The Mainz pouch (mixed augmentation ileum and cecum) for bladder augmentation and continent diversion

The surgical technique for construction of the Mainz (mixed augmentation ileum and cecum) ileocecal pouch for bladder augmentation or continent urinary diversion focuses on 3 functional features: creation of a low pressure reservoir of adequate capacity from cecum and 2 ileal loops, which are split open longitudinally, antirefluxing ureteral implantation into cecum or ascending colon, achieved by a standard submucosal tunnel technique, and in cases of bladder augmentation continence depends on competence of the bladder neck and urethral closure mechanisms, while in urinary diversion continent closure of the pouch is achieved by isoperistaltic ileoileal intussusception or implantation of an alloplastic stomal prosthesis. Of 11 patients with Mainz pouch bladder augmentation (5 of which were undiversions) 10 are completely dry day and night with normal intervals of bladder evacuation. Two patients with myelomeningocele are on intermittent catheterization for bladder evacuation, while the remainder void spontaneously without significant residual urine. Of 12 patients with Mainz pouch urinary diversion 6 have an ileoileal intussusception valve and are completely continent, as are 3 of 4 with an alloplastic stomal prosthesis. Two patients still are awaiting implantation of a sphinteric prosthesis.     

The Mainz pouch. Ileocecal reservoir, Mainz pouch

The surgical technique for creation of the Mainz-pouch uses 12cm of cecum and ascending colon and 2 ileal loops of the same length for construction of an urinary reservoir, which has proven to be applicable for bladder augmentation, bladder substitution as well as for continent urinary diversion. For the creation of a continent nipple in urinary diversion 6cm of ileum in addition are necessary. As a modification we use the non-infected submucosal imbedded appendix as continence mechanism. Since 1986 a total of 247 patients underwent a Mainz-pouch procedure: 54 for bladder augmentation, 27 for bladder substitution and 166 for continent diversion. The appendix as continence mechanism was used in 30. Postoperative mortality rested under 1%, early complications have been observed in 4.4% and late complications in 13.7% (mean follow-up of 35 months). In the bladder augmentation group 52 patients are completely dry, 2 patients have urge and frequency and 5 patients are on intermittent self catheterisation to avoid residual urine. In the bladder substitution group all patients are continent at daytime. At nighttime 3 patients have leakage if they don't empty their bladder all 4 hours. In the urinary diversion group all but 3 are completely dry and are on intermittent catheterization. The main problem of our initial series was prolapse of the continent nipple which has been solved by staple fixation of the nipple to the bowel wall and to the ileocecal valve or by using the submucosal imbedded appendix.     

Urinary diversion and orthotopic bladder substitution in children and young adults with neurogenic bladder: a safe option for treatment?

PURPOSE: Combined pharmacotherapy, clean intermittent catheterization and infection prophylaxis is currently the gold standard of treatment for neurogenic bladder. However, as the adolescent gains independence from parental supervision, the intervals of clean intermittent catheterization compliance with medical treatment and regularity of followup examinations may decrease, and neurological and/or orthopedic status may change. This situation sometimes leads to failure of conservative treatment, resulting in incontinence and/or deterioration of the upper urinary tract. A multidisciplinary team was established at our institution 30 years ago to assess all aspects of care for patients with neurogenic bladder, of which urological function is just 1 aspect of the complex problem. Patient desires and essential medical goals, such as preservation of renal function, are considered by this team. An adequate compromise is sought and achieved in some cases by urinary diversion. We investigated the long-term safety of urinary diversion in these patients and its ability to protect the upper urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1967 and 1997 urinary diversion was performed in 149 patients with neurogenic bladder. Mean followup was 11.8 years (range 0.8 to 28.5) in 129 cases. Mean patient age at surgery was 12.1 years (range 0.8 to 20). A colonic conduit was created in 59 patients, mainly before the era of clean intermittent catheterization and continent diversion, while orthotopic bladder substitution was performed in 12 and continent urinary diversion (Mainz pouch I) in 58, of whom 50% were wheelchair bound. RESULTS: The upper urinary tract improved or remained stable in 97% of the renal units in patients with a colonic conduit or Mainz pouch I, and in 95% of the renal units in those with orthotopic bladder substitution. All patients with bladder substitution were continent during the day, 1 required occasional pads at night and 7 of 12 performed clean intermittent catheterization. Complete continence was achieved in 98% of those with a continent stoma. CONCLUSIONS: After failure of conservative treatment in patients with neurogenic bladder urinary diversion represents a safe long-term compromise. Daytime and nighttime continence is provided by the Mainz pouch bladder substitution and urinary diversion, while the upper urinary tract is protected by antireflux ureteral implantation.     

