Complications of urinary tract undiversion

The complications of urinary tract undiversion can be divided into those associated with patient selection, choice of techniques, and early and late surgical difficulties. Patient selection must take into account the original reason for diversion (incontinence, hydronephrosis, reflux, or renal functional impairment), current renal function and bladder dynamics, upper urinary tract anatomy, and psychosocial considerations. Technical considerations require versatility and ingenuity on the part of the surgeon. Although direct uroepithelium-to-uroepithelium continuity is ideal, this often cannot be accomplished. A variety of techniques including transureteroureterostomy, psoas hitch of the bladder, bladder augmentation, ileocecal and colon interposition, and autotransplantation can be used to facilitate the refunctionalization of the urinary tract. One must monitor the patient postoperatively for potential early and late complications. Meticulous attention to surgical details will help minimize these. The ultimate goal is to achieve stable renal function and urinary continence.