A modified cutaneous ureterostomy provides satisfactory short and midterm outcomes in select cases

We present the outcomes of modification of cutaneous ureterostomy by extreme lateralization of the stoma and use of skin flap for formation of ureterostomy.

Between June 2012 and June 2016, 36 patients had modified cutaneous ureterostomy for ureteral obstruction due to pelvic malignancy or genitourinary tuberculosis. Transureteroureterostomy was made with cutaneous stoma at anterior axillary line between iliac crest and lower rib cage, instead of spinoumbilical line. To prevent stenosis a 'V' shaped skin was fed into the stoma. Double J stents were used in all patients for 6 weeks. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated. All patients were followed up at 3 month intervals.

Of 36 patients, 22 had radical cystoprostatectomy (including nephroureterectomy in 2 patients) and 7 had palliative cystectomy. Others had locally advanced prostate cancer (n=1), locally advanced cervical cancer (n=3), ovarian cancer (n=1) and genitourinary tuberculosis with small capacity bladder along with a large vesicovaginal fistula (n=1). One patient developed ureteral necrosis requiring conversion to ileal conduit. Three patients developed stomal stenosis: two were managed by self-dilatation while one required revision of stoma. Thirteen patients died of the disease at a median follow up of 6 months with functioning stoma. Remaining 19 patients survived without any complications at a median follow-up of 20.5 months (5.5-43.5 months). None of the patients had any problem related to ureterostomy bag application.

Modified lateral cutaneous ureterostomy provides relatively straighter and shorter retroperitoneal course of ureter with acceptable morbidity and avoids use of bowel in selected patients.