The pathophysiology of the jejunal conduit syndrome and its exacerbation by parenteral hyperalimentation.

Supravesical urinary diversion using a jejunal conduit may be associated with hyponatremia, hypochloremic-acidosis, hyperkalemia, azotemia, and a clinical picture of nausea, vomiting, dehydration, muscular weakness, elevated temperature, and lethargy. This syndrome is secondary to the loss of sodium chloride into the urine passing through the conduit and absorption of potassium and urea from it. Treatment and prevention of this syndrome consist of adequate supplements of sodium chloride and hydration. Intravenous hyperalimentation as the precipitating factor of a severe form of this syndrome and its successful management are described. The pathophysiology of the jejunal conduit syndrome is also discussed. Great selectivity and extreme caution are recommended with respect to the use of intravenous hyperalimentation in patients with jejunal conduits.