Bricker versus Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis: A multi-institutional propensity score-matched analysis

Int J Urol. 2024 Jul;31(7):813-818. doi: 10.1111/iju.15471. Epub 2024 Apr 21.

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to evaluate the difference in stricture rate between matched groups of Bricker and Wallace techniques for ureteroileal anastomosis.

Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing urinary diversion (UD) with Bricker and Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis at two university hospitals. Two groups of Bricker and Wallace patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio based on the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), preoperative hydronephrosis, prior radiation therapy or abdominal surgery, pathologic T and N stages and 30-days-Clavien grade complications≥III. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of ureteroenteric stricture (UES) in all patients.

Results: Overall, 740 patients met the inclusion criteria and 209 patients in each group were propensity matched. At a similar median follow-up of 25 months, UES was detected in 25 (12%) and 30 (14.4%) patients in Bricker and Wallace groups, respectively (p = 0.56). However, only one patient in the Bricker group developed a bilateral stricture compared to 15 patients in the Wallace group, resulting in a significantly higher number of affected renal units in the Wallace group: 45 (10.7%) versus only 26 (6.2%) in the Bricker group (p = 0.00). On multivariable extended Cox analysis, prior radiotherapy, presence of T4 pelvic malignancy and nodal positive disease were independent predictor of UES formation.

Conclusion: The technique of ureteroileal anastomosis itself does not increase the rate of stricture; however, conversion of two renal units into one is associated with a higher incidence of bilateral upper tract involvement.

Keywords: Bricker; Wallace; radical cystectomy; ureteroenteric stricture; urinary diversion.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anastomosis, Surgical* / adverse effects
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Ileum* / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Propensity Score*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureter* / surgery
  • Ureteral Obstruction / etiology
  • Ureteral Obstruction / surgery
  • Urinary Diversion* / adverse effects
  • Urinary Diversion* / methods