Conjoined versus separate technique: a meta-analysis of anastomosis techniques for urinary diversion after bladder cancer

Abstract Introduction: This was a meta-analysis of studies on conjoined and separate anastomosis for urinary diversion after radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer. Methods: We searched databases (PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for studies regarding anastomosis for urinary diversion due to bladder cancer. The meta-analysis was designed to determine the difference between conjoined and separate anastomosis. Six studies including 1601 patients were considered in the meta-analysis (654 in the separate group and 947 in the conjoined group). Results: There were no significant differences with respect to age, gender or duration of follow-up. There were seven studies that compared the rate of stricture and the rate of hydronephrosis. For overall stricture, there were 186 of 1163 ureters in the separate group and 64 of 1718 ureters in the conjoined group (odds ratio, 4.53; 95% CI, 2.01-10.22; P = 0.0003). For overall hydronephrosis patients, there were 55 of 205 ureters in the separate group and 51 of 254 ureters in the conjoined group (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.95-2.29; P = 0.08). Conclusion: The separate anastomosis had a higher ratio of strictures than did the conjoined group. The separate anastomosis group experienced hydronephrosis more often than did the conjoined anastomosis group. The separate anastomosis is the better choice for surgery during the operation.