Experiences with the entero-ureteral anastomosis via the extramural serous-lined tunnel: procedure of Abol-Enein.

Objectives: Ureteral reimplantation in any urinary diversion setting should be easy, reproducible, nonrefluxive, and without complications. In this study, we present our experiences with the entero-ureteral anastomosis via the extramural serous-lined tunnel, a technique introduced by Abol-Enein.

Methods: In the period between 1995 and 1998 we performed the Abol-Enein technique in 50 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder construction. Preoperatively 10 patients had unilateral ureteral dilatation.

Results: The technique was performed easily, and any serious complications did not occur in the early postoperative period. Leakage of the urethral-intestinal anastomosis was seen in 2 patients and transient hydronephrosis in 2 patients. Among the most serious late complications were two strictures of the urethral-intestinal anastomosis and four unilateral strictures of the ureteral-intestinal anastomosis. Only 1 patient presented with unilateral grade IV urinary reflux. Four patients developed metabolic acidosis. In all cases, renal function was stabilized or improved, and preoperative dilatation of the ureters was alleviated.

Conclusions: The low stricture rates of the uretero-intestinal anastomosis, as well as the low reflux rates of the procedure of Abol-Enein, render this procedure a safe method of uretero-intestinal anastomosis when an orthotopic ileal neobladder is formed. The method can be performed with equal or even greater ease in very dilated ureters that in many situations other techniques either cannot deal with or require ureteral tailoring. Although this technique seems to meet most of the criteria for an ideal uretero-intestinal anastomosis, further studies that involve longer follow-up periods are necessary to allow a definitive value of this method.