Nonrefluxing colonic conduits: a long-term life-table analysis

Neurogenic bladder: management of the severely impaired patient with complete urethral destruction: ileovesicostomy, suprapubic tube drainage or urinary diversion-is one treatment modality better than another?

Background

Management of the severely impaired patient (pt) with a neurogenic bladder (NGB) and complete urethral destruction employs three therapeutic options; bladder neck closure (BNC) with ileovesicostomy, BNC with suprapubic tube (SPT) placement or in pts with an end-stage bladder, cystectomy with enteric conduit diversion. This paper was performed to test the hypothesis that pts managed with an ileovesicostomy would have the best long-term prognosis.

Methods

Patients with a NGB and complete urethral destruction managed between 1986-2018 were reviewed. Three treatment populations were assessed, pts treated with BNC with ileovesicostomy, BNC with SPT placement or cystectomy with enteric conduit diversion. A minimal follow-up interval of 2 years was necessary to be entered into the study. The number of uroseptic episodes, development of urolithiasis, the onset of new renal scars, ≥ stage 3 chronic renal failure, or need for additional surgery were recorded. Statistical evaluations used either chi-squared contingency table analysis, Fisher's exact 2-tailed tests, or Kaplan-Meier curve analysis where indicated. P values of <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Ten pts were managed by cystectomy, and enteric conduit, 17 by BNC and ileovesicostomy and 21 by BNC and SPT placement, median follow up of 8 yrs (range, 2-30 yrs). No significant differences between the three groups regarding the development of urolithiasis (30%, 3/10 pts; 53%, 9/17 pts; 52%, 11/21 pts; respectively), new onset of renal scarring (30%, 6/20 kidneys; 41%, 14/34 kidneys; 45%, 19/42 kidneys; respectively) or stage 3 chronic renal failure (40%, 4/10 pts; 47%, 8/17 pts; 24%, 5/21 pts; respectively. However, the number of hospitalizations for uroseptic episodes significantly increased in patients managed with an ileal conduit (60%, 6/10 pts) and ileovesicostomy (82%; 14/17 pts) compared to those maintained with a SPT (29%, 6/21 pts) P=0.025 and 0.006, respectively. When evaluating the need for delayed surgical intervention due to either urolithiasis or other complications, a total of 50% (5/10 pts) of the patients managed by an ileal conduit, 88% (15/17 pts) of the ileovesicostomy and 52% (11/21 pts) of the patients with a SPT required additional operations. In essence, significantly more pts undergoing BNC and ileovesicostomy required delayed surgical interventions for complications arising from the surgery compared to patients managed with either a cystectomy and ileal conduit (P=0.0285) or BNC and SPT placement (P=0.0180).

Conclusions

In severely impaired pts with a NGB and urinary outlet destruction, BNC and ileovesicostomy are associated with a significantly increased incidence of urosepsis and late surgical complications that required operative intervention compared to alternative treatments. This finding has resulted in the abandonment of the ileovesicostomy from our surgical armamentarium.

Augmentation cystoplasty in the patient with neurogenic bladder

PURPOSE

To review the indications and techniques of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB) while also examining the long-term outcomes, complications, and follow-up surgeries.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles related to AC and NGB.

RESULTS

AC is indicated for an overactive or poorly compliant bladder refractory to conservative therapies, such as anticholinergic medications and bladder botulinum toxin injections. A variety of surgical techniques using gastrointestinal segments, alternative tissues, and synthetic materials have been described, though bowel remains the most durable. Ileocystoplasty is the most common type of AC, which uses a detubularized patch of ileum that is anastomosed to a bivalved bladder. Some patients undergo concomitant surgeries at the time of AC, such as catheterizable channel creation to aid with clean intermittent catheterization, ureteral reimplantation to treat vesicoureteral reflux, and bladder outlet procedure to treat incontinence. Following AC, the majority of patients experience an improvement in bladder capacity, compliance, and continence. Most patients also experience an improvement in quality of life. AC has significant complications, such as chronic UTIs, bladder and renal calculi, metabolic disturbances, bowel problems, perforation, and malignancy. AC also has a high rate of follow-up surgeries, especially if the patient undergoes concomitant creation of a catheterizable channel.

