Voiding dysfunction after bilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation

Voiding dysfunction has been reported after bilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation. We evaluate the incidence and duration of voiding dysfunction, and the effects of minimizing surgical dissection in a cohort of children after bilateral extravesical reimplantation.

A retrospective chart review was performed on 33 consecutive children who underwent bilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation for reflux. Preoperative and postoperative radiological studies, and postoperative post-void residuals were reviewed. Of the 33 patients 11 underwent ureteroneocystostomy using a modified Lich-Gregoir technique with ureteral advancement and 22 underwent a modified procedure in which the detrusor dissection was minimized and the obliterated umbilical artery was preserved. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics. Postoperative surgical success and signs of voiding dysfunction were evaluated and compared between groups.

The average length of time until patients were able to void at least half of the bladder volume was 5.9 +/- 3.1 days. The average length of time until successful postoperative Foley catheter or suprapubic tube removal was 7.4 +/- 4.2 days. All children were able to void adequately eventually. Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram demonstrated that reflux was cured in 97% of the ureters. There was no postoperative vesicoureteral obstruction. There was no significant difference in length of time necessary to void, the duration of catheterization or operative success between the children who underwent standard versus limited detrusor dissection procedures.

Extravesical ureteral reimplantation is an effective method for repairing reflux without ureteral obstruction but it can also result in a high rate of transient postoperative urinary retention even when detrusor dissection is minimized.