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Background. Recurrent proximal ureteral stricture is a complex rare disease that is difficult to treat. Post-operative scarring, impaired blood supply to the ureter, stricture-related stones, and chronic infection – all factors make the treatment even more complicated. Methods. There are various surgical procedures for ureteral reconstruction, however, most of them are very traumatic and quite often ineffective. Our case reports the first experience of treating a complicated recurrent proximal ureteral stricture with ureteroplasty using a buccal mucosa graft. Results. The patient had a 12-month post-operative follow-up. No stricture recurrence was observed and hydronephrosis decreased. Although the excretory function of the left kidney remained lower, serum creatinine became normal. The most important clinical outcome was the withdrawal of left flank pain. Conclusions. We are lacking high volume clinical trials for appropriate ureteral stricture treatment modality. All available publications in this field compare single cases or low volume studies. While buccal mucosa graft procedures are well established in urethral reconstruction, our case proves that buccal mucosa graft method can be successfully used for ureteroplasty as well, providing good post-operative functional outcomes.

Aim To present the technical features and results of intestinal and appendicular ureteral replacement. Material and methods From 1998 to 2020, a total of 196 patients aged 18 to 77 years (mean age 49.5 +/- 1.2 years) were undergone to intestinal and appendicular ureteral reconstruction in our clinic. There were 123 women (62.8%). The most frequent indications for surgery were complications of open and endoscopic ureteral procedures, radiation-induced ureteral stricture, and iatrogenic injuries of the ureters during gynecological and surgical interventions (81.6%). In 165 (84.2%) patients, for ureteral replacement the ileal segment was used, while in 4 (2.0%) and 27 (13.8%) cases the colon segment and the appendix were chosen, respectively. Unilateral ileal ureteral replacement was performed in 131 (79.4%) cases, while in 34 (26.6%) patients a bilateral procedure was done. Partial and complete ureteral replacement was performed in 107 (81.7%) and 24 (18.3%) cases, respectively. Laparoscopic intestinal and appendicular ureteral replacement was performed in 44 (22.4%) patients, while two patients were undergone to robot-assisted procedure (1.0%). Results Early postoperative complications were noted in 17 (8.7%) cases. The most severe included acute bowel obstruction, leakage of entero-ureteral anastomoses, necrosis of the ileal graft and bleeding in 10 (5.1%) patients. In all cases, repeat intervention was performed. There were no lethal complications. Late postoperative complications developed in 24 (14.3%) patients. Conclusion Today our clinic has the worlds largest experience in intestinal and appendicular ureteral reconstruction, including original procedures, confirmed by 5 patents for inventions. The minimum number of postoperative complications, the absence of deaths and good long-term results provide the basis for the introduction of ileal and appendicular ureteral replacement into clinical practice.

Long proximal or middle ureteral strictures remain challenging conditions. Although ileal replacement of the ureter or renal autotransplantation are possible solutions for these problems, both present complexities and considerable morbidity. In recent years, many urologists have tended to use oral mucosal grafts to repair complex proximal or middle ureteral strictures and thereby avoid ileal replacement and renal autotransplantation. A comprehensive search of oral mucosa graft ureteroplasty and lingual mucosa graft (LMG) ureteroplasty was performed. All literatures must be in English language. Most reports related to oral mucosa graft ureteroplasty focus on buccal mucosa grafts (BMGs). The available data about LMG ureteroplasty are limited. Both LMG and BMG are oral mucosa grafts that have similar histological structures. The success rates of urethroplasty with LMG and BMG are similar. Although there is still no comparative study between LMG and BMG for ureteroplasty, the limited reports show that LMG ureteroplasty is safe and effective for the management of ureteral strictures. This method provides one more option for the management of long proximal and/or middle ureteral strictures. However, the current studies on LMG ureteroplasty have a small sample size and are retrospective. More prospective, multicenter and large sample studies with long-term follow-up results that can further prove the efficacy of LMG ureteroplasty are still needed.

The treatment of a major and complex ureteric stricture requires the use of a bowel interposition or autotransplantation of the kidney, which is a major undertaking and remains the traditional option. Buccal mucosa is an established tissue for urethral reconstruction and can be used safely for the repair of narrowing of the ureter. This technique has been well documented in the literature; however, a combined ureterocalicostomy with buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty has not yet been reported in literature. We report the case of a 59-year-old female who was diabetic and hypertensive presented with a long-length, complex upper ureteric stricture with recurrent pyelonephritis. A long stricture in the upper ureter measuring approximately 8 cm was successfully repaired by free buccal mucosal onlay patch graft over a double J stent with ureterocalicostomy. This technique can be used in salvaging kidneys with complex ureteric strictures along with fibrotic pelvis.

Background To describe our technique for using an intraureteral injection of indocyanine green (ICG) and visualization under near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) to facilitate challenging upper urinary tract reconstructions (UUTRs) and to present the comparative outcomes. Methods We collected 36 patients who underwent laparoscopic UUTRs between April 2019 and March 2020, and we divided the patients into two groups based on the use of ICG (ICG group and non-ICG group). Demographic characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results There were 18 cases in the ICG group and 18 cases in the non-ICG group, respectively. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The intraoperative time to identification of the ureter (TIU; 20.9±11.7 vs. 30.0±14.6 min, P=0.03) and length of postoperative hospital stay (LPHS; 11.1±3.0 vs. 16.6±10.0 days, P=0.03) were significantly shorter in the ICG group. There was also a trend for lesser time for locating the stricture (43.0±27.9 vs. 55.4±18.6 min, P=0.14) and lower estimated blood loss (EBL) in the ICG group patients (88.3±75.4 vs. 91.7±46.2 mL, P=0.22). During the mean 3.8-month follow-up for the ICG group and the 6.2-month for the non-ICG group, there was a trend for more severe complications in the non-ICG group. Conclusions Visualizing intraureteral ICG under NIRF is useful in challenging UUTRs, allows for rapid ureteral identification and accurate real-time delineation of the ureteral stricture margins, and provides encouraging follow-up outcomes compared with those in the non-ICG group.

Introduction Ileal ureteral replacement is one of the treatment options for long ureteral strictures. Most ileal ureteral replacements anastomose the distal side of the ileal segment directly to the bladder. We have reported here an initial case of laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement for preserving the natural anti‐reflux system. Case presentation A 29‐year‐old male presented with right flank pain, and his imaging results revealed multiple strictures of the right upper‐middle ureter. Hence, we performed a laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement surgery. The normal distal ureter was preserved, and the distal side of the ileal segment was anastomosed to it. As such, the natural anti‐reflux system could be completely preserved. Following this, the renal function was maintained, and no urinary tract infection was recorded. Conclusion Laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement, which preserves the natural anti‐reflux system, can be considered as a treatment option for refractory upper‐middle ureteral strictures.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic techniques may be used for proximal and distal ureteral strictures. Distal strictures may be approached with ureteroneocystotomy, psoas hitch, and Boari flap. Ureteroureterostomy, buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, and appendiceal flap ureteroplasty are viable techniques for strictures anywhere along the ureter. Ileal ureteral substitution is reserved for more extensive disease, and autotransplantation is reserved for salvage situations.

A 41-year-old female who suffered local recurrence of cervical cancer after receiving chemoradiotherapy underwent radical hysterectomy, radical vaginal resection, and pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection. After surgery, bilateral hydronephrosis due to right ureteral stenosis and left uretero-vaginal fistula occurred. We therefore placed a bilateral ureteral stent. Thereafter, we continued to replace the bilateral ureteral stent once every 3 months, but the replacement of the right ureteral stent became impossible three years after the initial placement. We thus performed bilateral upper urinary tract reconstruction using an ileal ureter with the aim of both eliminating the left ureteral vaginal fistula and resolving the right ureteral stricture.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the theory of enabling education on the fine management of patients with internal double J tubes after ureteral stricture. Methods: Eighty patients with built-in double J tubes after ureteral stricture were selected from the urology department of a grade a hospital in Guangzhou. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number method, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received refined nursing after surgery, while the observation group received refined nursing including the theory of empowerment education after surgery on the basis of the control group. Results: After the intervention, the observation group had a higher standard rate of quality indicators, higher self-efficacy score than the control group (P ≤ 0.05), lower scores of ureteral stent-related symptoms, urinary system symptoms, pain symptoms, total health status, job performance, additional problems and total scores than the control group (P ≤ 0.05), and statistically significant differences were found in the total health status dimension and total scores (P ≤ 0.01). The nursing satisfaction survey, the scores of clinical nursing, health education, psychological counseling and nurse-patient communication were all higher than those in the control group (P ≤ 0.05), and the differences in health education and nurse-patient communication were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: The theory of enabling education can improve patients’ self-nursing level, promote the implementation of refined nursing quantitative indicators and nursing measures, relieve the poor symptoms of ureteral stricture patients, and improve patients’ satisfaction with nursing work.

