ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Quality of life after anterior or total exenteration is determined, among other factors, by the type of urinary diversion. There are two different types of urinary diversion: incontinent diversion (ureterocutaneostomy, ileal conduit, and colonic conduit) and continent diversions (continent cutaneous pouch, orthotopic neobladder, and rectal reservoir). RESULTS: Invasive bladder cancer and advanced or recurrent gynecological tumors are the main indications for continent urinary diversion in women. In patients with non-irradiated bladder cancer, an orthotopic neobladder (except those with tumor invasion of the bladder neck or urethra) or a rectal reservoir is an option. In patients who had received preoperative radiotherapy, non-irradiated bowel segments should be used for urinary diversion (e.g., the transverse colon). In patients with planned postoperative radiation, the urinary diversion should be outside the radiation field. CONCLUSION: Advantages and disadvantages of all types of urinary diversion should be objectively discussed with the patient. Especially exenteration for advanced or recurrent gynecological cancers should be performed in centers with a multidisciplinary team (gynecologist, urologist, radiotherapist, and in cases with complete exenteration the gastrointestinal surgeon).
