[Cutaneous trans-jejunal ureterostomy: an original technique used in 29 patients]

The authors report an original technique of transintestinal cutaneous diversion using the jejunum A 10 to 15 cm segment of jejunum is raised from the second loop and is attached to the skin transperitoneally. The stoma lies below the ureterojejunal anastomosis and the two ureters, sutured according to Wallace's technique, are implanted end-to-end into the proximal and extraperitonealised end at the height of the sacral promontory. 29 patients have been treated by this technique for various indications: 21 bladder tumors, 5 neurogenic bladders, 1 bladder exstrophy, 1 cervical cancer, 1 prostatic cancer. 15 patients (52%) had previously received pelvic irradiation. The mean follow-up was 47 months (2-192 months) and the mortality was zero. 4 patients (13.8% developed early complications: 2 cases of urinary tract obstruction and 2 intestinal obstructions requiring 3 operations. 6 patients developed 7 minor late complications (24.1%): 2 cases of pyelonephritis, 4 cases of renal stones, only one of which required an operation, and 1 case of prolapsed stoma. None of the patients developed any alteration in renal function or dilatation of the upper urinary tract after the operation. The addition of sodium bicarbonate was found to be useless, as none of the patients developed any metabolic disorders. Transjejunal cutaneous ureterostomy achieves excellent drainage by means of a short graft with a stoma situated below the level of the ureteric implantation, as reflected by the absence of any long-term deterioration in renal function despite full lumen ureterojejunal implantation without an antireflux device. This technique is simple to perform and is indicated in all situations, particularly after pelvic irradiation. It is associated with low morbidity, no mortality and ensures an excellent long-term result.