We report on 30 consecutive patients (mean age 9 years) who underwent
gastrocystoplasty (21) or received a continent urinary reservoir with
stomach (9). A successful outcome, defined as complete urinary contine
nce for intervals greater than 3 hours, preservation or improvement of
the upper tracts and renal function, and normal electrolyte and acid
base balance, was achieved in 90% of the patients who received contine
nt urinary reservoir and 72% of those who underwent gastrocystoplasty.
Urodynamic data were obtained in 17 patients in the gastrocystoplasty
group and 7 in the continent urinary reservoir group at a mean of 6 m
onths postoperatively. Metabolic alkalosis associated with hypergastri
nemia occurred in 2 children. Partial excision of the gastric segment
was necessary in 1 patient refractory to medical treatment.