Ureteroileal anastomosis with intraluminal visualization: technique and outcomes

Although the ileal conduit is the most well-established urinary diversion, the optimal technique for ureteroileal anastomosis remains controversial. Here, we present a technique for anastomosis of the ureters from within the lumen of the ileal conduit, under direct visualization. We examine the rate of ureteral stricture using this method, and review the literature regarding ureteroenteric anastomotic complications with various techniques.

An intraluminal technique for ureteroenteric anastomsosis was performed by opening the conduit on the antimesenteric border to allow direct visualization of the ureteroileal anastomosis. Using our prospectively collected database, we investigated the prevalence of anastomotic stricture in patients undergoing urinary diversion using this method for anastomosis.

One-hundred eighteen patients underwent ileal conduit diversion with ureteroileal anastomoses performed as described. Median postoperative follow-up was 15 months. Ureteral strictures were identified in 5/118 patients (4.2%). Of the patients with strictures, one was successfully treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation, three were managed with chronic ureteral stents, and one was managed with a chronic percutaneous nephrostomy. Review of the recent literature reveals stricture rates up to 10% with current techniques.

We conclude from these results that during ileal conduit creation, intraluminal anastomosis of the ureters to the ileal segment under direct vision represents a viable alternative to other techniques, with complication rates that compare favorably with other reported series.