Continent diversion with the Mainz pouch

Summary From 1983 until July 1994, 561 patients in 2 urology departments (Mainz and Wuppertal) underwent a Mainz pouch 1 procedure. The Mainz pouch 1 was used for bladder augmentation in 60 patients, for orthotopic bladder substitution in 61 patients, and for continent cutaneous urinary diversion in 440 patients. In the group of continent cutaneous urinary diversion, the continence mechanism applied was an ileal intussusception nipple in 270 patients, an appendix stoma in 146 patients, a submucosal seromuscular bowel-flap tube in 14 patients, and a submucosal full-thickness bowel-flap tube in 10 patients. Indications for urinary diversion were bladder cancer in 339 patients, anatomical or functional loss of bladder capacity in 179 patients, and other primary or secondary malignancies of the bladder or true pelvis in 43 patients. After a mean follow-up period of 57 months (range, 3–127 months), early and late complications were encountered in 12% and 37% of the patients, respectively. In the bladder-augmentation group, 93% of the patients are completely continent day and night. All but three patients, who empty their reservoir by intermittent self-catheterization (CIC), void spontaneously by abdominal straining. In the orthotopic bladder-substitution group, 95% of the patients are continent during the daytime. To prevent urinary leakage, 13% have to empty their reservoirs regularly at 4-h intervals and 13% have to perform CIC to avoid residual urine. Among the patients treated with continent cutaneous urinary diversion, stoma failure occurred in 11%, stoma stenosis was encountered in 13% and required open revision in 2%, endoscopical incision in 10%, and conservative treatment (dilation) in 1% of cases.     

The Mainz pouch (mixed augmentation ileum 'n zecum) for bladder augmentation and continent urinary diversion

A new technique for fashioning an ileocecal pouch, applicable for both bladder augmentation and continent urinary diversion, is described. A low pressure reservoir is achieved by antimesenteric longitudinal transsection of ileum and cecum and formation of a pouch from the cecum and two ileal loops. The antireflux procedure consists of submucosal tunnel implantation of the ureters into the cecum. Clinical application of the operative technique in 4 cases for bladder augmentation and in another 6 cases for urinary diversion has proven the validity of our functional concept: all patients with Mainz pouch bladder augmentation are completely dry day and night with normal intervals of bladder evacuation. Of the 6 patients with Mainz pouch urinary diversion, 2 rely on a an all alloplastic stomal prosthesis for continence, another 2 have achieved continence with isoperistaltic ileo-ileal invagination, and the remainder are awaiting implantation of a sphincteric device.     

Early experiences with continent bladder substitution

Since January 1987 a total of 14 patients have undergone continent bladder replacement procedure. The bladder substitute was constructed of ileum (ileal neobladder) in three patients, of an ileocaecal segment (Mainz pouch) in five patients while in six patients a segment of ascending colon (Mayo pouch) was used. Nine male patients underwent a complete bladder substitution after cystoprostatectomy. In five patients a bladder augmentation was performed. Four of these patients were female. They were subjected to subtotal cystectomy which left only one cm of the bladder neck, while the ureters were reimplanted into the pouch. Seven of the nine patients with total bladder substitution are continent during the day and seven at night. All patients in the bladder augmentation group are continent day and night, but one of them has to empty his bladder by intermittent catheterization. Because of stenosis at the ureterocolonic anastomosis, reoperation was performed on two patients more than one year after the primary operation. Except for these two patients, who required surgical revision, the initial results are encouraging and patient acceptance has been excellent.     

The mainz-pouch (mixed augmentation ileum 'n zecum) for bladder augmentation and continent diversion