Objective:This study aimed to prospectively investigate the predictive value of ureteral jet dynamics measured by Doppler ultrasonography (D-US) to differentiate postrenal obstruction from other reasons after double-J stent (DJS) removal in patients who underwent renal transplantation (RTx) due to chronic renal failure.Materials and Methods:Patients who underwent RTx between 2017 and 2018 were prospectively evaluated. After RTx, D-US was performed on all patients following DJS removal. Renal Artery Resistive index (RA-Ri), renal pelvis anterior–posterior diameter (RP-APD), pelvicalyceal system dilation (PCSD), and ureteral jet flow dynamics [maximum (JETmax) and average velocity (JETave)] were measured by D-US. Patients’ demographics, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), acute rejection, and hemodialysis (HD) time were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups as patients without PCSD (group 1) and patients with PCSD during follow-up (group 2). In addition, group 2 was also divided into two subgroups as patients with postrenal obstruction (group 2a) and without postrenal obstruction (group 2b). All values were compared between the groups.Results:A total of 28 patients were evaluated in the study. HD time and RP-APD were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p

OBJECTIVE To report our initial experience with ureteral appendiceal interposition (UAI) in a series of adult patients undergoing ureteral reconstruction for ureteral stricture. METHODS We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent UAI for ureteral stricture disease from December 2015 to March of 2020. Success of surgery was defined as one that required no subsequent procedural intervention for recurrent ureteral stricture disease, or loss of kidney function. RESULTS Eleven patients underwent UAI for ureteral stricture. Etiologies for stricture disease included radiation exposure, nephrolithiasis, and iatrogenic injury. Median follow-up was 363 days. Three patients had Clavien-Dindo class III complications during their hospitalization. No patient required repeat intervention due to recurrent ureteral stricture disease. On imaging, 9 patients had no obstruction on Lasix renal scan postoperatively, or improvement in hydronephrosis on CT scan. Two patients with poor renal function preop continued to show poor function after surgery. CONCLUSION The use of the appendix is a safe and feasible option for ureteral reconstruction in appropriately selected adult patients when primary ureteral repair is not possible.

Background: Ureteral stricture disease is a troubling urologic issue that can be managed with surgical reconstruction or, more conservatively, with chronic nephrostomy tubes or ureteral stents. These indwelling tubes require exchanges and are prone to complications such as encrustation or stent failure. Metallic ureteral stents are designed to be more resistant to extrinsic compression and allow for exchanges at longer intervals. However, encrustation or tissue ingrowth can occur with these stents as well. The removal of encrusted or embedded metallic ureteral stents poses a difficult clinical scenario. We present a case of an encrusted metallic stent embedded in a proximal ureteral stricture requiring percutaneous endoscopic removal with a novel looped-wire technique. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old Caucasian man with bilateral ureteral stricture disease, managed with chronic indwelling metallic stents, failed retrograde removal on the right during routine exchange. Staged procedures with percutaneous nephrostomy, followed by combined percutaneous antegrade and retrograde endoscopy were required to observe and access the embedded stent. The exposed metallic surface was unable to be grasped by available instruments through flexible endoscopy. Under endoscopic control with fluoroscopic guidance, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated guidewire was looped around the metallic stent. With gentle traction on the wire loop, the embedded stent curl was delivered out of the stricture and into the renal pelvis from where it was extracted carefully with graspers inserted through a rigid nephroscope. Follow-up antegrade fluoroscopic studies with contrast showed no extravasation. Conclusion: Percutaneous removal of metallic stents retained within the ureter has unique challenges. We present a novel method of extraction of a retained metallic stent with a looped PTFE-coated guidewire, which may safely and effectively be used in complex situations.

ZusammenfassungEine ureteroiliakale Fistel stellt eine urologische Notfallsituation mit erheblicher Mortalität dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit präsentieren wir 2 Fälle einer ureteroiliakale Fistel. Den Goldstandard in der Behandlung dieser Erkrankung stellt heutzutage die minimalinvasive endovaskuläre Therapie dar. Voraussetzung für eine optimale Behandlung ist ein multidisziplinäres Team mit einer raschen Verfügbarkeit von Radiologie, Gefäßchirurgie, Urologie und Anästhesie.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the endourologic management of post-cesarean section ureterovaginal fistula. Between February 2016 and March 2019, eight patients presented because of vaginal leakage after cesarean section. All presented within 15 days from their original operations. Three of the patients had a vague lower abdominal pain, and five had ipsilateral flank pain; all had vaginal leakage. Physical examination, ultrasonography, and IVP were done to confirm the diagnosis. Ureteroscopy was the first treatment attempt, using two or three guide wires to find the proximal part of the ureter and insert a JJ stent. In six patients, we could insert guide wires, find the proximal part of the ureter, and finally insert a JJ stent. In two patients, we could not even pass a guide wire, so we changed the position, and ureteral reimplantation was done. The stents were removed after 6 weeks, and after 3 months an IVP was planned again that showed all fistulae had resolved with no evidence of ureteral stricture. In cases of ureterovaginal fistula after cesarean section, ultrasonography and IVP with lateral view x-ray films may confirm the diagnosis. The traditional treatment for ureterovaginal fistula is ureteral reimplantation, but endoscopic management may be a viable technique with less invasiveness and faster results and recovery. Thus, retrograde stenting can be accomplished in selected patients with ureterovaginal fistula after cesarean section and may eliminate the need for reimplantation of the ureter.

