The long-term management and social consequences of ureterosigmoid anastomosis

It is regrettable that while the recognised complications of ureterosigmoid anastomosis - recurrent urinary tract infection, and acidosis- can be avoided and obstructive uropathy can be recognised early and so treated, the operation frequently condemns the patient to a restricted life with an unpleasant ritual of bowel frequency and incontinence. It seems that the lack of awareness of this bizarre life-style and the occasional true successes have allowed the operation to remain in use. Our experience confirms the unpredictability of the end result of ureterosigmoid anastomosis and suggests that the operation should be largely abandoned, in favour of the conduit type procedure.