Summary The ideal urinary reservoir constructed from bowel material should be a low-pressure system with a high capacity, capable of preventing upper tract deterioration resulting from ureteral obstruction or reflux. It should achieve reliable control of continence and assure easy emptying of the reservoir. In the Mainz-pouch, the combination of cecum and ileum, the latter of which is able to absorb pressure waves created by the cecum, produces a low-pressure system with a high capacity immediately postoperatively. By incorporating large bowel in our pouch, ureteral implantation can be done using a simple and reliable standard antireflux technique with a submucosal tunnel. The Mainz-pouch has been done since 1983 in 26 patients. Of these 11 were for bladder augmentation after subtotal cystectomy and 15 for continent urinary diversion. All of the patients with bladder augmentation are completely dry day and night; 2 patients with myelomeningocele are on intermittent catheterization for bladder evacuation. The remainder void spontaneously without significant residual urine. Of 15 patients with Mainz-pouch urinary diversion, 4 had an alloplastic stomal prosthesis implanted for control of continence and 11 have isoperistaltic ileo-ileal invagination, where by the invagination valve can easily be fixed to the intussuscepting ileum by sutures or staples. Of the 4 alloplastic stomal prostheses, 2 have been removed because of infection. In 1 of these patients, an ileo-ileal invagination was performed in the same operation to achieve continent closure. All patients with the invagination valve, as well as the 2 patients with an alloplastic stomal prosthesis, are completely continent, but in 3 cases, revision of the ileo-ileal invagination became necessary due to prolapse of the valve.     

Colon pouch (Mainz III) for continent urinary diversion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a continent cutaneous pouch made exclusively of colon (Mainz pouch III), as excellent results with the Mainz pouch III in irradiated patients suggested that the indication for this type of urinary diversion could be extended. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of 24 patients with continent cutaneous urinary diversions using colon segments (Mainz pouch III) was investigated retrospectively. Overall, 22 of the patients had a malignant disease and two a benign disease; 16 had a hysterectomy and pelvic exenteration for gynaecological tumours; two men with a rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate had a radical cystoprostatectomy; one woman had pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer; one man had a simultaneous rectum resection due to infiltrating rectal cancer, and another a left nephrectomy with cystectomy for concomitant kidney and bladder tumour. Benign indications were hyper-reflexive bladder after polytrauma and two cases of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Eighteen patients had radiotherapy (32-48 Gy) before the urinary diversion. RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 35 (12-65) months. The mean pouch capacity was 293.8 mL. Three patients died during the follow-up (two from disease progression and one suicide); 20 patients were fully continent, four with reduced pouch capacity (<300 mL) had slight incontinence and are wearing a protective pad (band-aid at the umbilicus). All patients use intermittent self-catheterization (mean catheterization frequency 6.8/day, range 6-12). Complications related to the pouch were one outlet stenosis that required revision. Postoperative pouchograms showed asymptomatic reflux in four patients. None of the patients developed metabolic acidosis or diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: The Mainz pouch III is an alternative to other types of continent urinary diversion.     

Failed bladder neck reconstruction: options for management

During the last 10 years 17 patients have been seen at this institution for persistent urinary incontinence after Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction. Of these patients 16 were born with classical bladder exstrophy and 1 with complete epispadias. Six patients underwent 1, 10 underwent 2 and 1 underwent 3 prior bladder neck procedures. As salvage procedures 8 patients underwent another Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure, 1 repeat bladder neck reconstruction and augmentation cystoplasty, 3 augmentation alone, 4 bladder augmentation with creation of a continent abdominal stoma and 1 augmentation with implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. Of the 8 patients who underwent a repeat Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure 7 are dry for 3 hours or more and 1 is dry for greater than 3 hours on intermittent self-catheterization. All of those who are dry for greater than 3 hours are dry at night and 1 wears pads when engaging in strenuous physical activity. Of the 9 patients who underwent augmentation cystoplasty along with other adjunctive procedures 8 are continent for greater than 3 hours on intermittent catheterization, 6 are dry at night if they perform catheterization at bedtime and 1 remains totally incontinent after removal of the artificial urinary sphincter. Thus, with persistence and creativity a child with a previously failed bladder neck reconstruction or even multiple failed repairs can be made socially continent, providing a satisfactory alternative without resorting to urinary diversion.     

Continent urinary diversion in childhood

Summary Continence and a positive body image are important, especially to the adolescent patient. Since 1964 we have used ureterosigmoidostomy and have achieved a complete continence rate of 92.3%. The creation of a low-pressure reservoir by antimesenteric splitting of the recto-sigmoid eliminated many of the shortcomings of ureterosigmoidostomy. This procedure is termed the sigma-rectum pouch and has been applied in six children to date. Mainz-pouch bladder augmentation or substitution has been performed in 20 children, 17 of whom are completely continent. The results of the modified Young Dees procedure were disappointing. In three children, conversion into a continent diversion was necessary. All of the 41 children who underwent continent diversion using the Mainz pouch procedure are continent. The overall rate of late complications following the Mainz pouch procedure was 19.6%.     

