[Reduction of sensitivity at the level of the membranous urethra after substitutive orthotopic ileal bladder].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the sensitivity of the membranous urethra is an important factor to obtain continence after ileal bladder replacement.


METHODS
The sensitivity threshold after electrical stimulation of the membranous urethra by a ring electrode placed on a urethral catheter was measured in 47 men after ileal bladder replacement (postoperative group). 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 patients was 24 +/- 9 and 39 +/- 10 mA, respectively (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The sensitivity of the membranous urethra decreases in patients after cystoprostatectomy and ileal bladder replacement. The sensitivity of the membranous urethra is better in continent patients than in incontinent patients and therefore appears to be an important factor for continence after ileal bladder replacement.
Hugonnet
C L
CL
Département d'Urologie, Université de Berne, Hôpital de l'lle, Berne, Suisse. urology-berne@insel.ch
Danuser
H
H
Springer
J P
JP
Studer
U E
UE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012677:Sensation; D014521:Urethra / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016476:Urinary Reservoirs, Continent