End-to-end ureteral anastomosis: a simple alternative to cutaneous ureterostomy in selected patients.

End-to-end of terminal ureteral segments seems to be a good alternative to terminal cutaneous ureterostomy in very selected cases (patients with short life-expectancy or when it is impossible to utilize the bowel for urinary diversion). Background: An end-to-end ureteral anastomosis (UA) drained by a single percutaneous nephrostomy is proposed as an alternative to permanent cutaneous ureterostomy. Methods: In eight patients who underwent radical cystectomy, an end-to-end UA was realized. All patients had an advanced pelvic neoplasm and/or severe comorbidities with a short life-expectancy. Results: End-to-end UA is a very simple intervention, well tolerated by the patient that requires only the periodic substitution of the nephrostomy. Conclusions: In very selected cases (patients with short life-expectancy, advanced disease) end-to-end UA is a quick and easy way to divert the urine after bladder removal.