Ileal T-pouch as a urinary continent cutaneous diversion: clinical and urodynamic evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To report the functional results of continent cutaneous urinary diversion with ileum, using the serous-lined extramural valve and Mitrofanoff procedure for the continence mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1999 to October 2001, 18 patients (mean age 68 years) underwent radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer involving the bladder neck, urethra or prostate; they then had an ileal continent cutaneous T pouch constructed. The mean (range) follow-up was 12 (4-20) months. The first five patients had reconstructions using the original orthotopic T-pouch configuration, but in subsequent patients the technique was simplified, reducing the ileal segments. The ureteric-intestinal anastomosis was made using a split-cuff nipple technique. RESULTS: All patients were continent day and night, and there were no late complications. All cutaneous continent T pouches had a good capacity and low pressure, with no urinary reflux. No catheterization difficulties were reported and the evacuation intervals were approximately 4 h. CONCLUSIONS: This ileal cutaneous continent diversion is a versatile technique; the T-valve can be used successfully as a continent mechanism, ensuring continence day and night. The simplified technique maintains a reservoir of good capacity and compliance, thus preserving approximately 13 cm of ileal tract. The ureteric intestinal anastomosis by the split-cuff nipple technique is suitable in undilated and peristaltic ureters.     

Augmentation cystoplasty in the failed exstrophy reconstruction

Of the 148 patients with bladder exstrophy seen at this institution during the last 10 years 12 have ultimately required bladder augmentation. In 4 cases augmentation was performed for an inadequate bladder capacity, upper tract decompensation and dry interval of less than 1 hour after bladder neck reconstruction and epispadias repair. Likewise, 3 patients underwent augmentation for an inadequate bladder capacity and dry interval of less than 2 hours after bladder neck reconstruction and epispadias repair. Of these 7 patients 3 had undergone 2 previous bladder neck reconstructions, while 4 had undergone 1 prior repair. Five augmentations were performed for an inadequate bladder capacity before any type of continence procedure had been done. Nine patients underwent adjunctive procedures in addition to bladder augmentation, including a Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure in 4, an artificial urinary sphincter in 3, transureteroureterostomy and psoas hitch in 1, and a Mitrofanoff procedure and bladder neck closure in 1. Of the 12 patients 11 are continent, although 9 require intermittent catheterization. There were no major complications. However, 1 artificial urinary sphincter was removed for erosion 2 years after placement. Augmentation cystoplasty has provided prolonged stability of the upper tracts and continence in these patients, and it has proved to be a successful alternative to urinary diversion in this select group of exstrophy failures.     

Early experience with an ileocolic bladder substitution (Mainz pouch) in 11 cases

In the last decade, many continent urinary diversions have been developed for the cystectomy patients. Mainz pouch, which seems to be a sophisticated one without using an alloplastic prosthesis, was adopted in our clinic. We preliminarily report our result in 11 patients who underwent a Mainz pouch procedure in the last 2 years: 1 for bladder augmentation, 5 for total bladder substitution after cystoprostatectomy and 5 (including 2 females) for continent urinary diversion. The mean age of them was 54 years old and the follow up periods ranged from 6 to 24 months. The antimesenteric longitudinal incision of the ileum and cecum and their sutures were performed similarly to the usual detubularized intestinal pouch. The ureteral reimplantation to the colonic segment was accomplished by the submucosal tunnel method. Although the ureteral hiatus was initially positioned at the anal edge of the colon, a new hiatal creation by stabbing the more oral portion of the colon according to the Goodwin's ureterocolic anastomosis was subsequently employed to avoid the trouble of closure of this portion. When the urethral anastomosis was achieved by 4-5 interrupted sutures between the most dependent portion of the cecum and the urethral stump after cystoprostatectomy, the mucosa was everted to the colonic serosa to prevent the stricture. The continent stoma was created by an intussusception of the proximal ileum, which was stabilized by the seromuscular stripping and 2-3 rows of external metal staples. Complication of the alimentary system occurred in 6 of 11 cases (55%), though they were successfully treated by an appropriate conservative management except one who suffered an ileostomy and nephrostomy because of severe panperitonitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Continent urinary diversion and the exstrophy-epispadias complex

