Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation: prospective evaluation of medium-term results and current developments

Newly modified 'pseudo flap' without compromising vascularity to enhance repair of long distal ureteral loss: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database

Objective

To present an alternative technique called pseudo-flap for reconstructing long ureteral defects as an alternative to Boari flap. Despite being used for more than 70 years by urologists for tension-free reconstruction of distal and mid-ureteral defects, the Boari flap exhibits high complication rates, with an average of 27% (range 5.5%-30.4%). These complications arise from compromised blood supply, attributed to incisions made on all three sides of the flap and dependence on the flap base as the sole source of blood supply.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent our modified technique by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2021. We used a semi-oblique cystotomy on the lowest part of the anterior and contralateral aspects of the bladder after complete release from adhesions and sacrificing the superior vesical pedicle, if necessary. The innovative part of the technique involved making short relaxing incisions at different levels on both sides of a pseudo-flap while pushing the bladder dome upward to reach the healthy ureter in a tension-free manner, followed by anastomosis with a non-refluxing or refluxing technique.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent the pseudo-flap technique with a mean follow-up of 16.9 months. Four had prior radiation, three had hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis, and one had a ureteral stricture in a transplanted kidney. Eight procedures were performed during intraoperative consultations.Only one patient (7%) developed a major complication (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2). This patient developed postoperative leak, and none developed obstructive hydronephrosis, suggesting stricture or flap ischemia. The mean length of the flap was 9.3 cm.

Conclusion

Our pseudo-flap technique has lower complication rates than the traditional Boari flap. It is not technically challenging, minimally compromises blood supply and is thus especially suitable for complex, highly morbid patients with decreased tissue vascularity, such as those with prior radiation and peritoneal carcinomatosis.

2023 WSES guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries (IUTIs) during emergency digestive surgery

Iatrogenic urinary tract injury (IUTI) is a severe complication of emergency digestive surgery. It can lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and have a long-term impact on the quality of life. The reported incidence of IUTIs varies greatly among the studies, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5%. Given the high volume of emergency digestive surgery performed worldwide, there is a need for well-defined and effective strategies to prevent and manage IUTIs. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs in the emergency setting. The present guidelines, promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), were developed following a systematic review of the literature and an international expert panel discussion. The primary aim of these WSES guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and surgeons in the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery. The following key aspects were considered: (1) effectiveness of preventive interventions for IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery; (2) intra-operative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies; (3) postoperative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies and timing; and (4) effectiveness of antibiotic therapy (including type and duration) in case of IUTIs.

Three different laparoscopic techniques for the management of iatrogenic ureteral injury: A multi-institutional study with medium-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Excellent success rates with short-term outcomes are noted for laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction (LUR) for iatrogenic ureteral injury. This multi-institutional study assessed the medium-term (>1 year) outcomes and compared three surgical techniques of LUR.

METHODS

Patients who underwent LUR at five tertiary hospitals between January 2007 and June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with active abdominopelvic inflammatory disease, history of urothelial cancer, and tumor recurrence and those who received adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded.

RESULTS

The success rates of LUR for 61 patients at 3 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up (at least 12 months postoperatively) were 100% and 95.1%, respectively. No significant difference was noted in the success rates of the three types of LUR. LUR was mainly performed in response to the demands of the primary surgeon responsible for the iatrogenic injury (33 of 45 cases, 73.3%). The vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) incidence was higher in the refluxing laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy (LUN) group (40%) than in the anti-refluxing LUN group (15%, odds ratio: 1.5, p = 0.252). None of the patients in the LUN groups received treatment for VUR during the follow-up. The laparoscopic end-to-end ureteroureterostomy (LEEU) group had shorter operative time (p < 0.001) and lesser intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001) than the LUN groups.

CONCLUSION

LUR is safe and feasible, with good medium-term outcomes. LEEU is a good surgical option in terms of the operative and subsequent outcomes. The anti-reflux technique in LUR reduces de-novo VUR development but is not necessary for preventing upper urinary tract infections in adults.

Experience managing distal ureteral strictures with Boari flap-psoas hitch and comparison of open and laparoscopic procedures

Background

To summarize our experience with the Boari flap-psoas hitch and compare the indications, perioperative data and outcomes between open and laparoscopic procedures.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 35 patients with complex distal ureteral stricture between January 2015 and April 2019. All patients were treated with Boari flap-psoas hitch by either an open or a laparoscopic procedure. Selection criteria were based on the etiology, comorbidities, medical history, and patient preference.

