A clinical study of efferent tube suspension for continence diversion

Objective To construct a reliable continent tube, which is easy to catheterize and surgically simple. Methods A total of 20 patients underwent a procedure of a continence diversion and efferent tube suspension. Of these patients, there were malignant bladder tumor in 14, severe neuropathic bladder in 3, ileal conduit (bricker) in 2 and vesicovaginal fistula in 1. Results The patients were followed up for 3～24 months (mean 14.4) and were completely continent except one 1. The stoma was easily catheterized with a 16 F catheter in all cases. Urodynamic study of the efferent tubes was carried out in 16 patients and showed the maximum pressure ranged from 64 to 134 cm H 2O (mean 86 cm H 2O). Retrograde radiography of the efferent tubes demonstrated perfect canalization without stenosis. Conclusion This study suggests that the continent mechanism of tapered ileum can be greatly enhanced by a simply suspension technique.