Tube gastrostomy after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion: surgical technique and experience in 709 patients

We describe our surgical technique of tube gastrostomy and report our experience with 709 patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion with gastrostomy tube placement from January 1988 to December 1997. This modified Stamm technique provides an effective means of gastric decompression without the discomfort associated with nasogastric decompression, is associated with a low complication rate (0.05%), and may be considered as the procedure of choice when gastric drainage is required after radical cystectomy and lower urinary tract reconstruction