CONCLUSIONS

Enterocystoplasty remains the gold standard for AC, though more research is needed to better evaluate the morbidity of different surgical techniques and the indications for concomitant surgeries. Experimental methods of AC with tissue engineering are a promising area for further investigation.

Current Indications and Techniques for the Use of Bowel Segments in Pediatric Urinary Tract Reconstruction

Today, there are few indications for the use of bowel in pediatric urology. This is in large extent due to the successful conservative therapy in patients with neurogenic bladder and the improved success of primary reconstruction in patients with the bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. Only after the failure of the maximum of conservative therapy or after failure of primary reconstruction, bladder augmentation, or urinary diversion should be considered. Malignant tumors of the lower urinary tract (e.g., rhabdomyosarcomas of the bladder/prostate) are other rare indications for urinary diversion. Replacement or reconstruction of the ureter with a bowel segment is also a quite rarely performed procedure. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of the different options for the use of bowel segments for bladder augmentation, bladder substitution, urinary diversion, or ureter replacement during childhood and adolescence are discussed.

Stones in special situations

There are several special situations in which urinary lithiasis presents management challenges to the urologist. An in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology, unique anatomy, and treatment options is crucial in order to maintain good health in these patients. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the management of the following scenarios: bladder stones, stones in bowel disease, during pregnancy, in association with renal anomalies, with skeletal deformities, in urinary diversions, and in children.

Bricker Conduit for Pediatric Urinary Diversion--Should we Still Offer It?

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes of the Bricker conduit urinary diversion in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the database of a single tertiary center for children who had undergone ileal conduit between 1981 and 2011. Patients followed for less than 1 year were excluded. Patient files were reviewed for demographics, diversion indication, preoperative imaging, surgical details, hospital readmissions and followup data. Renal function at baseline and last followup was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate, calculated using the modified Schwartz or MDRD (Modified Diet in Renal Disease) formula. Growth charts elucidated patient growth patterns, while an internally designed quality of life questionnaire demonstrated patient and family satisfaction with the procedure.

RESULTS

We evaluated 29 children who underwent Bricker conduit at a median age of 10 years (range 2 to 18) and were followed for a median of 91 months (16 to 389). Neuropathic bladder was the underlying diagnosis in 72.4% of cases. Hydronephrosis improved or remained stable in 39 of 55 studied renal units (70.9%). Although no statistically significant difference was observed between mean ± SD baseline (64.5 ± 46 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)) and last followup estimated glomerular filtration rate (54.1 ± 44.9 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)), chronic kidney disease stage had worsened in 13 patients (44.8%), end-stage kidney disease had developed in 11 patients and 9 patients had died. Six patients underwent undiversion after stabilization of renal function. Linear growth was negatively affected in 12 patients (41.4%), and 85% reported poor quality of life. A total of 19 hospital readmissions were required in 14 patients to treat diversion related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The Bricker conduit does not seem to halt renal deterioration in children. Negative impact on growth and quality of life, and the anticipated rate of complications are significant limitations of the procedure in the pediatric population.

Bladder augmentation and urinary diversion in patients with neurogenic bladder: surgical considerations

In patients with a neurogenic bladder, the primary goal is preservation of renal function and prevention of urinary tract infection, with urinary continence as the secondary goal. After failure of conservative treatment (clean intermittent catheterisation and pharmacotherapy) urinary diversion should be considered. In this review, the surgical options with their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In patients with a hyper-reflexive, small-capacity and/or low-compliance bladder with normal upper urinary tract, bladder augmentation (bowel segments/ureter) is an option. To those who are unable to perform clean intermittent catheterisation via urethra, a continent cutaneous stoma can be offered. In patients with irreparable sphincter defects a continent cutaneous diversion is an option. For patients who are not suitable for a continent diversion (incompliant±chronic renal failure), a colonic conduit for incontinent diversion is preferred. Surgical complications specific to urinary diversion include: ureterointestinal stenosis, stomal stenosis, stone formation, bladder perforation, and shunt infection and obstruction. Surgical revision is required in around one third of patients. Careful lifelong follow-up of these patients is necessary, as some of these complications can occur late.

