Korean J Urol.  1996 Sep;37(9):1021-1026.

The Applications of Appendix in Urinary Reconstruction

• Seo JW
• Kim YT
• Kim WJ

Abstract

Under specific circumstances the appendix vermiformis may be an appropriate organ for replacement of a large ureteral defect or efferent loop in continent urinary diversion. Since 1995 we have applied the appendix in ureteral substitution (3 cases) and continent urinary diversion (3 cases). Primary diagnoses included complete lower ureteral stricture due to urinary tuberculosis (3 cases), invasive bladder tumor (1 case), areflexic neurogenic bladder (1 case), and contracted bladder (1 case). In all patients who have been replaced the ureter with appendix, clinical symptoms were markedly improved and degree of hydronephrosis decreased. Other patients with continent urinary diversion using appendix achieved dryness and low postoperative complications. we anticipate that the appendix will be used more commonly in the future as a ureteral substitute or continent urinary diversion as more urologists become more comfortable with it through its use in various reconstructive procedures.

Keyword

appendix; ureteral substitution; urinary diversion

MeSH Terms

Appendix*
Constriction, Pathologic
Diagnosis
Humans
Hydronephrosis
Postoperative Complications
Tuberculosis
Ureter
Urinary Bladder
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic
Urinary Diversion