Vesicostomy--an alternative urine diversion operation. Long term results.

Seven patients were treated by the Schlegel-Mobley version of the vesicostomy. Six had neurogenic bladder and one an inoperable carcinoma of the urethra. There were no immediate complications. Urine collection from the stoma functioned satisfactorily, but stenosis of the stoma developed in three patients. The upper urinary tract was improved except in one debilitated patient, who had renal calculi already at the time of operation. Dilatation of the bladder remnant is a problem. Urinary infection was not positively influenced. It is concluded, that the operation is not ideal, but provided the patient is left with a small capacity of the bladder remnant and meticulous stomal care is given, the method can be recommended for limited use in chronically debilitated patients.