Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are the main treatment modalities for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ileal conduit, a type of urinary diversion, is associated with early postoperative complications such as urinary infections, urinary or fecal leaks from the anastomosis, wound infections, and ileus. Urolithiasis within the ileal conduit is one of the late complications and is typically observed in the upper urinary system, though it is rarely seen within the ileal conduit itself (3,4,5). Risk factors for stone formation in the ileal conduit include bacterial colonization, mucus secreted by the ileum into the urine, metabolic reactions, and stapler-related issues secondary to surgery. Additionally, urinary stasis, which arises due to anatomical differences depending on the type of urinary diversion, is a factor that influences the frequency of urinary stones (2).
In patients with urinary diversion, bacteriuria is observed in a range of 14-96%, with the majority being asymptomatic. These bacteria typically possess urease enzymes, and the breakdown of urea leads to the production of ammonia, which increases the urine pH and contributes to the formation of magnesium phosphate stones (2). The prevention of urostomy stoma stenosis contributes to reducing bacterial colonization by ensuring the complete drainage of urine from the ileal conduit. In patients with infection-related stone formation, prophylactic antibiotic use is recommended (2,5).
Another cause is hyperoxaluria, which develops due to the length of the ileal segment. The length of the ileal segment should be 15-20 cm; if it is longer, the patient’s ability to absorb bile acids and fatty acids decreases. In this case, bile and fatty acids cannot be absorbed and combined with calcium, which would normally bind with oxalate. As a result, ionized oxalate remains in the intestines, leading to the development of hyperoxaluria (2).
In patients with urinary diversion, various endoscopic and open surgical methods are applied depending on the anatomical location of the stone. The surgical approach for stones in the upper urinary system is managed in the same way as in normal patients. However, for ileal conduit stones, endoscopic surgery is not preferred due to a 50% recurrence rate and anatomical differences (6).
Despite the fact that postrenal failure due to ileal stones has been reported in the literature, in our patient, renal function was only partially affected, and no changes were observed during follow-up after surgery (7). While cases involving ileal conduit stones have been reported in the literature, the removal of such a large number of stones is rare, making this case a significant contribution to the literature.
In all patients with urolithiasis, high oral fluid intake, and dietary modifications, such as reducing animal protein consumption, are advised. Additionally, it is essential to identify the underlying etiological factors contributing to stone formation and implement appropriate treatment strategies (2,5).
DISCUSSION
Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are the main treatment modalities for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ileal conduit, a type of urinary diversion, is associated with early postoperative complications such as urinary infections, urinary or fecal leaks from the anastomosis, wound infections, and ileus. Urolithiasis within the ileal conduit is one of the late complications and is typically observed in the upper urinary system, though it is rarely seen within the ileal conduit itself (3,4,5). Risk factors for stone formation in the ileal conduit include bacterial colonization, mucus secreted by the ileum into the urine, metabolic reactions, and stapler-related issues secondary to surgery. Additionally, urinary stasis, which arises due to anatomical differences depending on the type of urinary diversion, is a factor that influences the frequency of urinary stones (2).
In patients with urinary diversion, bacteriuria is observed in a range of 14-96%, with the majority being asymptomatic. These bacteria typically possess urease enzymes, and the breakdown of urea leads to the production of ammonia, which increases the urine pH and contributes to the formation of magnesium phosphate stones (2). The prevention of urostomy stoma stenosis contributes to reducing bacterial colonization by ensuring the complete drainage of urine from the ileal conduit. In patients with infection-related stone formation, prophylactic antibiotic use is recommended (2,5).
Another cause is hyperoxaluria, which develops due to the length of the ileal segment. The length of the ileal segment should be 15-20 cm; if it is longer, the patient’s ability to absorb bile acids and fatty acids decreases. In this case, bile and fatty acids cannot be absorbed and combined with calcium, which would normally bind with oxalate. As a result, ionized oxalate remains in the intestines, leading to the development of hyperoxaluria (2).
In patients with urinary diversion, various endoscopic and open surgical methods are applied depending on the anatomical location of the stone. The surgical approach for stones in the upper urinary system is managed in the same way as in normal patients. However, for ileal conduit stones, endoscopic surgery is not preferred due to a 50% recurrence rate and anatomical differences (6).
Despite the fact that postrenal failure due to ileal stones has been reported in the literature, in our patient, renal function was only partially affected, and no changes were observed during follow-up after surgery (7). While cases involving ileal conduit stones have been reported in the literature, the removal of such a large number of stones is rare, making this case a significant contribution to the literature.
In all patients with urolithiasis, high oral fluid intake, and dietary modifications, such as reducing animal protein consumption, are advised. Additionally, it is essential to identify the underlying etiological factors contributing to stone formation and implement appropriate treatment strategies (2,5).