Background When antegrade ureteral intervention fails due to severe ureteral stricture or tortuosity, a longer sheath can be used to facilitate ureteral catheterization. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of a long sheath in antegrade ureteral stent placement after failure of antegrade ureteral stent placement using a short sheath. Material and Methods Among 1284 procedures in 934 patients who received ureteral stent placement, a long sheath was used after stricture negotiation failure using a short sheath in 57 (4.4%) procedures in 53 patients. The data of these 53 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results The most common reasons for long sheath use were failure of balloon catheter (59.6%) or guidewire (29.8%) advancement across the stricture. Technical success, successful stricture negotiation after using a long sheath, was achieved in 50/57 (87.7%) procedures. In two of seven failed procedures, an additional TIPS sheath was used and the technical success rate improved to 91.2% (52/57). The technical success rate was significantly higher in the patients who have failed balloon catheter advancement (97.1%, 33/34) than the patients who have failed guidewire advancement (64.7%, 11/17) (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.004). Self-limiting hematoma occurred in one patient after use of the long sheath and was considered a minor complication. Conclusion Ureteral catheterization using a long sheath is feasible and effective when antegrade ureteral intervention using a short sheath fails. When using a long sheath, the technical success rate was higher when advancing the balloon catheter over the guidewire than when advancing the guidewire through tight stricture.

Aim: We sought to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent an open vs robotic ureteroneocystostomy for ureteral obstruction. Methods: Retrospective review was performed on adult patients who underwent primary ureteroneocystostomy for obstruction from January 2012 to April 2018. Intraoperative outcomes of estimated blood loss (EBL) and operative time, as well as postoperative outcomes of catheter and stent duration, length of hospital stay, inpatient nurse-controlled opioid use, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and outpatient opioid prescription, complications, readmission, radiologic and clinical stricture recurrence, and follow-up, were compared. Among the open cohort, indications for an open approach were evaluated, identifying patients with prior complex open abdominal surgery that would make an open approach preferable. Results: Open ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 27 patients compared with 18 who underwent a robotic approach. The open and robotic cohorts were not significantly different in age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, stricture location or side, abdominal surgery (laparoscopic or open), pelvic radiation, or preoperative urinary tract infection. The robotic group had a significantly lower rate of prior open abdominal surgery. The robotic cohort had significantly lower EBL, length of stay (LOS), catheter duration, prescribed morphine milliequivalents (MME) at discharge, and rate of PCA usage. Among the open cohort, 13 (48%) patients demonstrated indications making an open approach preferable. Comparing the robotic group with the remaining 14 open patients revealed a significantly lower rate of inpatient PCA use, prescribed MME at discharge, LOS, and catheter duration. Mean operative time was higher in the robotic group. EBL was not significantly different in this subanalysis. Conclusions: Robotic ureteroneocystostomy provides similar outcomes when compared with an open approach in well-selected patients when assessing for recurrent ureteral obstruction or adverse events. Robotic surgery is associated with lower postoperative narcotic pain prescriptions at discharge, lower PCA usage, and shorter LOS, which are important benefits when compared with open surgery.

Objective To demonstrate the feasibility and success of a robotic approach to reconstruction of ureterovesical anastomotic strictures in kidney transplants. Materials and Methods Between November 2017 and December 2019, a total of 5 patients with transplant ureteral stricture were identified and treated with robot assisted laparoscopic repair. All patients were confirmed to have ureteral stricture with a preoperative antegrade nephrostogram through their nephrostomy tube and cystogram. The patients demographics, ureteral characteristics, type of procedure, and outcomes are reported. Results All patients were diagnosed after evaluation for renal deterioration. The average age of the patients was 49 years old. The average stricture length was 2.5 cm, and the location was variable, though more commonly in the distal ureter. Three patients required a pyelo-vesicostomy, while 2 required a ureteroneocystostomy. The mean length of stay was 2.2 days. Average follow-up was 97 days, with all 5 patients having successful outcomes, no strictures or delayed leaks were identified. There were no wound infections or readmissions within 30 days. Conclusion Though a complex repair, the robot-assisted approach to transplant ureter reconstruction using either an end to side neoureterocystotomy or direct pyelo-vesicotomy is technically feasible and successful. Given the many advantages inherent in comparison to an open approach, the robotic repair offers significant advantages to both the patient and the surgeon who is experienced with robotic surgery and reconstructive principles.

