Ileal conduits for recurrent unresectable colorectal adenocarcinoma

In a retrospective 4 year study, 19 patients with unresectable recurrent pelvic tumor secondary to colorectal adenocarcinoma underwent urinary diversion. An ileal conduit was performed for palliative purposes at the time of exploration. None of the 19 patients had evidence of distant metastases. Survival after the ileal conduit ranged from 2 to 26 months (median 13 months). This survival rate did not vary significantly according to sex or whether hydronephrosis resolved after urinary diversion. Postoperative complications developed in three patients. Two of these complications were ureterointestinal anastomotic leaks and the third was development of an enterocutaneous fistula. The quality of life was rated as good by 75 percent of the patients and fair by 18 percent, with all patients relieved of painful obstructive uropathy. Eighteen of 19 patients were able to resume useful and productive lives.