Ureterosigmoidostomy: is it a viable procedure in the age of continent urinary diversion and bladder substitution?

Between January 1977 and June 1985, 63 patients requiring supravesical diversion underwent ureterosigmoidostomy with an antireflux technique. Of the patients 49 had bladder cancer and 14 had other conditions. Two patients died in the postoperative period. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to empty the rectum frequently, and received bicarbonate and potassium supplementation. Median followup was 41 months (range 3 to 70). Renal function remained stable in 92% of the patients. Radiographic deterioration occurred in 23% of the renal units, which was severe in 7%. These results indicate that the short and intermediate followup results with ureterosigmoidostomy are comparable to those of an ileal conduit. The method has the added advantage of being a form of continent diversion. We believe that ureterosigmoidostomy remains a viable and convenient alternative in select patients with bladder cancer who are not suitable for other forms of continent diversion or bladder substitution.