To investigate the feasibility of ureteral reconstruction using lingual mucosa graft (LMG) and evaluate the histological changes of the engrafted LMG in beagles. Twelve male beagle dogs were randomly divided into groups A, B and C (n = 4). A ventral ureteral defect was created by excising half of the ureteral wall. The length of the defect was 3 cm, 6 cm, and 10 cm in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The LMGs were harvested and employed to repair the ureteral defects in onlay fashion. Two dogs per group were sacrificed after 6 months, with additional two dogs per group sacrificed after 12 months. Intravenous urography (IVU) and macroscopic examination were performed to evaluate renal function and ureteral patency. Histological changes in the engrafted LMGs during the tissue incorporation process were assessed by histological analysis. There were no postoperative complications. Only one dog in group C developed a mild stricture near the proximal anastomosis. In the remaining 11 animals, IVU showed normal renal function and a wide ureteral caliber without stricture or fistula. The diameter of the LMG-reconstructed ureter was greater than that of the proximal and distal ureter (each p value

Objective: To describe a novel technique of ureteral reimplantation through robotic nontransecting side-to-side anastomosis. Although the standard approach to ureteroneocystostomy has a high rate o...

Background Renal arteriovenous fistula was rarely reported in retrograde endoscopic procedure. Up to now, there is still an absence of report on the formation of renal arteriovenous fistula after semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy for lower ureteral stones. Case presentation An 83-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining about intermittent left flank pain that had persisted for 1 week. He suffered medium hypertension and nephrolithiasis treated with left open ureterolithotomy and two ureteroscopic lithotripsies. Non-contrast abdominal CT scan revealed two left lower ureteral stones diametered 8 mm and 7 mm respectively with mild hydronephrosis. A retrograde semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed to remove the stones, after which two Double-J stents were placed for the ureteral stricture. Due to the continuous gross hematuria and hemoglobin droppings 2 days after operation, a variety of conservative therapies, including blood transfusion and bed rest, were adopted. Then, the patient was discharged with a stable hemoglobin. However, he presented himself to our emergency department with aggravating left flank pain and severe gross hematuria as little as 2 days later. Emergent digital subtraction angiography was conducted to reveal an arteriovenous fistula in the left kidney, which was embolized with two platinum coils to stop the bleeding. His hematuria was resolved in 3 days, and two Double-J stents were removed in 4 weeks. The patient was followed up for 1 year, during which no hematuria or flank pain recurred. Conclusion This is the first case report on the formation of renal arteriovenous fistula after semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy. In this case, elevated intrapelvic pressure, historical surgery and hydronephrosis might be associated with the primary risk of the complication.

AIM: Describe characteristics and outcomes of three patients treated with pelvic radiation therapy after kidney transplant. BACKGROUND: The incidence of pelvic cancers in kidney transplant (KT) recipients is rising. Currently it is the leading cause of death. Moreover, treatment is challenging because anatomical variants, comorbidities, and associated treatments, which raises the concern of using radiotherapy (RT). RT has been discouraged due to the increased risk of urethral/ureteral stricture and KT dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the electronic health records and digital planning system of patients treated with pelvic RT between December 2013 and December 2018 to identify patients with previous KT. CASES DESCRIPTION: We describe three successful cases of KT patients in which modern techniques allowed full standard RT for pelvic malignances (2 prostate and 1 vaginal cancer) with or without elective pelvic nodal RT, without allograft toxicity at short and long follow-up (up to 60 months). CONCLUSION: When needed, RT modern techniques remain a valid option with excellent oncologic results and acceptable toxicity. Physicians should give special considerations to accomplish all OAR dose constraints in the patient’s specific setting. Recent publications recommend KT mean dose

Radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer is associated with peri-operative complication rates as high as 60%. Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture (UEAS) is a potential source significant morbidity often requiring secondary interventions. We sought to evaluate our experience with benign UEAS in our open ileal orthotopic neobladder (ON) population. After Internal Review Board (IRB) approval, we performed a retrospective review of patients who had RC and ON between 2000 and 2015 at MD Anderson Cancer Center and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Baseline demographics and treatment characteristics, peri-operative and post-operative outcomes, as well as information regarding anastomosis technique and suture types were evaluated. Patients with malignant ureteral obstruction were excluded from the analysis. 418 patients had ON creation and the mean age was 59 years (SD 9.4 years) and 90% were males. The mean follow-up was 57 months (6–183 months). 37 patients (8.9%) developed UEAS in 42 renal units and the mean time to diagnosis was 15.8 months (0.85–90 months). Anastomosis and suture type were not predictive of UEAS (p = 0.594, p = 0.586). Perioperative UTI within 30 days of surgery, and recurrent UTI were predictive of UEAS, HR 2.4 p = 0.03, HR 5.1 p

Purpose To report a single surgeon experience with one year follow-up after open ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (OUBMG) in the rare situation of long segment proximal ureteral strictures. Materials and methods Four patients with long segment proximal ureteral stricture underwent OU-BMG between February and July 2017. Functional outcome was assessed by pre- and postoperative serum creatinine, ultrasound and renal scintigraphy as well as patient reported outcomes. Results Four patients with an average stricture length of 4 cm underwent OU-BMG between February and July 2017. No major postoperative complications occurred. Retrograde uretero-pyelography 6 weeks postoperatively revealed a watertight anastomosis followed by immediate emptying of the renal pelvis and ureter in all four patients. Ureteroscopy at this time showed a wide lumen with well-vascularized pink mucosa. After a mean follow-up time of 12.5 (12-14) months, postoperative serum creatinine was unimpaired. Renal scintigraphy revealed no signs of renal obstruction. With regard to intraoral surgery, no difficulties with mouth opening or intraoral dryness or numbness were reported. Conclusions For patients with long segment ureteral strictures OU-BMG is a safe technique with excellent surgical and functional outcomes. Hence, the application of this technique should be encouraged and regarded as one of the standard options in case of this rare problem.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of decellularized small intestinal submucosa (SIS) matrix in repairing ureteral strictures. Methods: Two patients with ureteral stenoses underwent ureteral reconstruction with SIS matrix at the Zhejiang Provincial Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Forces between June 2014 and June 2016. The ureteral stenoses were repaired with a semi-tubular SIS matrix and the postoperative recoveries were observed. Results: Both operations were successfully completed. The average operative time was 90 min and the average length of hospital stay was 15 days. No fevers, incision infections, intestinal obstruction, graft rejection, or other serious complications were noted. After 2 months, ureteroscopic examinations showed that the surfaces of the original patches were covered by mucosa and there were no apparent stenoses in the lumens. The ureteral stents were replaced every 2 months postoperatively and removed 12 months postoperatively. No infections or urinary leakage occurred after removal of the stents. Intravenous urography was performed 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The results showed that the ureters were not obstructed and there was no apparent stenosis at the anastomosis sites. The average follow-up time was >12 months. Long-term follow-up is still ongoing, and computed tomography examinations of the urinary tract have been conducted in the outpatient department of our hospital 1, 3, and 6 months after removal of the double-J stents, suggesting the absence of hydronephrosis. The serum creatinine levels remained stable during the follow-up. Conclusion: SIS matrix reconstruction is a feasible method to repair ureters stenosis. Keywords: Ureteral stenosis, Decellularized matrix, Ureteroplasty, Ureteral reconstruction, Ureteral obstruction

Renal transplantation is the current standard treatment for end-stage renal disease and is associated with immunologic, vascular, and urologic complications. In this study we report urologic complications following ureteral reimplantation based on 1 urologist’s experience at a single high-volume renal transplant institution. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent ureteral reimplantation by the transplant urologist at the time of their kidney transplant between July 1, 1993, and December 31, 2016. Results There was a total of 3951 ureteral reimplantations performed for 3890 renal transplants. The overall complication rate was 7% (276 patients). Vesicoureteral reflux was the most common complication (4.25%), followed by ureteral stricture (1.9%), urine leak (0.6%), and de novo ureteropelvic junction obstruction (0.25%). Conclusion This study is a continuation of our previous case series. Over time, our overall rate of urologic complications has increased. Vesicoureteral reflux has remained the most common complication with increasing incidence compared with our prior reviews. One possible cause for increased incidence is our thorough longitudinal follow-up over more than 2 decades. Some patients who previously had no evidence of reflux eventually did in fact develop reflux. The incidence of ureteral stricture, urine leak, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction has overall remained stable over the past 23 years. In our program, 1 transplant urologist has performed almost all ureteroneocystostomies, leading to consistent management and generalizable results. Review of the literature shows variable rates of complications among different studies with multiple surgeons, disparate techniques, and short follow-up. Our study eliminates many of these confounding factors and provides more reliable, reproducible data.

