Ureteroileal implantation in orthotopic neobladder with the Le Duc-Camey mucosal-through technique: risk of stenosis and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE

We determined the postoperative risk of nonneoplastic ureteroileal implantation stenosis using the Le Duc-Camey technique, and assessed the extent to which followup is mandatory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 1980 and October 1989, after a cystoprostatectomy, 158 consecutive men underwent lower urinary tract reconstruction by means of a U-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder. Of these cases 109 were tubularized and 49 were detubularized. The 313 ureteral implantations were performed according to the Le Duc-Camey mucosal-through technique. Followup studies in all patients consisted of excretory urography or renal sonography carried out before discharge home, at least every 6 months during the first year after surgery and once a year thereafter. Followup was more than 2 years for 123 patients. The study was conducted retrospectively.

RESULTS

The rate of anastomotic stenosis was 4.9% among 123 patients who were followed a minimum of 2 years. No obstructions were detected after 2 years. The rates of ureteral reimplantation and nephrectomy for chronic kidney obstruction were 3.7% and 2%, respectively. All strictures were located at the anastomosed site, and retrograde catheterization was uncertain. Surgical reimplantation through an elective extraperitoneal approach was easy to perform and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The anastomotic stenosis rate after Le Duc-Camey ureteroileal implantation in orthotopic U-shaped neobladder was 4.9%. During the first year after surgery, the difference between true stenosis and temporary edema was not easy to assess. The U-shaped neobladder allows for the implantation of a minimally dissected iliac ureter, which could be a factor in minimizing the risk of obstruction.