Iatrogenic infections in urological practice Concepts of pathogenesis, prevention and management

In this paper we review the pathogenesis, prevention and management of iatrogenic infection in urological practice. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE. The topics discussed include the commonest home-care, outpatient, endourologic and open surgical procedures. In addition, we discuss iatrogenic urinary infections associated with special situations, including urinary diversion, urologic prostheses, diabetes mellitus, dialysis, kidney transplantation and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). The findings of the literature review are as follows. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended with clean intermittent catheterization. With prolonged catheterization, antibiotics should not be used unless symptoms of pyelonephritis or septicemia become apparent. With transrectal prostate biopsy, infection can be prevented by rectal cleansing, use of smaller needles and administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis before and after the procedure. With ureteral stents, antibiotics should be restricted to patients with clinical signs of infection and high-risk patients. Infections after transurethral resection of the prostate can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and using perioperative antibiotics. In endourological procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated in cases of infected stones, preoperative UTIs or prolonged procedures. Antibiotics are not recommended for clean wounds, as prophylaxis for clean-contaminated wounds or as therapy for contaminated and dirty wounds. In patients with urinary diversion, the objective is to prevent pyelonephritis by avoiding both reflux and obstruction of the upper urinary tract. In patients with urological prostheses, the most important measure to overcome iatrogenic infection is prevention. In dialysis patients, iatrogenic infections can be prevented by the development of new catheter materials that are less susceptible to biofilms. In kidney transplant recipients, iatrogenic infections can be prevented by treating all types of infection prior to transplantation and by using peri- and postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infections in Patients With Urinary Diversion

Several surgical techniques have been used to provide urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. The noncontinent type of urinary diversion (using an intestinal conduit) and the continent urinary diversion (ureterosigmoidostomy or construction of an intestinal pouch that serves as a deposit of urine) were used commonly in the past, leading to a cumulative considerable number of patients encountered in clinical practice. The orthotopic urinary diversion (neobladder) has been used widely during the last years. The incidence and characteristics of urinary tract infection in patients with different types of urinary diversion are reviewed. Clinicians should be aware that urinary tract infection is a frequent cause of fever in patients with urinary diversion because it occurs in a significant proportion. In addition, symptoms from the lower urinary tract may not be prominent in this population.

Renal function in the setting of urinary diversion

Incorporating bowel into the urinary tract sets the stage for a potentially dangerous situation for the upper part of this tract. Obstruction, reflux and chronic bacteriuria may develop, all of which can all be detrimental. Most reports on renal function have used IVP and serum creatinine only, methods which are inadequate for proper assessment. Long-term follow-up of patients with ileal conduit diversion reveals a high incidence of morphological and/or functional damage to the kidneys. Refluxing techniques for implanting the ureters have usually been employed. In patients with continent cutaneous diversion or orthotopic bladder substitution, some recent publications have shown rather well preserved glomerular filtration rates. Traditionally, antirefluxing ureteric implantation has been used in these patients. There is presently a trend towards refluxing anastomosis in this setting, providing a low pressure pouch has been constructed. However, pressure can be high in such pouches and bacteriuria is common. The consequences for the fate of the upper urinary tract is unknown and caution should be exercised in recommending such techniques. There is clearly a need for prospective randomized controlled studies on the issue of refluxing versus antirefluxing anastomosis in continent urinary reconstruction. Patients with continent or non-continent diversion should have lifelong follow-up with regard to the upper urinary tract.

