Ureteroenteric Strictures After Open Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion: The University of Southern California Experience

Urology. 2015 Jul;86(1):87-91. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.03.014. Epub 2015 May 16.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors, management, and outcomes of benign ureteroenteric strictures (UES) in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for urothelial bladder carcinoma.

Materials and methods: Using our institutional review board-approved institutional bladder cancer database, we identified 1964 patients who underwent RC for urothelial bladder carcinoma between 1971 and 2008. Patients underwent a uniform refluxing ureteroenteric anastomosis technique to ileum. In patients with UES, we reviewed clinicopathologic, management, and outcome variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent UES predictors.

Results: Forty-nine patients and 51 renal units were retrospectively identified with benign UES (2.6%). Median follow-up was 12.4 years (0.2-27.3 years) and median time from RC to UES diagnosis was 10 months (2 months-10 years). Although one-third were asymptomatic, common presentations included flank pain (22%) and urinary tract infection (9%). Thirty-one patients underwent primary endoscopic treatments, including dilatation and stenting, of whom, 13 patients (42%) underwent secondary endoscopic treatment and 9 patients (29%) underwent open revision. Three patients underwent primary open management. Median glomerular filtration rate did not change after management (49-48 mL/min); however, imaging showed improvement in 50% of cases. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed no association with age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, perioperative radiation or chemotherapy, or preoperative serum albumin in predicting UES.

Conclusion: Benign UES are uncommon after RC and urinary diversion using a consistent meticulous surgical approach. More commonly on the left, UES generally present a few months after RC. Although no specific predisposing factor was determined, surgical technique plays an important role.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • California / epidemiology
  • Cystectomy / adverse effects*
  • Cystectomy / methods
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hospitals, University*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Ureteral Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Ureteral Obstruction / epidemiology*
  • Ureteral Obstruction / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Urinary Diversion / adverse effects*