[Postoperative care of continent urinary reservoirs]

Continent urinary reservoirs like the Kock pouch, Indiana pouch or Mainz pouch are constructed from the detubularized intestine. These types of urinary diversion are good in regard to the quality of life, but meticulous postoperative care is required to avoid complications. Continent urinary reservoirs have common problems of mucous secretion and absorption of urinary constituents. Irrigation of the reservoir to remove the mucous debris is important to prevent stone formation and infections. The patient should be educated to perform the self catheterization properly and the danger of over-distention of the reservoir should be stressed. Periodic endoscopy of the reservoir is important to confirm whether a stone or a tumor is present or not. Measurement of electrolytes and vitamin B12 should be performed to correct abnormalities if present.