Results

All surgeries were performed successfully. The median operation time was 201 min (range, 120 to 300 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range, 20 to 400 mL). The median postoperative hospitalization was 9 days (range, 3 to 46 days). Nineteen patients were treated by the open procedure, and 16 were treated by the transperitoneal laparoscopic procedure. The surgical indication of open surgery was broader than that for laparoscopic surgery. For patients experiencing iatrogenic injury and ureterovesical reimplantation failure, no significant differences in sex, laterality, operative time, ASA score or postoperative hospitalization stay were observed between the two groups. The median estimated blood loss was lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (P=0.047). Patients in the open group had more surgical complications than patients in the laparoscopic group (P=0.049). The postoperative follow-up showed the radiological resolution of hydronephrosis in 33 patients.

Conclusions

With the appropriate surgical considerations, Boari flap-psoas hitch is a valid method to bridge distal ureteral defects. For select patients, laparoscopic surgery had advantages being a minimal invasive surgery with less estimated blood loss and fewer surgical complications.

A Contemporary Case Series of Complex Surgical Repair of Surgical/Endoscopic Injuries to the Abdominal Ureter

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic ureteral injuries are devastating complications potentially resulting in irreversible impairment of renal function and/or infectious sequelae. Only few data are available on the management of such injuries to the abdominal ureter.

OBJECTIVE

To report the etiology, perioperative outcomes, and treatment failure rate of different reconstructive surgical interventions for iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter in a contemporary case series.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter at our academic centers between July 2013 and April 2019. All interventions were performed via either an open or a robot-assisted approach by a single expert surgeon.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Different surgical reconstructive procedures, such as Boari bladder flap, ureteroureterostomy, ileal replacement, and pyeloureteroplasty, have been adopted.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcome measures were the etiology of iatrogenic injuries, rate of postoperative complications, and rate of treatment failure, defined as upper urinary tract obstruction requiring permanent urinary drainage.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Nineteen patients were included. Injuries were consequent to endourological procedures in nine (47.4%), gynecological procedures in two (10.5%), colonic surgery in two (10.5%), vascular surgery in two (10.5%), and other surgeries in four (21.1%) cases. Boari bladder flap was performed in 12 (63.2%), ureteroureterostomy in two (10.5%), ileal substitution in two (10.5%), and pyeloureteroplasty in three (15.8%) cases. Only four (21.1%) procedures were performed robotically. Major postoperative complications were recorded in three (15.8%) patients. After a median follow-up of 16 (interquartile range 12-24) mo, treatment failure was observed in two (15.8%) cases. We accept the limitations of a small retrospective single-surgeon series with preference-based management choice.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, endourological procedures were the most frequent cause of iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter requiring reconstructive surgery. A Boari bladder flap was the preferred option to bridge extensive ureteral defects. Despite the complexity of such procedures, major postoperative complications were infrequent and treatment failure rate was low.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We report on a contemporary series of patients with disparate iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter requiring complex reconstructive surgery. Despite the difficulty of such procedures, we found that major postoperative complications were infrequent and treatment failure rate was low.

Laparoscopic surgery with urinary tract reconstruction and bowel endometriosis resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is the most severe form of endometriosis. It causes chronic pelvic pain, severe dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria, markedly impairing the quality of life of women of reproductive age. A number of randomized controlled trials on surgical and medical treatments to reduce the pain associated with endometriosis have been reported, but few have focused on this in DIE. DIE causes not only pain but also functional invasion to the urinary organs and bowel, such as hydronephrosis and bowel stenosis. In addition to DIE resection, surgical treatment involves adhesion separation as well as resection and reconstruction of the urinary organs and bowel; high-level skills are required. The severity of DIE should be evaluated preoperatively as accurately as possible. Using ENZIAN in conjunction with the AFS (The revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis) classification makes a more detailed assessment of DIE possible. The operative procedures used for laparoscopic resection of urinary DIE and reconstruction of the urinary organs are chosen based on the type of lesion (intrinsic/extrinsic) and length of stenosis. In addition to ureteroneocystostomy, the psoas bladder hitch and Boari bladder flap procedures are applied when necessary to extend the urinary tract. Bowel resection for bowel endometriosis is classified into classic segmental resection and conservative approaches (shaving/discoid). When these procedures are employed, it is advisable to work in consultation with urologists and gastroenterologists and to inform the patients of the associated risks and outcomes. Furthermore, postoperative medication is essential because it is difficult to conduct repeated surgeries.

