[Use of bowel segments for ureter reconstruction]

Abstract

When ureter damage is extensive or affects the midureter continuity can be restored using bowel segments. The principle issues of these techniques comprise reconstruction of the urinary tract preserving renal function in a long-term setting. The safety of ureters reconstructed from bowel segments has been validated in several large series as a reliable last resort solution with favorable results and low complication rates. Ureter reconstruction with bowel segments is doomed to fail in patients with short-bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Furthermore, the applicability in children and patients with progressive renal deficiency is severely limited. To prevent renal deterioration the use of retubularized bowel segments as a substitute for ureter defects has been postulated. Whereas antirefluxive implantation seems unnecessary in patients with a native bladder in situ or orthotopic bladder substitution, it is recommended in continent bowel reservoirs with cutaneous stoma.