Urinary diversion following radical pelvic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the reconstructive techniques in urinary diversion utilized by the gynecologist after radical pelvic surgery. The radical resection of pelvic malignancies remains an important part of the armamentarium of the gynecological oncologist. Techniques in continent urinary diversion should be used to restore these women to an acceptable quality of life. Reconstruction is the surgical challenge of this and future generations of pelvic surgeons. It is imperative that pelvic surgeons begin to consider the quality of life and the functional reintegration into society of the patients we are able to salvage with these radical surgical efforts.


RESULTS
The advent of continent urostomies has significantly improved the quality of life of patients who undergo radical tumor resection involving the bladder. Such techniques prevent the need for urostomy bags, and thus all the physical and psychological ramifications associated with them. We will review recent literature associated with the complications and the management of these complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Familiarity with techniques in continent urinary diversion by the gynecologist is an important part of the management of patients with gynecological malignancies and permanent bladder atony.
Mirhashemi
Ramin
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California 90509, USA. rmirhash@ucla.edu
Im
Samuel
S
Yazdani
Tajnoos
T
D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010385:Pelvic Exenteration; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014547:Urinary Diversion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016476:Urinary Reservoirs, Continent