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy for mid and lower ureteric strictures: Experience from a tertiary center

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience of laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy for mid and lower ureteral stricture in a tertiary center in North India.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 20 laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy were performed with or without bladder flap procedures in 20 patients (13 females and 7 males) with various etiologies such as ureteric stricture, ureterovaginal fistula, endometriosis, and distal ureteric tumor at our hospital in a time frame from August 2013 to January 2017. Eight cases each presented after laparoscopic/open hysterectomy and postureterorenoscopic stone removal while two cases each presented secondary to endometriosis and distal ureteric tumor. Simple laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in 4, psoas hitch in 9, and Boari flap was done in 7 cases.

Results:

The mean patient age was 44.2 years (range 19–65), mean surgical time was 184.25 min (115–250 min.), mean amount of bleeding was 153.25 mL (90–250 mL), and mean hospital stay was 3.05 days (2–7 days). Female-to-male ratio was 1.3:0.7. There was one conversion to open during laparoscopic Boari reimplant because of inadvertent injury to external iliac vein. The mean follow-up was 22.35 months (6–45). All the patients were asymptomatic with the resolution of hydronephrosis on ultrasound and without any significant obstruction on renal scan.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with or without bladder flap (Boari) provides good functional outcomes with excellent success rates and minimal morbidity comparable to open surgery in patients with ureteric stricture.

Use of the Ileum for Ureteral Stricture and Obstruction in Bilateral, Unilateral, and Single-kidney Cases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the functional outcomes of ileal ureter replacement for complex ureteral loss, including bilateral and single ureter stricture, as a result of various etiologies.

METHODS

In 2013-2016, 31 patients underwent ileal ureter replacement surgery. The data for their assessments included etiology, combined surgical procedures, ureteral replacement type, postoperative complications, and changes in renal function.

RESULTS

The 31 study patients had a median age of 56.0 (range 18-65) years and were followed for a median of 23.6 (range 6.5-43.2) months. There were 14 bilateral, 12 unilateral, and 5 single-kidney cases. The main indication for surgery was ureteral defects after gynecological surgery and radiation in 24 patients (77.4%). The mean operation time was 370.6 minutes and the median hospital stay was 25.2 (range 6-79) days. Various types of ileal arrangement were performed to cover bilateral ureter loss. After 30 days past surgery, 24 patients (77.4%) were in a stable state and 5 (16.1%) had decreased serum levels of creatinine. Short-term complications greater than grade 3 on the Clavien scale occurred in 10 patients (33.3%), and long-term complications occurred in 27 (87.1%). However, all cases were well relieved by conservative care, and surgical intervention was needed in only 1 case. Apart from 2 patients who died because of the progression of cervical cancer, all patients had stent-free status at 22.4 months.

CONCLUSION

Ileal ureter replacement is a useful reconstructive surgery for complex ureteral loss, such as bilateral and single-kidney cases resulting from various etiologies.

Long Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Open Modified Lich-Gregoir Reimplantation in Adults: A multicentric comparative study

Background & Objective:

Obstructive ureteral pathologies in adult patients are most commonly due to ureteral strictures and secondary to surgical interventions. In this study, we aimed to compare open and laparoscopic modified Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation with regards to outcomes in benign ureteral pathologies in adult patients.

Methods:

Between December 2008 and December 2014, 32 open cases and 29 laparoscopic cases were performed as per the data retrieved from surgical databases. All laparoscopic procedures were performed in Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital(BEAH) and all open ureteral reimplantation procedures in Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital(KEAH) and Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital(OEAH).

