Twenty-year experience with jejunal conduits.

Objectives: To assess the results of jejunal conduit urinary diversion, with particular attention to electrolyte imbalance and long-term renal function.

Methods: From 1976 to 1994, 50 patients underwent urinary diversion using a short jejunal loop (10 to 12 cm) placed transperitoneally. Of these patients, 18 received pelvic irradiation before diversion. Renal function and configuration of the upper urinary tract were assessed by creatinine clearance and excretory urography.

Results: Median follow-up was 26 months (3 to 204). Of 50 patients, 22 had a follow-up more than 5 years later (median 86 months). Eight patients (16%) underwent 10 revision procedures postoperatively. Late complications related to urinary diversion included renal calculi (12%), parastomal hernia (6%), pyelonephritis (4%), ureterojejunal obstruction (4%), and stomal prolapse (2%). Electrolyte imbalance occurred in 2 patients (4%) and was easily corrected by 4 g sodium bicarbonate. No significant decrease in creatinine clearance (P = 0.6) was found in 22 patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years; however, of these patients, 2 had a decrease in creatinine clearance of greater than 20%, due to ureterojejunal obstruction. Of 42 ureterorenal units, hydronephrosis occurred and increased in 1 and 2 cases, respectively, and renal scarring occurred and progressed in 2 and 2 cases, respectively.

Conclusions: Urinary diversion using a short length of jejunum placed transperitoneally is a reliable procedure and gives good long-term renal function. Electrolyte imbalances are rare. Moreover, jejunal conduit can be used in almost all situations, especially after pelvic irradiation.