Secondary malignancies in different forms of urinary diversion using isolated gut

Tumor development following ureterosigmoidostomy is a worldwide accepted late complication. In contrast, tumor risk in other forms of urinary diversion with the separation of urine and feces is still unclear. We present a complete and detailed analysis of all reported tumors following urinary diversions using isolated gut segments in the literature. We estimated the tumor risk in comparison to ureterosigmoidostomies and to the general population.

We reviewed the world literature up to April 2003 via MEDLINE for secondary tumors in urinary diversions using isolated intestinal segments.

We found 81 tumor case reports following urinary diversion using isolated intestinal segments. Tumors developed in 18 conduits, 45 cystoplasties, 5 rectal bladders, 3 neobladders, 6 colonic pouches and 4 ileal ureter replacements.

All urinary diversions using bowel with or without separation of urine and feces carry a significantly higher tumor risk for intestinal tumor development compared to the general population. The tumor spectrum and tumor location in isolated gut segments are different than tumors following ureterosigmoidostomies but the total tumor risk is probably similar. The latency period depends on the initial diagnosis with malignant diseases leading to a shorter induction time. Concerning etiology, many theories exist but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Regular endoscopic control beginning with postoperative year 3 for early detection of secondary malignancies is mandatory.