[Complications after ileal conduit: Urinary diversion-associated complications after radical cystectomy]

We analyzed complications associated with urinary diversion after radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit (IC) for bladder cancer (BCa).

A total of 305 BCa patients after RC with IC were included in the study (June 2003-December 2010). IC complications (peristomal hernia, IC stenosis, stenosis of the ureteral anastomosis, IC bleeding, urolithiasis, urinary infections, and renal insufficiency) were identified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Kaplan-Meier plots were generated. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses with backward selection for prediction of high-grade complications (CDC ≥ III) and IC revision surgery were conducted; covariates included age, previous abdominal/pelvic radiation, body mass index (BMI), previous abdominal/pelvic surgery, comorbidities, and advanced tumor stage.

An IC complication (CDC ≥ I) or a high-grade IC complication (CDC ≥ III) was experienced by 32.7 and 13.4 % of our cohort: 14.8 %, 4.3 %, 4.6 % developed a peristomal hernia, IC stenosis, stenosis of the ureteral anastomosis, respectively. IC revision was required by 10.5 % of patients (median follow-up 19.5 months, IQR 7-47 months). The estimated rate of IC complications at 5 years was 52 % (CDC ≥ I) and 22 % (CDC ≥ III). The final model of the multivariable analysis showed that patients with a history of previous radiation (HR 4.33), a BMI ≥ 30 (HR 2.24), or longer duration of surgery (HR 1.01; all p < 0.05) were at higher risk for IC revision surgery. A BMI ≥ 30 (HR 2.49, p = 0.011) was a risk factor for high-grade complications.

The risk of experiencing a high-grade IC complication is moderate. Previous radiation, obesity, and comorbidities represent risk factors for IC revision surgery. Moreover, obesity is a risk factor for high-grade complications.