Long-term outcomes of augmentation ileocystoplasty in patients with spinal cord injury: a minimum of 10 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term outcomes of augmentation ileocystoplasty (AIC) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), with a minimum follow-up period of 10 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all operations performed by a single surgeon at a specialist spinal unit. Outcomes were measured by comparing preoperative and follow-up videocystometrograms (VCMGs). Complications were identified from case notes and the surgery database. Subjective assessment was through a previously validated questionnaire.

RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 14.7 (10.5-20.3) years. There were 19 patients (12 males) with a mean (range) age at time of surgery of 28.9 (12-52) years. The mean (range) period from injury to surgery was 4.5 (0.3-22) years. All had suprasacral injuries. The VCMGs showed a significant improvement in bladder capacity and a decrease in intravesical pressures (P < 0.001). Long-term complications included bladder stones (n= 4); urosepsis (n= 2); vesico-ureteric reflux ([VUR]n= 2), VUR requiring ureteric re-implantation (n= 1); neurogenic detrusor overactivity ([NDO]n= 1); and laparatomy for bowel obstruction (n= 1). Surveillance cystoscopies did not detect any bladder neoplasms. The response rate for the questionnaire survey was 14/17; 13/14 patients were satisfied with the operation such that they would consider it again or recommend it to a friend. No patient reported any significant changes in either bowel habit or sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that AIC has excellent long-term outcomes in the definitive management of refractory NDO in patients with SCI. The complications of AIC appear to be more than counterbalanced by a high level of patient satisfaction with the procedure and by the achievement of the primary aim of ensuring continence and upper tract safety in these patients.