Ureterosigmoidostomy and carcinoma of the colon

The etiology for development of colon carcinoma associated with ureterosigmoidostomy seems to be related to the urine. The incidence of colon carcinoma associated with ureterosigmoidostomy is 500 times greater than in the normal population, indicating about a 5% life time risk. The development time of these lesions varies from 6 to 50 years postoperatively but it is significantly less in patients more than 40 years old. The possibility exists that colon carcinoma may develop in primary sigmoid urinary diversion conduits or sigmoid internal conduits to either bladder or bowel. No reported bowel carcinoma has developed in an ileal urinary diversion. Followup examination should include stools for blood every 3 months after 2 years, an excretory urogram yearly after 5 years, sigmoid or colonoscopy every 5 years and barium enema every 5 years. If the patient has hematochezia or the excretory urogram demonstrates ureteral obstruction sigmoid or colonoscopy and a barium enema should be done.