Results:

The mean operation time was significantly lower in the group of patients operated with open group (142.5 minutes versus 188.9 minutes; P< 0.0001). The mean duration of follow-up was longer in the laparoscopy group (31 versus 28 months; p< 0.0001). The mean amount of operation associated blood loss was significantly lower in patients operated laparoscopically (93.7 mL versus 214 mL; P< 0.0001). The mean VAS score obtained six hours after surgery was 6.6 ± 0.8 in open group, and 5.8 ± 0.7 in laparoscopic group (p=0.0004). The mean VAS scores measured at post-operative day 1 was 4.5 ± 0.7 in open group and 3.7 ± 0.9 in laparoscopy group. Time required to achieve the pre-operative capability of daily activities was significantly longer in open group (15 ± 1.4 days vs 11 ± 1.4 days; p< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Despite open techniques provide shorter operation time and laparoscopic techniques require long learning curve, we think that laparoscopic techniques are superior to open ones since that they provide a better post-operative comfort and are better tolerated in terms of complications.

Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap for the management of long- segment ureteral defect: A case series with review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of ureteral stricture is showing a rising trend due to increased use of laparoscopic and upper urinary tract endoscopic procedures. Boari flap is the preferred method of repairing long- segment ureteral defects of 8-12 cm. The procedure has undergone change from classical open (transperitoneal and retroperitoneal) method to laparoscopic surgery and recently robotic surgery. Laparoscopic approach is cosmetically appealing, less morbid and with shorter hospital stay. In this case series, we report our experience of performing laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap in 3 patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted between January 2011 December 2014. The patients with a long- segment ureteral defect who had undergone laparoscopic Boari flap reconstruction were included in the study. Outcome of laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap for the manangement of long segment ureteral defect was evaluated.

RESULTS

The procedure was performed on 3 patients, and male to female ratio was 1:2. One patient had bilateral and other two patient had left ureteral stricture. The mean length of ureteral stricture was 8.6 cm (range 8.2-9.2 cm). The mean operative time was 206 min (190 to 220 min). The average estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range 90-110 mL) and mean hospital stay was 6 days (range 5 to 7 days). The mean follow up was 19 months (range 17-22 months). None of the patients experienced any complication related to the procedure in perioperative period.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap is safe, feasible and has excellent long term results. However, the procedure is technically challenging, requires extensive experience of intracorporeal suturing.

Incidence of Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury During Open and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic ureteral injury is a rare but potentially devastating complication of colorectal surgery. We evaluated the incidence and management of iatrogenic ureteral injuries in colorectal surgery during the transition phase from open to laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single center study. All patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2004 and 2014 were evaluated by collecting data of electronic patient charts. Both acute and elective procedures were included.

RESULTS

A total of 3302 colorectal procedures were performed in the study period. Of these, 2817 operations were performed open and 484 laparoscopically. A total of 23 iatrogenic ureteral injuries were identified, of which 5 were found during laparoscopic surgery. The cumulative incidence of ureteral injuries was 0.6% for open procedures and 1.0% for laparoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteral injury is a rare complication of colorectal surgery. The incidence might rise with the increasing use of laparoscopy.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy With Boari Flap Construction for Advanced Colon Cancer With Ureteric Invasion: A Case Report

Urinary tract resection is the only procedure that can cure colorectal cancer that directly invades the ureter. In these cases, open surgery is commonly used. Here, we describe our experience of a case of sigmoidectomy following Boari flap construction with single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for advanced colon cancer with ureteric invasion. A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with left flank pain. Left hydroureteronephrosis was detected on ultrasonography. Computed tomography revealed a solid mass in the sigmoid colon and hydroureteronephrosis due to swelling of a mesenteric lymph node. Computed tomography detected no signs of distant metastasis. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated, bleeding, and stricturing lesion in the sigmoid colon, which was identified as an adenocarcinoma with a moderate degree of differentiation at histological examination. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg semi-right lateral position. An umbilical incision was made for the insertion of a single multichannel port for SILS. Sigmoidectomy and Boari flap reconstruction were performed. There were no perioperative complications. The total operating time was 572 minutes (including Boari flap procedure of 174 minutes), and estimated blood loss was 200 mL. Single-incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with Boari flap construction is technically feasible with sigmoid cancer and ureteral invasion.

Ureteral endometriosis: A systematic literature review

Introduction:

Ureteral endometriosis is a rare disease affecting women of childbearing age which presents with nonspecific symptoms and it may result in severe morbidity. The aim of this study was to review evidence about incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of ureteral endometriosis.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed Central database was searched to identify studies reporting cases of ureteral endometriosis. “Ureter” or “Ureteral” and “Endometriosis” were used as key words. Database was searched for articles published since 1996, in English without restrictions regarding the study design.

