Subcutaneous Nephrovesical and Nephrocutaneous Bypass

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effectiveness of the subcutaneous bypass for ureteral obstruction in patients with advanced malignancies. Two versions of the minimally invasive technique were performed: nephrovesical and nephrocutaneous bypass. METHODS: A specially designed composite implant consisting of an inner smooth silicone-covered tube covered by a coiled e-PTFE-tube was used in 14 patients. RESULTS: 10 subcutaneous nephrovesical bypasses were inserted in 10 patients, 8 nephrocutaneous bypasses in 4 patients. During the mean follow-up period of 13.1 months complications were observed in 2 patients with nephrocutaneous bypass, one encrustation and one infection of the bypass system. CONCLUSIONS: The subcutaneous nephrovesical and nephrocutaneous bypass is a safe alternative for palliative treatment of ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy.