modified technique was used to anastomosed the caudal-most part of the intestinal neobladder directly to the urethral remnant. The emptying of the neobladder, the early and late complications at the urethral anastomosis was evaluated.

Mean patient age at surgery was 58.4 years (range, 33-83) and median follow-up was 42 months (range, 4-83 months). Early urine leakage at the vesicourethral anastomosis developed in 1 patient, and was cured by extending catheter drainage. A total of 138 patients had good emptying of the neobladder, with residual urine volume < 50 mL. Three patients had residual urine volume > 100 mL, and achieved good emptying after intermittent catheterization once a week for 6-12 months. No late complications occurred at the urethral anastomosis site. Daytime continence was good or satisfactory in 97.0% of patients and night-time continence was good or satisfactory in 88.5% of patients.

The clinical outcome of our modified technique for urethral anastomosis in orthotopic neobladder substitution was excellent, but the advantage of this technique needs prospective controlled study.