Bladder, bowel and bugs--bacteriuria in patients with intestinal urinary diversion

The incorporation of intestinal segments into the urinary tract favors bacterial growth of the skin flora, anaerobic bacteria, and uropathogenic strains. The route of infection is ascending; bacteria enter the urethra or the abdominal stoma, which is followed by colonization of the reconstructed lower urinary tract. Bacteriuria is common in all kind of reconstructions; however, urine from neobladder patients with complete emptying is reported to carry bacteria to a lesser extent. Clean intermittent catheterization and residual urine seem to increase the bacterial burden. Patients with augmentation cystoplasties constitute a distinct subgroup in which the remaining part of the bladder tissue is an important determinant of urinary tract susceptibility to infection. The increased rate of bacteriuria in the reconstructed patients indicates a lack of "antibacterial defenses", and the symptom free state of the patients suggests that only a restricted host response is triggered. The role of the specific and inflammatory antibacterial defenses in the reconstructed lower urinary tract remains largely unknown.

Orthotopic ileal neobladder: the influence of reservoir volume and configuration on urinary continence and emptying properties

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of the volume and configuration of the neobladder on urinary continence and reservoir emptying in orthotopic urinary reservoirs using intestinal segments for bladder replacement after radical cystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients who had had a radical cystectomy and urinary reconstruction with an orthotopic ileal neobladder were followed for > or = 1 year; 27 (group 1) had the ileal neobladder created with a shorter intestinal segment (40 cm) in an elongated shape ('J'), and 32 (group 2) had their reservoir made more spherical with a longer ileal loop (60-65 cm). The rates of urinary continence, enuresis, neobladder capacity and postvoid residual urine were evaluated first at 3-6 months and again 1 year after surgery in both groups.

RESULTS

At 3-6 months after surgery urinary incontinence and enuresis were more common in group 1, but at 1 year had the same frequency in both groups, at respectively 11% and 44% in group 1, and 13% and 47% in group 2 (P > 0.05). The neobladder capacity and postvoid residual urine were significantly higher in group 2, at > 600 mL and > 100 mL, respectively, in 14% and 14% of the patients in group 1 and 57% and 52% of those in group 2 (P < 0.05). Urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization did not occur in group 1 but did in 19% of group 2.

CONCLUSION

The orthotopic spherical ileal neobladder with a large initial volume is apparently not associated with better continence rates and is prone to developing progressive enlargement, which can lead to neobladder atony and progressive emptying failure, increasing the chance of complete urinary retention.

Long-term results of treatment for ureteroenteric strictures

OBJECTIVES

To review the long-term outcome for ureteroenteric stricture treatment.

METHODS

The ileal conduit diversions that formed ureteroenteric strictures from 1966 to 1999 were reviewed. The strictures were diagnosed radiographically, and malignancy was excluded. The treatment, location, length, diameter, and timing of stricture development after conduit creation was evaluated and compared regarding the time until stricture recurrence (failure). Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiologic evidence of patency.

RESULTS

Forty patients, after exclusions, returned for ureteroenteric stricture repair, comprising 79 procedures (27 open repairs and 52 balloon dilations). The open repair had a success rate at 1, 2, and 3 years of 92%, 87%, and 76%, respectively. Seven of the open cases were preceded by failed dilations. Balloon dilation had a success rate at 1, 2, and 3 years of 15%, 15%, and 5%, respectively (P = 0.0001 versus open). Similar patency results for open versus balloon (P = 0.0001) were noted with analysis restricted to each patient's first stricture repair. Strictures greater than 1.0 cm were more likely to recur (P = 0.03). All strictures forming within 6 months of the conduit creation were treated with dilation and failed within 1 year. Of note, 11 of the 40 patients were found to have less than 25% renal function on the strictured side.

