Novel augmentation ileocystoplasty technique to manage non-compliant bladders in the presence of obstructed megaureters: the "fez procedure".

Objectives: To show the efficacy and safety of a novel modification of Studer's neobladder, herein defined as the "fez procedure."

Methods: The medical records of 21 children (mean age 9.4 ± 1.3 years) who underwent the "fez procedure" at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to manage refractory poorly-compliant bladders and concomitantly obstructed megaureters were retrospectively reviewed. The patients had been previously managed by either preliminary cutaneous ureterostomy (17 patients) or temporary nephrostomy (four patients) to improve and stabilize the renal functions. The "fez procedure" entailed augmentation ileocystoplasty and the use of an afferent tubularized ileal loop for direct ureteroileal anastomosis. The augmented bladder together with the tubularized loop were fashioned as a "fez" with its tassel. The outcome measures were changes in cystometric capacity, bladder compliance, glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, technetium 99m-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid diuretic renography (T1/2), ureteral diameter, vesicoureteral reflux, febrile urinary tract infections, continence and complications.

Results: The mean study follow-up period was 52.5 ± 12.8 months. Means of changes of cystometric capacity (273.2 ± 60.9 mL) and bladder compliance (15.6 ± 4.2 mL/cm H2 O) were significant (P < 0.0001). Resolution of ureteral obstruction was documented with improved T1/2 and ureteral diameter (P < 0.0001, each) of all patients. The initially improved renal functions after ureterostomies or nephrostomies were maintained after "fez surgery," with non-significant changes in the improved glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.22) and serum creatinine (P = 0.18). None of the patients experienced ureteral restenosis, vesicoureteral reflux, febrile urinary tract infections, incontinence or significant complications.

Conclusions: The "fez procedure" represents a versatile and successful surgical option for these selected patients, as it offers improved bladder capacity/compliance, resolution of ureteral obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux, preservation of the renal function, control of urinary tract infections and urinary continence, and acceptable morbidity.