Cutaneous vesicostomy experience in infants and children.

Cutaneous vesicostomy has proved to be a useful form of temporary diversion in children. We report our experience with 35 patients who underwent diversion for either lower tract dysfunction or obstruction. In only 1 child did vesicostomy appear to be of questionable value in adequately draining the upper urinary tracts. Renal functional improvement or stabilization was observed in the remaining 34 children. Complications occurred in 14 patients, with urinary tract infections of a clinically serious nature being observed in 6. Our experience tends to confirm vesicostomy to be an effective, simple and easily reversible means to treat selected conditions in infants and children. Complications are encountered but they have been managed effectively.