ABSTRACT
Common conditions that result in the need for bladder reconstruction or urinary diversion include bladder cancer, neurogenic bladder, damage from pelvic radiation, refractory overactive bladder/small capacity poorly compliant bladder, and refractory bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. When counseling patients about the various options for bladder reconstruction and diversion, one must take several factors into consideration including cognitive and physical capabilities, baseline renal function, and body habitus. Historically, bowel preparation has been advocated for patients undergoing intestinal surgery for urinary diversion and reconstruction in an effort to decrease the intestinal flora, thereby reducing wound and anastomotic complications. In the absence of malignancy, bladder preserving techniques can be considered to address storage dysfunction or the low capacity and/or poorly compliant bladder. Ileum is the segment of choice for most patients undergoing augmentation cystoplasty. The ureterointestinal anastomosis can be constructed in either a non-refluxing or a refluxing direct manner.
