Ureterosigmoidostomy

Ureterosigmoidostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the re-routing of the ureters into the sigmoid colon. This procedure is typically performed when the bladder is either not functioning properly or has been removed due to disease or injury. The urine then passes through the sigmoid colon and is eliminated through the rectum.

History

The procedure was first described in 1852 by Simon Wilhelm Gabriel, a German surgeon. It was initially used as a treatment for bladder exstrophy, a rare congenital abnormality in which the bladder is exposed on the outside of the abdomen.

Procedure

During a ureterosigmoidostomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen. The ureters are then detached from the bladder and re-attached to the sigmoid colon. The bladder may be removed if it is diseased or non-functional. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Complications

Possible complications of ureterosigmoidostomy include infection, bleeding, and bowel obstruction. There is also a risk of urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Long-term complications may include an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the constant exposure of the colon to urine.

Alternatives

Alternatives to ureterosigmoidostomy include ileal conduit urinary diversion and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction. These procedures also involve re-routing the urine, but they use different parts of the digestive tract.

See also

• Urinary diversion
• Urostomy
• Cystectomy