Results:

From 420 studies obtained through database search, 104 articles were finally included in this review, including a total of 1384 patients with ureteral endometriosis. Data regarding age, location, pathological findings, and interventions were extracted. Mean patients' age was 38.6 years, whereas the therapeutic arsenal included hormonal, endoscopic, and/or surgical treatment.

Conclusions:

Ureteral endometriosis represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinicians and high clinical suspicion is needed to identify it.

Laparoscopic reconstruction of ureteral strictures involving solitary renal units-1 year and 5 year outcomes

CONTEXT:

Long-term outcome following a laparoscopic reconstruction of ureteral strictures (US) involving solitary renal units (SRU) are scarcely reported.

AIMS:

The aim was to report short-term (1 year) and long-term (5 years) outcomes following a laparoscopic reconstruction of US in a solitary kidney.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

Retrospective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Records of patients operated for similar scenarios between January 2004 and January 2014 were evaluated. Clinical, biochemical and radiological profile were noted. Operative and post-operative profile were recorded. Follow-ups were scheduled at regular intervals (3 months post-procedure, 6 monthly for 2 years and yearly thereafter. Imaging was repeated at yearly intervals). Outcome was assessed by comparing pre-operative and post-operative clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

SAS software 9.2 version. A P < 0.05 was inferred as statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Seven patients underwent a laparoscopic reconstruction. Stricture location was upper ureter (n = 1), mid ureter (n = 2), lower ureter (n = 4). Surgeries performed were ureteroureterostomy, Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy and ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch. Four patients reported prior contralateral nephrectomy. Three patients underwent prior endoscopic correction. Four patients presented with elevated serum creatinine (>1.4 mg/dl). Till last follow-up, improvement in symptomatology and improvement or stabilisation of serum creatinine was perceived in all. Ureteral patency with resolution of hydronephrosis was observed in five patients at 1 year follow-up. Two patients revealed ureteral patency with persistence of hydronephrosis. Clinical, biochemical and radiological outcomes were maintained till long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Laparoscopic reconstruction of US in SRU offers impressive short- and long-term outcome.

Laparoscopic Extravesical Lich-Gregoir Ureteroneocystostomy with Psoas Hitch for the Management of Ureterovaginal Fistula in Post-Hysterectomy Patients

Introduction: Most commonly ureterovaginal fistula occurs due to surgical injury inflicted to the distal ureter and because of gynaecological procedures. Open surgical repair is a standard procedure and commonly involves ureteroneocystostomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 9 patients, who underwent laparoscopic extravesical Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy using the psoas hitch procedure for ureterovaginal fistulas following hysterectomy during the period December 2012-August 2014. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed in all cases. Results: The mean operative time was 212 min (range 170-310) and estimated blood loss was 108 ml (range 70-150). Average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Follow-up time was from 6 to 26 months. Postoperative intravenous urography was done after 3 months, which showed patent anastomosis in 8 patients except for 1 patient who had nonvisualization of the ipsilateral renal moiety. Voiding cystogram done at 3 months showed no leakage in all patients. In the postoperative period, 1 patient had recurrent ipsilateral pyelonephritis 2 weeks after surgery, while another patient had febrile UTI. Apart from these no major complications were observed. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch can be performed safely with a success rate compared to that of open surgery but with less morbidity and quick convalescence.

Combined Y-shaped common channel transureteroureterostomy with Boari flap to treat bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures

BACKGROUND

Ureteral stricture is a complication of several etiologies including idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, infection, radiotherapy, instrumentation, and surgical procedures. A variety of techniques have been reported for management. The transureteroureterostomy and bladder flap have been the standard procedures for repairing distal ureteral defects of unilateral ureter. Bilateral ureteral stricture is an uncommon condition that challenges usual reconstructive procedures. It is a difficult task to reconstruct the complex situation of bilateral ureteral strictures.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old female underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IVB squamous cell carcinoma of cervix. Subsequently, she had stricture of bilateral distal ureters with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis which was found by computed tomography. The renal function deteriorated during the follow-up period. She had periodic change of double-J stents and percutaneous nephrostomy. However, the renal function still deteriorated. We performed a combined Y-shaped common channel transureteroureterostomy with Boari flap to reconstruct bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures. The patient recovered uneventfully.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction of bilateral ureteral strictures is a difficult treatment. We developed a modified technique for the complex situation of bilateral ureteral strictures. To our knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the scientific literature and it is a feasible procedure to treat bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures.