Purpose There are few reports about balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube in the treatment of ureteral stricture under interventional therapy. The aim of the study is to explore the safety, effectiveness and long-term efficacy of this treatment strategy. Materials and methods It is a retrospective and observational study. From October 2013 to October 2016, 42 patients with benign lower ureteral stricture received interventional treatment. Balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube implantation were used. There were 25 male patients and 17 female patients. There were 7 cases (16.7%) with congenital ureteral stricture, 12 cases (28.6%) with inflammation, 15 cases (35.7%) with ureteral stricture after lithotomy or lithotripsy, and 8 cases (19.0%) with ureteral stricture after pelvic or abdominal surgery. After the drainage tube was removed, B ultrasound, enhanced CTU or IVP of urinary system were reexamined every six months. The follow-up time was 12–60 months. Results The age was 52.9 ± 11.6 years. The length of ureteral stricture was 1.1 ± 0.5 cm. 42 patients completed interventional treatment, the technical success rate was 100%, no ureteral perforation, rupture or other complications were identified. Preoperative urea nitrogen 9.2 ± 2.3 mmol/L and creatinine 175.8 ± 82.8umol/L. Urea nitrogen and creatinine were 3.8–9.1 mmol/L and 45.2–189.6 umol/L when removing the drainage tube. There were significant differences in the levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine before and after tube removal (P P Conclusion Balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube implantation in the treatment of benign lower ureteral stricture is safe and effective.

Ureteral strictures are usually caused by ureteral calculi, endoscopic instrumentation, infections like tuberculosis, surgical dissection, radiation, malignancy and periureteral fibrosis. A 42-year-old man presented with right loin pain 2 months previously. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed right lower ureteral stricture and he was scheduled for right ureteral reimplantation. Intraoperatively, a large hard mass arising from the mesentery of the terminal ileum infiltrating the retroperitoneum and encasing the right external iliac artery, vein and ureter was identified. The mass was resected and psoas hitch was performed over a 5F (26 cm) double J stent. Patient was discharged on tenth postoperative day and is still doing well at 18 months of follow up period. We are reporting this case to highlight the rare possibility of mesenteric fibromatosis and its management.

En bloc kidney transplants of small pediatric kidneys into adult recipients have been shown to have outcomes similar to transplants from standard adult deceased donors. Here, we report a 27-year-old male patient with successful repair of bilateral ureteral stricture 3 years after en bloc kidney transplant at the Shahid Modarres Hospital (Tehran, Iran). The patient received an en bloc deceased kidney donation from a 9-month-old infant. An end-to-end anastomosis of the aorta to the internal iliac artery and an end-to-side external iliac vein anastomosis to vena cava were performed. At an outpatient visit about 2.5 years later, the patient showed increasing levels of creatinine from 1.1 to 1.8 mg/dL compared with measurements at his 2-month visit. A computed tomography scan performed without any contrast agent at that time confirmed the existence of hydronephrosis in both the medial and lateral kidneys. A nephrostography showed a ureteral stricture. Because endoscopic surgery for ureteral dilatation was not successful, the decision was made to perform ureteral repair by the open surgical technique. The short length of the ureters resulted in the lateral renal pelvis being anastomosed to the bladder by flap (Boari flap). The ureter of the patient's native kidney was transected in the middle portion, and the distal ureter was anastomosed to the medial renal pelvis using the end-to-end method. Here, we showed that, despite limited experiences with pediatric donors, en bloc kidney transplant can be performed under the guidance of experienced surgical techniques and precise postoperative follow-up.

Intravesical immunotherapy using bacillus Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) is recommended for patients with intermediate‑ to high‑risk non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer. Bladder tuberculosis (TB) is a rare complication of BCG therapy. The present study describes the case of a 73‑year‑old man who underwent intravesical BCG therapy for urothelial carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Red patches around the resection scar were first detected 1 year and 5 months after BCG treatment; these findings gradually spread to encompass more of the bladder wall. Transurethral biopsy revealed a benign lesion, but the patient developed bilateral hydronephrosis and mild voiding dysfunction. The patient was eventually diagnosed with bladder TB by mycobacterial urine culture and TB‑specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient was given multidrug therapy (isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol) and their bladder TB was completely cured; however, their voiding dysfunction and bilateral hydronephrosis did not fully improve. Bladder TB can occur long after intravesical BCG administration and cystoscopy findings consistent with inflammation can be the key to suspecting this condition. Acid‑fast examination and PCR testing of a urine sample are necessary for early diagnosis.

