Experience With Coapted Gastric Tube Outlet and Composite Gastrointestinal Reservoir for Continent Cutaneous Urinary Diversion

Abstract

Established techniques for urinary diversion are not ideal for certain patients such as those with extensive pelvic irradiation, metabolic acidosis, short bowel syndrome or renal insufficiency. In a multi-institutional study a gastrointestinal reservoir was previously found to provide metabolic balance in such patients. We used a coapted gastric tube as the continent outlet in patients undergoing gastrointestinal urinary diversion. We evaluate the long-term functional results of the gastric tube to provide continence and report our long-term followup results. A composite reservoir was constructed from gastric and transverse colon or ileal segments. In addition, a gastric strip, in continuity with the gastric segment of the composite reservoir, was tubularized and coapted to provide the continence mechanism. A total of 19 patients with a gastrointestinal reservoir and coapted gastric tube outlet were followed for 24 to 101 months, of whom 18 are continent day and night on intermittent catheterization every 3 to 8 hours. Four of 34 ureters (12.5%) became obstructed. One patient had significant preoperative renal insufficiency, which progressed to end stage renal disease. Another patient had slow progression of renal insufficiency. In the remaining 17 patients mean serum creatinine did not change significantly while serum chloride and bicarbonate improved or remained normal. A coapted gastric tube functions well as the continence mechanism in patients with a gastrointestinal urinary reservoir. We also confirm the metabolic advantages of a composite gastrointestinal urinary reservoir. Gastrointestinal cutaneous urinary diversion can be an alternative to incontinent diversion in select patients who are not suitable for other forms of diversion.