THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UPPER RENAL TRACTS IN ADULTS FOLLOWING URETEROILEAL DIVERSION (BRICKER PROCEDURE)

The natural history of the upper tracts (170 renal units) of 87 patients undergoing total cystectomy and ileal loop diversion has been followed roentgenologically for up to seven years. The complications inherent in the procedure are illustrated and the appearances of new upper tract tumors demonstrated. Of 126 renal units which were normal preoperatively, 87 remained normal. The most common complication was obstruction of the anastomosis, seen in 29 units. The need for regular contrast material examination of the surgically modified upper tracts is emphasized.