[Unusual complications after radical cystectomy].

OBJECTIVES

To report complications that are very rare in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and Bricker's ileal conduit. In accordance to the literature and our own experience, to remark the importance of a proper preoperative preparation (nutritional, preanesthetic evaluation...), and adequate postoperative controls to avoid this kind of problems.

METHODS

We report three cases which are demonstrative of these complications, their main characteristics, as well as their diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

All three cases were complicated by fistulae, with different outcomes. The diagnostic measures undertook on each one are reviewed in detail. Although it is well shown in the literature that most of these fistulae appear in patients with intestinal inflammatory/infectious diseases, this was not our experience.

CONCLUSIONS

After a bibliographic review and study of our cases, we insist on the importance of a good nutritional evaluation before surgery, and that radical cystectomy with Bricker's type urinary diversion, although consolidated as treatment for infiltrative bladder cancer, is not exempt of immediate postoperative complications or even deferred, as in our case.