Metabolic complications of cystoplasty

A series of 48 patients with intestinal segments incorporated into the urinary tract underwent assessment of acid-base and electrolyte balance. All patients had abnormal blood gas analyses, usually a metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation; 33% had hyperchloraemia. Radioisotope studies using sodium, potassium and bromine showed that all were absorbed and that absorption was unaffected by renal function. The results suggest that all such patients, but particularly women and children, may be at risk of the secondary effects of chronic acidosis, especially skeletal demineralisation, unless some compensatory mechanism is working to offset the effects of the acidosis.