One of the strongest predictive factors for the early and late postoperative complications and morbidity of radical cystectomy is the type of urinary diversion following cystectomy. In this paper, we reviewed English-language literature on urinary diversions after cystectomy and their early and late complications. All types of urinary diversions have potential risks of diversion-related metabolic complications, infection, intestinal obstruction and renal deficiency. Although there is no agreement on the ideal urinary diversion, orthotopic neobladder without an external stoma is the most popular type of diversion in appropriate patients due to the protection of body image. Ileal conduit is another frequently selected urinary diversion for elderly patients with comorbidity. Both orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduits are well tolerated options with low morbidity. Nevertheless, postoperative early and late complications, such as urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, urinary leakage, stomal stenosis, urolithiasis and morphological changes in the upper urinary tract should be kept in mind.

Keywords: Cystectomy, urinary diversion, complication