Tandem ureterocystoplasty.

BACKGROUND

Bladder augmentation may be undertaken by using various gastrointestinal segments but their use is associated with a multitude of well-recognized complications. The mega-ureter has proven to be a satisfactory alternative; in patients with bilateral mega-ureters, both ureters may be used for this purpose.

METHODS

Seventeen patients had augmentation ureterocystoplasty, including three in whom both distal ureters were used in tandem. The latter included two patients with neurogenic bladder and one with bladder exstrophy.

RESULTS

Satisfactory augmentation was achieved in all patients undergoing tandem ureterocystoplasty. The neurogenic bladder patients are managed by urethral clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and the exstrophy patient is managed by CIC of an appendicovesicostomy (Mitrofanoff). All are continent.

CONCLUSIONS

The mega-ureter provides an excellent source of augmentation material in patients with small non-compliant bladders. In those with bilateral mega-ureters, consideration should be given to using both ureters in tandem to achieve the maximum possible bladder capacity.