Ureteric-urethral engraftment as a new surgical technique for management of incontinence in bladder exstrophy complex: A retrospective cohort

Abstract

ObjectivesTo report the results of a novel surgical technique for achieving urinary continence in patients with bladder exstrophy complex (BEC) by ureteric-urethral engraftment (UUE) technique. Patients and methodsSixteen female patients with BEC and a mean ± SD age of 3.48 ± 1.75 years were referred for primary exstrophy repair from 2009 to 2012. From these, 9 patients were operated by single-stage bladder closure (group I); while 7 patients underwent the novel technique of UUE to compare the continence achievement (group II). In UUE technique, distal ureter was applied for total urethral replacement while the lower part of engraft was fixed in external genitalia. No osteotomy was performed in none of the groups. Continence and upper urinary tract evaluation were performed in the follow-ups with 3 months intervals for the first year and biannually thereafter. The patients were followed-up for a mean ± SD duration of 72 ± 6 months. ResultsAll patients in both groups experienced an uneventful postoperative period. In group II, 5 patients were continent day and night and voided per urethra without need for augmentation or intermittent catheterization technique (71.42%); while 55.55% of patients in group I achieved total continence (n = 5). Partial continence was achieved in 4 (44.44%) and 2 (28.57%) patients in group I and II, respectively. However, 3 patients in UUE group had postoperative vesicoureteral reflux that was successfully managed by Deflux injection. ConclusionThe eventual clinical outcomes of BEC children undergoing the UUE technique were promising. This practicable, safe, and reproducible option will add one complementary stage to the previously used reconstruction techniques. These patients would necessitate further surveillance with upper urinary tract evaluations during the adult life.