Retubularization of the ileocystoplasty patch for conversion into an ileal conduit

We present the outcomes and long-term follow-up of patients who underwent conversion to an ileal conduit urinary diversion using the retubularized patch from the initial augmentation ileocystoplasty.

We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent this surgery at our centre. The indications for surgery, workup, clinical outcomes and complication rates were assessed. Patient-reported symptom response based on global response assessment (GRA) was determined and used as a subjective measure of overall treatment effectiveness.

Thirteen patients with either bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) (n = 11) or neurogenic bladder (n = 2) were followed for a mean of 80 months. The most common indication for surgical conversion was persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or bladder pain. Late complications were frequent, typically low-grade, and usually manageable with conservative therapy; the most common were urinary tract infections (n = 6) and parastomal hernias (n = 5). Two patients developed ureteric strictures. Nine of 13 patients required additional surgery to manage complications or persistent symptoms. Only 5 of 11 GRA respondents reported a successful therapeutic outcome and BPS/IC patients who underwent concurrent cystourethrectomy tended to be most satisfied (2/3). Nevertheless, several patients still achieved symptom control when no other treatment options were available to them.

Conversion to an ileal conduit using the retubularized ileocystoplasty patch offers several technical and therapeutic advantages over creating a urinary diversion from a new bowel segment. It should therefore be considered a viable treatment option in patients who have exhausted more conservative management of their LUTS.