Early and late metabolic alterations in children and adolescents with a Kock urinary reservoir

Abstract

The continent ileal reservoir in children and adolescents produces similar changes to those previously reported in adults. However, almost all patients with metabolic disorders were younger than 16 years at operation. The pre-existing impairment of renal function, together with associated congenital anomalies, mental and/or physical disorders, young age, recurrent urinary tract infections and infrequent reservoir emptying, leads to deterioration in renal function after the Kock operation. Even with this risk, the Kock pouch remains a viable alternative to other forms of continent urinary diversion, because it has a wide calibre stoma, allowing large-bore catheters, and is therefore especially suitable for individuals with weak hand function, e.g. quadriplegic or meningomyelocele patients. However, as shown by these results, the child with a Kock pouch requires continuous medical attention.