Subcutaneous nephrovesical and nephrocutaneous bypass.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effectiveness of the subcutaneous bypass for ureteral obstruction in patients with advanced malignancies. Two versions of the minimally invasive technique were performed: nephrovesical and nephrocutaneous bypass.

METHODS

A specially designed composite implant consisting of an inner smooth silicone-covered tube covered by a coiled e-PTFE-tube was used in 14 patients.

RESULTS

10 subcutaneous nephrovesical bypasses were inserted in 10 patients, 8 nephrocutaneous bypasses in 4 patients. During the mean follow-up period of 13.1 months complications were observed in 2 patients with nephrocutaneous bypass, one encrustation and one infection of the bypass system.

CONCLUSIONS

The subcutaneous nephrovesical and nephrocutaneous bypass is a safe alternative for palliative treatment of ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy.