Computed tomography of ileal loop urinary diversion in adults

Surgically-placed urinary conduits remain the most common form of long-term, supravesical urinary drainage. We reviewed CT scans of 16 patients with ileal loops examined during a 3-year period to assess normal loop anatomy and associated pathological conditions. Computed tomography was indicated when conventional studies were considered inadequate. Indications for studies were suspected tumor recurrence in 12 (75%) and abscess localization in four (25%). The normal CT ileal loop lies medial to the cecum at the level of the sacral promontory. In 12 patients, CT identified abnormalities related to ileal loop diversion. Clinically unsuspected nontumorous complications (xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, pelvic abscess, and peristomal hernia) were detected by CT in patients with suspected tumor recurrence.