The Le Bag orthotopic urinary diversion

Abstract

Purpose: We reviewed our experience with Le Bag orthotopic urinary diversion in 38 cases.

Materials and methods: Between April 1990 and January 1995, 38 men underwent radical cystectomy and Le Bag urinary diversion for treatment of bladder cancer. Approximately 20 cm. each of detubularized ileum and cecum were used to construct the pouch. A total of 22 pouches was fashioned with absorbable staples. In 21 cases freely refluxing Bricker ureterointestinal anastomoses were used.

Results: There was no significant difference in major complication rates in the hand sewn versus stapled anastomosis groups, and there were no complications specifically related to the use of staples. There were 3 episodes of febrile urinary tract infection: 2 in the Bricker group and 1 in the tunneled anastomosis group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to ureteral obstruction. The daytime continence rate was 91%, and 80% of the patients are completely dry or have only mild incontinence at night. Most patients had mild hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis postoperatively as evidenced by a decrease in median serum bicarbonate level (28 versus 24 mmol./l.). This difference appears to be related to pouch length (r = 0.58, p = 0.0002).

Conclusions: We conclude that the Le Bag technique is a technically feasible form of urinary diversion with functional results similar to other forms of orthotopic diversion. Use of absorbable staples simplifies pouch construction without increasing complications. This form of urinary diversion is associated with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, which is related to pouch length.