Indications for enteric conversion after pancreas transplantation with bladder drainage.

BACKGROUND

Bladder drainage has become the procedure of choice for 94% of transplant centers in North America. Bladder drainage is superior to other techniques as far as graft survival and technical success are concerned; however, the procedure is associated with significant urologic problems that might necessitate conversion to enteric drainage. This review summarizes the indications and results for enteric conversion at this institution.

METHODS

Between June 1982 and January 1992 a total of 240 pancreas transplantations were performed at our center. In 229 cases exocrine secretions were drained into the bladder. These cases were reviewed, and those with enteric conversions were further analyzed to delineate indications, complications, and results.

RESULTS

Sixteen (7%) were converted to enteric drainage (side-to-side duodenojejunostomy). The reasons for conversion were urethral disruption (six), recurrent urine leaks (five), bleeding (four), and chronic urinary tract infection (one). Enteric conversions were performed between 1 1/2 and 32 months after the initial transplantation. With the exception of one anastomotic leak resulting in an intraabdominal abscess, no complications occurred. All patients undergoing enteric conversions had resolution of their problems and, in addition, were able to discontinue use of oral bicarbonate.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that enteric conversion after pancreas transplantation with bladder drainage is safe and effective in the correction of urologic problems. Based on our experience, we recommend early enteric conversion if urologic problems do not resolve after an appropriate period of conservative therapy.