The complications of urinary tract reconstruction.

We reviewed 56 patients who underwent urinary tract reconstruction between 1977 and 1984. There were 27 total complications in this group, which ranged from straightforward undiversion to total bladder replacement. Complications were divided into preoperative planning errors and errors of surgical technique. The patients at greatest risk seemed to be those with compromised renal function who previously had undergone diversion for severe obstructive uropathic conditions and those in whom bowel segment was an integral part of the reconstruction. Patients with adequate renal function in whom urothelium alone was used in the reconstruction experienced the fewest complications.