Proximal ureteral reconstruction has presented a great challenge to surgeons, who have risen to the occasion through the invention of procedures, such as ureteroureterostomy, appendiceal flap ureteroplasty, ileal ureteral substitution, and buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty. The advent of robotic-assisted technology has ushered in an era of further refinement of these techniques. This chapter aims to describe these latest advances in proximal ureteral reconstruction.

For the mid-proximal ureteral stricture as well as failed pyeloplasty, ureteral reconstruction can be difficult. This chapter highlights and describes points of technique for two rarely used procedures that may be used in these challenging clinical situations, appendiceal interposition, and ureterocalicostomy.

Objectives Ureteral stenosis is a serious complication of flexible ureteroscopy. How to predict the possibility of stricture before surgery is an important topic. This research retrospectively studied the influence of preoperative hydronephrosis on ureteral stenosis after flexible ureteroscopy, to explore whether the preoperative hydronephrosis could predict postoperative ureteral stenosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on patients who received flexible ureteroscopy in our hospital for upper ureteral calculi from January 2015 to June 2018. Patients were followed-up for 36 months after surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. We divided patients into the mild hydronephrosis group and moderate to severe hydronephrosis group. Preoperative clinical baseline data of the patients were adjusted by propensity matching score analysis. Differences of intraoperative ureteral injury, operative time, postoperative ureteral stricture, and SFR one month after surgery was statistically analyzed. Kaplan–Meier’s method and Log-rank test were used to compare the differences in the cumulative incidence of ureteral stenosis between the two groups. Cox regression was used to compare the hazard ratio of ureteral stenosis between the two groups. Results A total of 447 patients with 469 sides surgery were included, including 349 sides in the mild hydronephrosis group and 120 sides in the moderate to severe hydronephrosis group. Twenty-nine patients with 30 sides developed ureteral stenosis. Before and after propensity, the incidence of ureteral stricture matching analysis was 6.4% and 8%, respectively. There were statistical differences in ureteral stricture and injury, but the statistical differences in SFR and operation time were inconsistent. Kaplan–Meier showed a significant difference in the cumulative incidence of ureteral stenosis between the two groups. Conclusions Patients with moderate to severe hydronephrosis before surgery were more likely to have an intraoperative ureteral injury and postoperative ureteral stricture after FRUS. Preoperative hydronephrosis is an important predictor of ureteral stricture.

Calcified ureteral obstruction is a rare complication of vasculitis. Only a few cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) have been published. We herein report a case of successful surgical repair of bilateral ureteral strictures in a patient with EGPA. A retrograde pyelogram revealed complete bilateral ureteral obstruction in the patient. Bilateral nephrostomies were placed because we were unable to introduce a double-J stent. The vasculitis and eosinophilia both responded to immunosuppressive therapy, but ureteral obstruction persisted. Surgical reconstruction was elected in order to eliminate the need for permanent external drainage. A combined nephrostogram/retrograde ureterogram revealed a 10 cm right ureteral gap and a 3 cm left ureteral gap. The left ureter was amenable to end-to- end anastomosis, pyeloureteroplasty, but repair of the right ureter required interposition of intestinal tissue. Right ureteral reconstruction was performed by combining the Yang-Monti ileal ureteral substitution and appendiceal interposition with a psoas hitch. The isolated appendix was interposed in an antiperistaltic fashion between the Yang-Monti tube and bladder. His kidney function has remained normal, and he is without vasculitic symptoms.

The treatment of ureteral stricture is a challenging task, especially when multiple strictures are present. Here, we report on a 63-year-old male patient diagnosed with hydronephrosis with left ureteral strictures who was admitted to our hospital. During treatment, a left percutaneous nephrostomy tube was inserted for hydronephrosis. Antegrade and retrograde pyelography were performed simultaneously. The results suggested there were 3 segment ureteral strictures in the left ureter: 2 located in the distal ureter and 1 in the proximal ureter. The treatment choices for multiple ureteral strictures are kidney autotransplantation or an ileal ureteral replacement (IUR), which are both morbid procedures and are technically challenging. With the excellent results of lingual mucosal graft (LMG) in ureteroplasty, this patient underwent a one-stage left ureter reconstruction with combined laparoscopic LMG ureteroplasty and ureterovesical reimplantation. However, disease of the oral mucosa and a reduced bladder volume caused by radio cystitis or chemical cystitis, may limit the use of this technique. Regular postoperative antegrade pyelography and the Whitaker test showed the unimpeded drainage of the left ureter. Based on the satisfactory outcome of this patient, combined laparoscopic LMG ureteroplasty and ureterovesical reimplantation for unilateral multiple ureteral strictures is a viable option that has fewer complications.