Long-term results of ileal conduit diversion in children--a brighter picture?

Recent reports have been critical of the long-term results of ileal and colonic conduit diversion of urine in children, indicating a major complication rate of over 50%. The writer has therefore reviewed 26 consecutive personal cases, followed up for 6 to 20 years. Only 3 (12%) have had major problems, none related to the stoma, and possible reasons for the low complication rate are discussed. It is concluded that it is premature to condemn ileal conduit diversion of urine in children, when properly indicated, provided care in technique and follow-up is observed.