Vesicostomy in childhood: indications and results

The authors report their experience with 27 patients who underwent cutaneous vesicostomy (CV) diversion for either lower tract disorders or obstruction. The indications for CV included 18 cases of neurogenic bladder, 3 pseudo-prune belly syndrome, 3 bladder exstrophy, 2 vesicoureteral reflux, and 1 posterior urethral valves. A Lapides-type technique with minor changes was performed in all cases. Improvement of renal function occurred after CV in all but 3 patients (11.1%). No early surgical complications were observed. Late complications occurred in 8 patients (29.6%): 4 (14.8%) had a stomal stenosis and 4 (14.8%) urinary tract infections. The overall revision rate was 7.4%. We believe this technique is simple to perform, tubeless, easy to manage, and readly reversible. Our experience tends to confirm CV to be an easy, effective, and reversible means to treat children and infants with selected pathology of the lower urinary tract. Results and complications are discussed.