[Augmentation enterocystoplasty]

Abstract

Augmentation enterocystoplasty refers to a technique that consists in removing a bowel segment in order to suture it onto the bladder. This technique is indicated in case of reduced bladder capacity and/or compliance, in case of failure of conservative treatments. The goal is to improve the patient's urination comfort, but above all to ensure long-term protection of the upper urinary tract. All bowel segments may be utilized but the ileum is the segment of choice. The selected digestive segment must be detubulized in order to better decrease its peristaltic contractions and obtain low-pressure urine storage. Bi-valving the bladder while preserving the detrusor usually performs augmentation enterocystoplasty. However, in case of very fibrous and thickened detrusor, a supra-trigonal cystectomy should be considered. The digestive segment is removed and detubulized, then it is sutured on to the bladder as a patch at the incision level. Following such surgery, over 90% of the patients report significantly improved quality of life. Nocturnal bladder competence is obtained in more than 90% of the patients, while 91 to 100% report diurnal bladder competence. Long-term complications may be observed, such as chronic infections with asymptomatic bacteruria (70% of the cases) not necessitating any treatment. Within the two first years, there is a 10% to 15% risk for stone formation following intestinal mucus development. Enterocystoplasty perforation may occur at a frequency estimated to range from 5 to 13%, which is a very serious and life-threatening complication. Similarly, a risk of enterocystoplasty cancer may be observed after five to ten years, in 1% of the cases.