CONCLUSIONS

Open repair for ureteroenteric strictures offers excellent long-term patency (76% at 3 years, P = 0.0001). On review, balloon dilation appeared to have less successful patency rates and was often followed by open repair after failure. Patients with a history of anastomotic strictures should be closely monitored to avoid renal damage and failure.

[Ureterointestinal anastomosis in ileal conduit in single kidney. New surgical technique]

Introduction of a new approach for uretero-ileal implantation when only one kidney is available. The technique follows the same approach as the Wallace-type re-implantation but in this case the uretero-ileal anastomosis plate is formed with the far en 2-3 cm of ureter. All cases performed with this technique have been highly successfull as reported in this clinical account.

Approach to urinary diversion in the surgical patient

Major surgical procedures may remove part or all of the bladder and make an incontinent or continent urinary diversion appropriate. Preoperative consideration must be given to 1) the stoma and its position, 2) the catheterizable channel, 3) the urinary continence mechanism, and 4) the substitute bladder reservoir. Complete bowel preparation and broad-spectrum antibiotics are desirable. The patient's motivation for taking care of a continent urinary diversion is important, since lifelong catheterization and mucous irrigation may be necessary. The status of the native bladder outlet and urinary sphincter is important in cases in which an orthotopic continent urinary diversion is considered. Preoperative evaluation by a stoma therapist is invaluable. Adequate urinary drainage is important in the immediate postoperative period. Patients with urinary diversions must be followed lifelong to rule out asymptomatic deterioration of their upper urinary tracts and to check for potential metabolic and nutritional problems.

Does the position of the patient affect the presence and/or degree of reflux in an ileal conduit urinary diversion?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of patient position (supine, sitting or standing) on ileo-ureteric reflux in patients with an ileal conduit urinary diversion, in whom such reflux is normally detected when they are supine during a retrograde loopogram.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 10 patients with an ileal conduit as a primary urinary diversion; a loopogram was obtained with the patient upright or supine and a further film taken with the patient supine but at 45 degrees to the ground.

RESULTS

When supine, free ileo-ureteric reflux occurred into both ureterorenal units in eight patients. The remaining two patients, who had previously undergone unilateral nephrectomy, also had reflux into their existing renal units. Of the 18 units, 15 had grade III and three had grade IV reflux. In the upright and 45 degrees position, reflux still occurred in al ureterorenal units. The patient's position did not affect the degree of reflux in 16 units, but in one unit with grade IV reflux and another with grade III reflux, the reflux was one grade less severe.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileo-ureteric reflux is common after ileal conduit diversion and may contribute to the likelihood of renal deterioration. The presence and/or degree of reflux is generally not affected by the position of the patient.

Noncontinent urinary diversion

When the need for urinary diversion arises, whether from carcinoma of the urinary tract, malfunction, or malformation, a decision must be made about the type of diversion to be performed. Currently, the patient and surgeon must decide on continent versus noncontinent versus neobladder, and on the type of intestinal segment to be used.

Colonic conduit in children: protection of the upper urinary tract 16 years later?

PURPOSE

Complication rates of up to 86.6% have been reported after creation of an ileal conduit. In contrast to others, we construct an antirefluxing isoperistaltic colonic for incontinent diversion in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1968 and 1989 a colonic conduit was created in 105 patients up to age 20 years for neurogenic bladder (76), bladder exstrophy (16) and other reasons (13). Long-term followup (minimum 5 years, mean 16.3 years, range 5 to 26) was possible in 84 patients (159 renal units).

RESULTS

Early and late stenosis at the ureterocolic anastomosis, and stomal stenosis occurred in 7.6 and 15.5% of the cases, respectively. Renal calculi developed in 8.2% of the renal units. Eight kidneys without function after recurrent pyelonephritis, calculi or stenosis at the ureterocolic anastomosis were removed during followup. Compared to preoperative status 3 of the remaining 151 renal units had increased dilatation of the upper urinary tract at the last followup. A total of 31 patients had complications during followup and 18 underwent conversion to continent urinary diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

When incontinent urinary diversion is necessary in children, a colonic conduit with the option of continent conversion should be created before deterioration of the upper urinary tract.

