Purpose: We assess the functional importance of a colorectal valve in patie
nts with rectal urinary diversion.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 87 patients with an an
al sphincter controlled bladder substitute was performed. Of these patients
42 had colorectal valves and 45 did not. Evaluation included serum chemist
ry studies and arterial blood samples to study the impact of the colorectal
valve on homeostasis.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 gro
ups in pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure, bicarbonate, base excess and ch
loride in favor of patients with a colorectal valve.
Conclusions: The difference between the groups was reduction of the surface
area available for reabsorption when a valve is constructed. This finding
is of particular importance among patients with a long life expectancy. Pro
phylactic alkalization is necessary in cases without valve reconstruction.