PURPOSE: The use of continent urinary reservoirs has gained wide acceptance, particularly in urinary reconstruction in children with a small capacity or neuropathic bladder. When augmentation cystoplasty is combined with clean intermittent catheterization, patients are often able to achieve continence with low intravesical filling pressures and renal preservation. Often this approach requires fashioning a continent cutaneous stoma, which remains the most challenging aspect of continent urinary reservoirs. We analyzed our experience with continent diversion in patients with exstrophy-epispadias to determine complications and long-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective database review of 704 cases of exstrophy-epispadias. Medical records were then used to identify those patients who had undergone creation of a continent urinary reservoir. Charts were reviewed to determine initial diagnosis, augmentation technique, continence mechanism, age, preoperative and postoperative bladder capacity, continence status and complications. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients identified (68 male, 23 female) who had undergone continent urinary diversion classic bladder exstrophy was present in 80, cloacal exstrophy in 8, complete male epispadias in 2 and female epispadias in 1. The most common techniques for augmentation and continent diversion were ileocystoplasty (41 patients [45%]) and sigmoid cystoplasty (30 [33%]), respectively. Appendix was used in 67 patients (74%) and variants of the Mitrofanoff procedure using segments of tapered ileum or ureter were used to create a continent stoma in 10 (11%). Bladder neck transection was performed in 59 patients (65%). Mean age at augmentation and continent diversion was 8 years (range 2 to 25), with a mean preoperative bladder capacity of 77 cc (15 to 220). Mean followup was 6 years (range 6 months to 12 years). Of the 91 patients 85 (93%) were continent with clean intermittent catheterization per stoma. Of these 85 patients 13 required anticholinergics and alpha-agonists to achieve continence. Six patients (7%) were incontinent after the procedure. Analysis of bladder capacity measurements after augmentation and continent diversion revealed that mean postoperative volume and mean volume increase were 404 cc (range 250 to 640) and 524%, respectively. The most common complications were bladder stone formation (24 patients [26%]) and stomal stenosis (21 [23%]). Bladder stones recurred in 9 patients and stomal stenosis in 3. Other less common complications were vesicourethral fistula (3 patients) and a small bladder perforation (2). CONCLUSION: Augmentation and continent diversion procedures can increase the functional capacity of the small contracted noncompliant exstrophic bladder, and allow the vast majority of patients to achieve continence and preserve renal function. Bladder calculi and stomal stenosis pose the most significant long-term complications in these patients.     

The ileum neobladder--technic and results of bladder augmentation

Since April 1986, total bladder substitution (ileal neobladder) and bladder augmentation proved to be a reliable alternative method for urinary diversion in 81 patients. The operative technique is standardized, comparably simple and safe to prevent upper urinary tract deterioration, reflux, as well as incontinence. 11/81 patients (27-73 years, mean 52.5) underwent bladder augmentation (7 female, 4 male). 2/11 patients (1 female, 1 male) underwent undiversion (ileum conduit, neurogenic bladder). 10/11 patients are totally continent day and night. One female patient remained totally stress incontinent despite bladder neck suspension. Two female patients empty their bladder by intermittent catheterization.     

The Kock pouch: initial experience and complications

The modified Kock continent internal reservoir procedure has been performed on 15 patients at our medical center since December 1984: 13 underwent simultaneous anterior exenteration for pelvic malignancy, 1 had conversion from an ileal conduit and 1 underwent cystectomy for refractory interstitial cystitis. There was no operative mortality. There were 3 early complications: a urinary leak from the pouch in 2 patients that required re-exploration to close the defect, and an enteric-Kock pouch fistula in 1 that required resection of the small bowel fistula and repair of the pouch defect. All 3 patients are doing well. The late complication in 3 cases was urinary incontinence of the efferent nipple valve with difficulty in catheterization of the stoma. Two patients have undergone revision with a new efferent nipple valve added on to the pouch and creation of a new stoma. One patient is completely dry and continent, 1 has tolerable intermittent leakage and refuses a further operation, and 1 is awaiting revision. Although the initial experience is small, we are encouraged by these results and believe that this procedure is an alternative form of urinary diversion for the properly selected patient.     

A seromuscular stripping method to create a nipple valve without metal stapling for continent urinary reservoir

Urinary continence with a Kock or Mainz pouch is achieved by a nipple valve of the invaginated ileum which is usually fixed with metal staples. However, metal staples can cause various complications as a foreign body. The seromuscular stripping method, a new technique to create a nipple valve, was applied to 17 patients with bladder cancer in the construction of a continent urinary reservoir by the ileocolonic pouch (Mainz pouch). Metal staples were not used. The results were satisfactory except for 2 patients who became incontinent because of prolapse of the nipple in one and insufficient valve function due to ischemic change of the nipple valve in the other. Histology of the nipple valve from an autopsy case showed a good double layer nipple valve that functioned well to preserve continence.     

