Laparoscopic ileovesicostomy

Purpose: We present our initial experience with laparoscopic ileovesicostomy for managing neurogenic bladder. Materials and Methods: A 5 port transperitoneal approach was used for laparoscopic ileovesicostomy. After bladder preparation a 17 cm. ileal segment was harvested and used as the urinary conduit. Ileovesical anastomosis was formed using intracorporeal suturing and knot tying techniques. Results: Operative time was 4 hours. Blood loss was less than 100 ml. Physical activity and oral intake resumed on postoperative day 1 and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3. The postoperative narcotic requirement was 4 mg. morphine sulfate equivalent. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ileovesicostomy in this initial experience was associated with acceptable operative time and minimal postoperative morbidity. It may serve as an excellent minimally invasive alternative to conventional open ileovesicostomy.