Robot-assisted technique for boari flap ureteral reimplantation: is robot assistance beneficial?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ureteral reconstructive surgery necessitates adequate exposure of the ureteral lesion and results in large abdominal incisions. Robot assistance allows the performance of complex ureteral reconstructive surgery through small incisions. The current series includes only cases of Boari flaps performed by robot assistance and attempts to describe in detail the technique, review the literature, as well as to expand the experience in the current literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight patients underwent ureteral reimplantation by Boari flap technique. The indications for the performance of the procedure included ureteral stricture from iatrogenic injury in three patients, recurrent ureteral stricture after multiple endoscopic stone management procedures in one patient, ureteral stricture from previous malignant disease in the pelvis or abdomen in three patients, and ureteral stricture due to trauma in one patient. Five cases were located in the left side and three cases in the right side. A variety of parameters were recorded in a prospective database including the time for robot docking and total operative time as well as catheterization and drainage time. The follow-up of the patients included the performance of renal ultrasonography 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 50.8 (range 39-62) years and mean body mass index was 26.2 (range 23.22-29.29) kg/m(2). Operative time ranged 115 and 240 (mean 171.9) minutes. Mean blood loss was 161.3 (50-250) mL. Conversion to open surgery did not take place in the current series. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperative complications included one case of prolonged anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

The robot-assisted approach is efficient in the performance of ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap. Low blood loss, short catheterization time, low complication rate, and excellent reconstructive outcome are associated with the approach. Robot assistance seems to be beneficial for ureteral reconstructive surgery.

Simplified laparoscopic technique for the treatment of long distal ureteral stenosis

Laparoscopic interventions with the application of vesico-psoas hitch and Boari flap methods for the reconstruction of pronounced ureter defects require considerable physical skill and competence. This case series aims to present our experience in the treatment of long, distal ureteral stenoses via simplified laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in 3 male patients in whom the stenoses ranged from 5 cm to 6 cm. Prior to each laparoscopic intervention, intravenous urography and pyelography via a nephrostomy tube were performed. The mean operation time was 157 min (120–180 min), and blood loss averaged 33 ml (20–50 ml). No intra-operative or post-operative complications were recorded. The post-operative hospital stay was ≤ 6 days. Follow-up imaging examinations revealed normal kidney-urinary bladder urine flow in all cases. In conclusion, we consider that simplified ureteral replantation facilitates laparoscopic treatment of long, distal ureteral stenoses.

Laparoscopic ureteral replacement by Boari flap: multi-institutional experience in 30 cases

INTRODUCTION

The Boari flap is an excellent technique for replacement of distal ureteral injuries. There are few reports with the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially with long term results. Our goal is to present the results of a multi-institutional study of 30 cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 30 patients treated between December 2001 and January 2009 who underwent a laparoscopic intracorporeal Boari flap, in three Latin American centers. In all cases the same surgical technique was employed. The database was recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean age was 43.2 years (range 9 to 71 years). Most were women (22 of 30) with a slight predominance of left-side lesions (17 of 30). The most common cause of ureteral injury was hysterectomy in 14 patients (46.6%) and endoscopic ureterolithotomy in 9 patients (30%). The mean length of ureteral resection was 7 cm. (5 to 20 cm). The average operative time was 161.16 min (90 to 280 min). The average estimated blood loss was 123 mL. (0 to 500 mL), and hospital stay was 4.86 days (2 to 10 days). There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (16.6%), Clavien 1 in 2 patients (6.6%) and Clavien 3 in three patients (10%). The success rate was 96.6% (29 patients) with a mean follow up of 32 months (5 to 60 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Boari flap in our hands had good short and long term results.

Outcomes of distal ureteral reconstruction through reimplantation with psoas hitch, Boari flap, or ureteroneocystostomy for benign or malignant ureteral obstruction or injury

OBJECTIVE

To assess functional outcomes and complications of ureteroneocystotomies (UNCs) with or without psoas hitch or Boari flap in the reconstruction and repair of the ureter.

METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive series of patients that underwent open ureteral reconstruction for ureteral obstruction or injury. Underlying ureteral disorder, preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and imaging studies regarding resolution of hydronephrosis were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 100 ureteral reimplantations performed at our institution from November 1986 to August 2012 were identified: 24 primary ureteroneocystotomies, 58 with psoas hitch, and 18 with Boari flap. Median follow-up was 48.7 months (range 12.3-253 months). The most common underlying disorder was ureteral transitional cell cancer (TCC). Men were found to have more frequent underlying chronic ureteral disorders with chronic renal failure when compared to women. Ureteral stents were placed in 81% and were removed after a median of 33 days (range 2-161 days). Resolution of hydronephrosis was noted in 81% of the patients. The eGFR deteriorated significantly over time only in male patients (P = .001). Postoperative complications included stent-related dysuria, urinary tract infection, and contrast-extravasation on cystogram necessitating prolonged urethral and ureteral catheter drainage.

CONCLUSION

Excellent functional outcome without significant morbidity associated with ureteral reimplantation/reconstruction was achieved. Despite resolution of hydronephrosis in the vast majority of patients, those with chronic underlying ureteral disorder and renal failure did not show improvement of their eGFR.

A refined combined antero-retrograde approach for the resolution of a complex ureterovaginal fistula: an endourologic case report

he onset of a ureterovaginal fistula is a not frequent, though it represents a dreaded and disabling complication of the pelvic surgery. The literature suggests to perform ureteroneocystostomy associated, if necessary, with a bladder suspension technique to Psoas muscle, or endoscopic procedures of ureteral stenting as the "gold standard" to repair this condition. We describe an innovative combined anterograde trans-nephrostomic and retrograde trans-ureteral surgical approach successfully carried out for the treatment of a rare ureterovaginal fistula associated with ipsilateral hydroureteronephrosis secondary to a complete obliteration of the ureteral orifice. We believe that this approach could be considered as a minimally invasive surgical option, an alternative to the traditional ones, for the repair of ureterovaginal fistulae complicated by a complete obliteration of the ipsilateral ureteral meatus.

Role of laparoscopy in reconstructive surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite increasing laparoscopic expertise in reconstructive surgery, open procedures still represent the gold standard. Robot-assisted techniques increasingly replace laparoscopy. However, laparoscopy is also developing: by improvement of ergonomics, new instruments, and techniques further reducing access trauma. We evaluated the actual role of laparoscopy focusing on main indications of urologic reconstructive surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

We analysed the current literature (PubMed/Medline) concerning indications, perioperative results, complications, and long-term outcome of laparoscopy for pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, stone surgery, management of vesico-vaginal fistula, sacrocolpopexy (including evidence level). For all indications, laparoscopy provides the advantages of less postoperative pain, blood loss, shorter convalescence, and minimal disfigurement. However, it requires expertise with endoscopic suturing. Most experience (N > 1000) exists with laparoscopic pyeloplasty and sacrocolpopexy which can be considered as valuable options (IIB). Concerning ureteral reimplantation and repair of vesico-vaginal fistula, only a limited number of cases were reported (N < 150) (III). Laparoscopic stone surgery may gain importance particularly in developing countries. Robot-assistance will definitively increase the application of laparoscopic techniques providing optimal ergonomics, whereas the role of single-port surgery will be limited.

SUMMARY

Laparoscopy will increasingly be used for reconstructive urologic surgery. This trend will be supported by the widespread use of the DaVinci device.

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy and vesicopsoas hitch for infiltrative ureteral endometriosis

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic treatment of distal infiltrative ureteral endometriosis with segmental ureteral resection, ureteroneocystostomy, and vesicopsoas hitch. We performed a retrospective analysis of perioperative data and looked at follow-up outcomes of patients with deep endometriosis with ureteral involvement treated by laparoscopic vesicopsoas hitch. Six patients were treated for left ureteral endometriosis in the study period. Four of those were diagnosed during previous laparoscopies. A ureteroneocystostomy (Lich-Gregoir reimplantation procedure) with vesicopsoas hitch was fashioned laparoscopically in all cases, and a double-J stent was applied intraoperatively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and no cases of extravasation of contrast at cystogram one week after surgery. The median follow-up time was 38 months (range 12-56). All patients had normal renal ultrasound or intravenous pyelogram results at one year follow-up. This study confirmed that laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy and vesicopsoas hitch is a safe and effective option in the management of distal ureteral endometriosis. In view of the small size of this series, multicenter studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.