Renal function up to 16 years after conduit (refluxing or anti-reflux anastomosis) or continent urinary diversion. 1. Glomerular filtration rate and patency of uretero-intestinal anastomosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and incidence of anastomotic stenosis in patients with urinary diversion by ileal or colonic conduit (refluxing or anti-reflux uretero-intestinal anastomosis) or with a continent caecal reservoir.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All conduit urinary diversions performed from 1977 to 1984 were randomized by type (ileal or colonic) and by the method of ureteric implantation (with or without anti-reflux technique). In continent caecal reservoirs anti-reflux implantation was used for both ureters. Total and separate GFR were measured pre-operatively and after a mean follow-up of 123 months (range 36-198) with 51Cr-EDTA and scintillation renography.

RESULTS

Of the 56 evaluable patients, 18 had an ileal and 20 a colonic conduit, and 18 had a continent reservoir. The total mean GFR fell from 88 to 71 mL/min in the ileal group, from 84 to 65 mL/min in the colonic group and from 100 to 85 mL/min in the reservoir group. Separate GFR did not differ significantly between kidneys with and without reflux protection in the patients with a conduit diversion. Strictures occurred in 15 uretero-intestinal anastomoses and were unrelated to the mode of ureteric implantation (in the conduit groups). Renal function improved after ureteric reimplantation in six of seven kidneys, but after balloon dilatation in only one of five.

CONCLUSION

GFR fell moderately in all three groups, with no significant intergroup difference, and the continent caecal reservoir compared favourably with conduit diversion. The fall in separate GFR did not differ significantly between kidneys with and without reflux protection. Surgical exploration of uretero-intestinal stenosis is recommended if renal function is threatened.

Continence in patients with spina bifida: long term results

One hundred and forty four questionnaires relating to bladder and bowel control were sent to a random selection of patients with spina bifida throughout the United Kingdom. One hundred and seventeen questionnaires were returned, of which 109 were usable. Twenty eight out of 109 responders had undergone some form of urinary diversion, of whom 20 (71%) were reliably dry. The remaining 81 responders emptied their bladders by a variety of techniques including normal voiding, straining, expression, clean intermittent catheterisation, indwelling catheters, or they dribbled urine continuously. Only 31 (38%) of this group were reliably dry. Ninety four of 109 (86%) responders regularly sat on the toilet to evacuate their bowels and most used some aid such as manual evacuation, laxatives, suppositories, or enemas. Fifty five of 104 (53%) responders soiled regularly, 31 (56%) of whom were also wet. Forty seven per cent of dry patients (24/51) were faecally incontinent. Only 25 of 104 (24%) patients responding to all questions were reliably clean and dry.

Transverse colon conduit urinary diversion in patients treated with very high dose pelvic irradiation

OBJECTIVE

To study the results of transverse colon conduit urinary diversion in patients receiving very high dose pelvic irradiation (> or = 65 Gy).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records were reviewed for 30 such patients who underwent transverse colon conduit as a primary form of urinary diversion between January 1986 and June 1992. Most of the conduits were constructed using refluxing ureterocolic anastomoses with stents.

RESULTS

There was no operative mortality. Although the procedure was associated with a complication rate of 37% and a re-operation rate of 20%, there were no bowel or urinary anastomotic leaks. The operation could be safely performed on patients with renal failure, with 83% of such patients showing normal or improved serum creatinine levels post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of transverse colon conduit urinary diversion are the use of non-irradiated bowel and ureters for diversion. We recommend it as a primary form of urinary diversion in these high risk cases.

Sequelae of treatment in 109 patients followed for 5 to 15 years after diagnosis of sarcoma of the bladder and prostate. A report from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Committee

BACKGROUND

As increasing numbers of young patients with cancer survive, interest in the late effects of therapy is rising.

