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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Vesicostomy as a protector of upper urinary tract in long-term follow-up
Alessandro Prudente1, Leonardo Oliveira Reis, Rodrigo de Paula França
1Department of Urology, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Vesicostomy surgery in children effectively protects the upper urinary tract and improves kidney function. Caregivers reported positive adjustment and high satisfaction with the outcomes of this simple procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Surgical Intervention
- Renal Function Preservation
Background:
- Vesicostomy is utilized in pediatric cases to safeguard upper urinary tract function.
- Caregiver adaptation and outcomes require thorough assessment post-procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vesicostomy's efficacy in protecting the upper urinary tract in pediatric patients.
- To assess caregiver adjustment and satisfaction with vesicostomy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 21 children undergoing Blocksom technique vesicostomy.
- Evaluation included renal function tests, cystography, complication analysis, and caregiver interviews.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in hydronephrosis and improvement/cure in 58.8% of cases.
- Stable or improved kidney function (creatinine clearance) in 95.2% of patients.
- High rates of daytime dryness (90%) and caregiver confidence (70%) reported.
Conclusions:
- Vesicostomy is a straightforward surgical option for upper urinary tract protection in children.
- The procedure effectively alleviates hydronephrosis and enhances renal function.
- Positive caregiver adjustment and high overall satisfaction underscore the procedure's success.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to analyze the results of vesicostomy in children as a protector of the upper urinary tract and assess the adjustments taken by the caregivers.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-one children who had undergone vesicostomy with the Blocksom technique were evaluated. Their mean age was 3.7 years (range, < 1 to 10 years). The evaluation consisted of kidney function tests, cystography, and analysis of complications. Twenty parents or caregivers were interviewed about their attitudes towards vesicostomy and its outcomes.
Results:
The main causes of the vesical dysfunction were posterior urethral valve in 7 (33.3%) and myelomeningocele in 5 patients (23.8%). Ten children (58.8%) showed improvement and 7 (41,2%) showed cure. Hydronephrosis observed in 17 children was alleviated or cured following the procedure. Kidney function, tested by creatinine clearance calculation, remained stable or improved in 20 patients (95.2%). Episodes of urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux lowered in 8 of 21 (38.1%) and 10 of 14 patients (71.4%), respectively. Subjective evaluation of 20 cases showed that 18 children (90.0%) remained dry during the day and 14 caregivers/parents (70.0%) felt they had acquired the skills necessary to handle a patient with vesicostomy. The mean global rate of satisfaction of the results of the surgery ranging from 0 (worst result) to 10 (best result) was 8.7.
Conclusion:
Vesicostomy is a simple surgery that protects the upper urinary tract, decreases hydronephrosis, and improves kidney function. There was adequate adjustment to vesicostomy and a positive global evaluation as reported by the parents and caregivers.
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