Avoiding the Need for Bowel Anastomosis during Pelvic Exenteration-Urinary Sigmoid or Descending Colon Conduit-Short and Long Term Complications

Urology. 2019 Jul:129:228-233. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.03.015. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Abstract

Objective: To educate surgeons of distal colon urinary diversion as an alternative to ileal conduit. To assess perioperative outcomes of distal colon conduit in pelvic exenteration including conduit-related, gastrointestinal, infectious, metabolic, and wound complications within 30 days, 31-89 days, and greater than 90 days from the time of surgery.

Materials and methods: Forty-one patients who underwent distal colon urinary diversion for malignancy, fistula, or neurogenic bladder were identified in our IRB approved database from 1/2007 to 7/2017.

Results: Twenty-six (63.4%) were male with mean age of 54.1 years. Complications were stratified by early (≤30 days), intermediate (31-89 days), and late (≥90 days). Within 30 days, 2 (4.9%) had partial small bowel obstructions requiring nasogastric tube (NGT) placement and total parenteral nutrition (TPN); 8 (19.5%) prolonged ileus with 6 (14.6%) requiring TPN and 5 (12.2%) requiring NGT placement; 1 (2.4%) enterocutaneous fistula; 1 (2.4%) conduit hemorrhage, 10 (24.4%) treated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Between 31 and 89 days, 1 patient (2.4%) had urinary conduit leak and 3 (7.3%) treated UTIs. At ≥90 days, 2 (4.9%) had partial small bowel obstructions requiring NGT placement, 4 (9.8%) ureterocolonic strictures and 1 (2.4%) parastomal hernia, 3 (7.3%) treated UTIs. Readmission rate in ≤30 days was 10 (24.4%), 31-89 days was 13 (31.7%), and 90+ days was 16 (39%). Long-term metabolic complications at ≥90 days included 16 (39%) with hypokalemia, 10 (24.4%) with hyperchloremia, and 14 (34.1%) with metabolic acidosis.

Conclusion: Distal colon urinary conduit is a relatively safe and feasible option and obviates the need for small bowel anastomosis and possible associated complications.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Colon, Descending / surgery*
  • Colon, Sigmoid / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Georgia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Exenteration / adverse effects*
  • Pelvic Exenteration / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Urinary Diversion / methods*
  • Urologic Diseases / surgery*