METHODS

The sequelae of treatment were reviewed after a minimum of 5 years of observation in 109 surviving patients with sarcoma of the bladder or prostate who were enrolled in the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies I and II (1972-1984). The 82 male and 27 female patients were 3 weeks to 19 years of age when the diagnosis was made (median, 2 years) and were 5-29 years of age at last contact (median, 11 years). Treatment consisted of chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide and bladder irradiation in nearly all patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients underwent total cystectomy, and 10 had a partial cystectomy. Of the 55 patients with bladder preservation, 1 had a urinary conduit with a nonfunctioning bladder. Thus, 54 bladders (50% of the total) remained in place as part of the urinary tract. There was no information regarding bladder function in two patients. Satisfactory bladder function was found in 38 patients (73%), 9 were incontinent, and 5 had urinary frequency with or without nocturia. Posttherapy hematuria was detected in 29% of patients. Nine of the 31 patients (29%) with follow-up renal imaging studies had a structural abnormality, chiefly hydronephrosis, which was more frequent in those with urinary diversion. Positive urine cultures were found mainly among those with enteric urinary conduits, but only two cases of pyelonephritis were documented. Abnormalities of irradiated bone and bowel were observed infrequently. Only one patient had a significantly elevated blood urea nitrogen or serum creatinine value, and only one patient was hypertensive. Most patients were still prepubertal at last follow-up. Of 24 patients who were intrapubertal or postpubertal, 7 (29%) were receiving sex hormone replacement because of delayed pubertal development. Height was decreased by 25% or more in 11 patients, as confirmed by growth chart analysis. Secondary surgical procedures other than repeat biopsy or cystectomy consisted primarily of urinary conduit revisions and repair of bowel adhesions or fistulous tracts. Information about psychosocial status was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 50% of the patients retained their bladders, and 73% of them had satisfactory bladder function. Renal function was preserved in nearly every patient.

Continent urinary reservoirs

We report our experience of 30 continent urinary reservoirs (CURs) after radical cystectomy. The patients ranged in age from 35 to 70 years. There were 22 males and 8 females. Pre-operative urograms showed normal upper tracts in 22 patients, unilateral hydronephrosis in 4 and bilateral hydronephrosis in 4. The first 20 patients had a standard CUR procedure and the last 10 had a modified CUR. The mean operative time, blood loss and post-operative stay were 6.6 h, 900 ml and 25 days respectively for standard CURs and 5.7 h, 825 ml and 21 days respectively for the modified CURs. Post-operative, urinary leaks from the caecostomy site occurred in 2 patients (1 of which was fatal) while 3 other patients had prolonged ileus, burst abdomen and intestinal obstruction probably due to non-demonstrable urinary leaks. All 5 complications occurred in the first 20 patients. Upper tract status was evaluated in 28 patients 3 months after surgery and showed normal upper tracts in 19 patients, improvement in 6 (35%) and worsening in 3 (12.5%). Pouchograms showed no reflux in 25 patients, unilateral reflux in 2 and bilateral reflux in 1. Complete continence was achieved in 25 patients--2 of them had revision surgery, giving a success rate of 89% with a follow-up of 6 to 48 months (median 24). The remaining 3 patients were incontinent.

Urinary diversion: Anatomo-physiological assumptions

The basic anatomical and physiological conditions needed for preparation of a good functioning urinary reservoir are analyzed according to current literature and personal experience. Owing to the need for a schematic and concise exposition, the text has been subdivided under five headings: (I) Metabolic considerations: a) the segment used; b) the duration of contact between intestinal mucosa and urine; c) the size of the exposed intestinal surface. (II) Renal function. (Ill) Physical properties of the reservoir: a) contractility; b) configuration; c) accommodation; d) viscoelasticity. (IV) Carcinogenesis: a) statistical considerations; b) ethiopathogenesis. (V) Clinical consequences of the removal of a normally functioning intestinal segment.