Continent urinary diversion in childhood

We review 24 children and young adults who underwent continent urinary diversion. The indications for an operation included bladder exstrophy in 11 patients, myelomeningocele in 8, sacral agenesis in 3, cloacal anomaly in 1, and traumatic disruption of the bladder neck and urethra in 1. The operations performed included an Indiana pouch in 19 patients, including 12 whose stoma was brought to a perineal position and 7 whose stoma was placed in the anterior abdominal wall. A Kock pouch was used in 2 patients and the Mitrofanoff principle was used in 3. The particular indications for the different procedures are discussed at length. Postoperative daytime continence as defined by at least 4 hours of dryness is present in all 24 patients to date, while 4 have nocturnal incontinence. Renal function is stable in all patients to date. In 18 patients postoperative urine cultures were positive during followup. All patients are on clean intermittent catheterization and reoperation has been required in 2 relating to an inability to perform postoperative intermittent catheterization. Two patients underwent reoperation for small bowel obstruction. The series supports the use of continent urinary diversion as a viable alternative to traditional forms of conduit diversion in children and young adults.     

Remodeled right colon: an alternative urinary reservoir

A total of 11 patients underwent bladder substitution or continent supravesical diversion with a remodeled right colonic segment as a urinary reservoir. Of the patients 1 woman and 2 men had bladder substitution: in 2 the bladder neck and urethra were preserved, and in 1 man radical cystoprostatectomy with preservation of the distal sphincteric mechanism was performed. All 3 patients currently are continent. In the 8 diversion patients an anti-incontinence mechanism was reconstructed with a segment of plicated ileum sutured to the abdominal wall. Six patients are completely dry between catheterizations every 4 to 6 hours, 1 man requires more frequent catheterizations, and the woman has refused self-catheterization and wears an external appliance. There were 18 ureterointestinal reimplantations performed successfully for upper tract protection, and 1 ureterocolonic reimplantation became partially obstructed and required percutaneous dilation. Reflux did not occur. This remodeled right colonic segment, reconstructed with interruption of the intestinal circular fibers, allows for storage of large urine volumes at reasonable pressures and it is a suitable alternative bladder substitution procedure. Plicated ileum has allowed for easy catheterization and it has been an adequate anti-incontinence mechanism when associated with this colonic reservoir.     

The continent ileal reservoir (kock pouch) for urinary diversion

Summary Urinary diversion via a continent ileal reservoir was performed in 31 patients. The diversion was a primary procedure in 11 patients, while in 18 it was performed to convert an existing urinary diversion to a continent diversion. In two patients, malfunctioning cecocystoplasties were converted to continent ileum reservoirs. There were no operative mortalities and few early complications. Late complications causing malfunction of the nipple valves required revisional surgery in 15 patients. Postoperative follow-up presently is between 6 months and 10 years. Two patients have died: one in an accident and one of metastatic bladder carcinoma. The remaining 29 patients are continent and without reflux to the upper urinary tract. The reservoir is emptied by catheterization 4–5 times daily, not at night. The volume capacity of the reservoir is around 700 ml. One-third of our patients had constantly negative quantitative urine cultures, whereas two-thirds either had intermittent or constant bacteriuria. Dilatation of the upper urinary tract, progressive renal deterioration or metabolic disturbances have not been encountered. All patients are very satisfied with this type of urinary diversion.Urinary diversion is performed in non-malignant as well as malignant bladder diseases; the majority because of bladder carcinoma. However, long-term studies of conventional urinary diversion procedures have shown that there is a high incidence of late complications with progressive deterioration of renal function [11, 13]. As a result, indications for urinary diversion have been critically reconsidered and alternatives have been sought. Bladder replacement is one method which has been suggested. In non-malignant disease, intermittent catheterization and/or uropharmacological manipulation may be auspicious alternatives. The trend against diversion has also led to reconstruction of the urinary tract in cases previously regarded as suitable only for diversion. In this era of critical reappraisal of conventional urinary diversion procedures a new method for continent urinary diversion was elaborated and introduced for clinical use in 1982 [8]. The low-pressure ileal reservoir originally devised for urinary bladder augmentation or replacement [4] and later used for rendering the ileostomy continent in patients after proctocolectomy [7] has, since 1975, been used in our institution for continent supra-vesical urinary diversion. In this paper the operative method is described and our results and experience obtained during a 10-year period are reported.Supported by grants from the Medical Research Council (Project No 577)