Wallace direct versus anti-reflux Le Duc ureteroileal anastomosis: Comparative analysis in modified Studer orthotopic neobladder reconstruction

Objectives: To investigate and compare Wallace direct ureteroileal anastomosis with Le Duc anti-reflux procedure in modified Studer orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy. Methods: A total of 72 consecutive patients who underwent modified Studer orthotopic bladder reconstruction after a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer were investigated. They were examined for vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, and pyelonephritis at 6 months after surgery according to the type of ureteroileal anastomosis. Results: Vesicoureteral reflux occurred in 29 ureters (38.2%) after the Wallace procedure compared to six ureters (9.6%) with the Le Duc (P < 0.05). Hydronephrosis was detected in 12 ureters (18.8%) in the Le Duc patients compared to seven (9%) in the Wallace patients (P > 0.05). Six months after the operation, all three patients with vesicoureteral reflux-related hydronephrosis improved using clean intermittent catheterization in the Le Duc patients; five of seven patients were cured by clean intermittent catheterization and two improved without any treatment in the Wallace patients. Seven of nine cases of ureteroileal anastomosis stenosis causing hydronephrosis were cured without any treatment but one case resulted in a non-functional kidney despite treatment of the stenosis. Conclusions: Direct ureteroileal anastomosis using the Wallace method is effective for minimizing ureteroileal anastomosis stenosis and it represents a simple surgical procedure when combined with a modified Studer procedure.