A Rocky Road: Bladder Stones in the Augmented Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex Patient

Urology. 2024 Oct:192:100-104. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.07.001. Epub 2024 Jul 8.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the rate of stone formation amongst patients of the exstrophy-epispadias complex with augmentation cystoplasty. We hypothesize that bowel segment choice influences the rate of stone formation after bladder augmentation and the rate of complications from bladder stone surgery.

Methods: An IRB-approved institutional database of 1512 exstrophy-epispadias patients was reviewed retrospectively. Patients that had a history of bladder augmentation and were seen at our institution between 2003 and 2023 were included.

Results: Out of 259 patients, bladder stones developed in 21.6% (56), of which the bowel segment used was colon in 147 patients and ileum in 100. Stones formed in 19% of colon augments compared to 29% ileal augments, however, this was not statistically significant (P = .07). The most common primary stone component was dahllite, followed by struvite for all augments (Table 1). The median time to stone treatment after augmentation was 4.14 years (0.75-31). Seventy-four percentage of patients had a recurrence that required a second surgery. The median time from first to second surgery and second to third surgery was 1.4 years and 2.22 years, respectively. Bladder stone surgery complications occurred in 14% of patients, vesicocutaneous fistula being the most common, and complications did not differ by augment type. Median follow-up after first stone intervention was 6.07 years (0-19.5).

Conclusion: The treatment of bladder stones in the exstrophy-epispadias complex remains challenging. Interventions to prevent recurrence are crucial as the majority of patients will require 2 or more stone surgeries in their lifetime.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bladder Exstrophy* / complications
  • Bladder Exstrophy* / surgery
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epispadias* / complications
  • Epispadias* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileum / surgery
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi* / complications
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi* / epidemiology
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi* / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi* / surgery
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Bladder Exstrophy and Epispadias Complex