Ileal segment replacement of ureter. II. Dynamic characteristics of refluxing, nonrefluxing, and totally tapered ileal ureter

Complex Ureteral Reconstruction in Kidney Transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Despite advances in surgical techniques and organ preservation, transplant ureteric strictures remain a common complication in kidney transplantation. A variety of endourological and surgical techniques have been utilized; however, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal modality in dealing with these complex cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present challenging ureteral reconstruction cases after failed attempts at ureteral dilatation, failed conventional open repairs, and/or with bladder dysfunction.

RESULTS

All renal allografts were salvaged by successful use of bladder Boari flap and intestinal segment interpositions/diversions.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative repair remains the most durable and successful approach, and minimally invasive options should be reserved for nonsurgical candidates, with consideration of a single attempt in patients with early, distal, short (<2 cm), nonischemic strictures.

Long-term results of ileal ureteric replacement: a 25-year single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To report the long-term outcomes of ileal ureteric replacement (IUR) in complex reconstruction of the urinary tract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1991 to 2016, IUR was performed in 157 patients with structural or functional ureteric loss. In 52 patients, bilateral IUR became necessary. Implantation sites where either the native urinary bladder (n = 79) or intestinal reservoirs (n = 78). In the latter group, the technique was used at the time of primary urinary diversion (n = 34), in a secondary approach (n = 29), and in undiversion or conversion procedures (n = 15). Anti-refluxive implantation was performed in 37 patients. In eight patients the ileal ureter was implanted into the cutis as an ileal conduit. All patients were followed prospectively according to a standardised protocol.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 54.1 months. In 114 patients with dilatation of the upper urinary tract before surgery a significant improvement of the dilatation was confirmed in 98 patients. Serum creatinine levels decreased or remained stable in 147 of the 157 patients. Reflux was present in all cases without and in six cases with an anti-reflux mechanism. In six patients, operative revision became necessary because of severe metabolic acidosis, mucus obstruction or stenosis of the ileal ureter.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the world's largest single-centre series of IUR reported to date. Long-term follow-up confirms that this approach is a safe and reliable solution, even under complex conditions. Anti-refluxive implantation is recommended for intestinal reservoirs, whereas reflux prevention seems to be of minor importance when the native bladder is chosen as the site of implantation.

Ileal ureteric replacement in complex reconstruction of the urinary tract

OBJECTIVE

To report 10 years' experience with ileal ureteric replacement as a last resort in complex reconstruction of the urinary tract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 1991 to February 2002 ileal segments were used for partial or total substitution of the ureter in 43 patients (mean age 45.6 years) with structural or functional ureteric loss secondary to irradiation, surgical complications or various other pathological conditions. Ileum was either implanted into the native urinary bladder (in 14) or an intestinal reservoir (in 29). In the latter group the technique was used at the time of primary urinary diversion in eight, in a secondary approach for treating early or late complications in nine and in undiversion or conversion procedures in 12. The ileal ureter was implanted into the urinary reservoir using a serous-lined extramural tunnel or distal intussusception for reflux prevention (in 31). All patients were followed prospectively according to a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

There were no perioperative deaths; the mean (range) follow-up was 40.8 (1.5-109.5) months. In 41 patients with dilatation of the upper urinary tract before surgery there was a significant improvement radiographically in 34, no change in five and deterioration in two. The serum creatinine level decreased or remained stable in all. Reflux occurred in the 12 cases without and in three with an antireflux mechanism. Shortening of an elongated kinking ileal ureter became necessary because of recurrent severe metabolic acidosis and mucus obstruction in two; in one case mucus obstruction was treated endoscopically. There was pyelonephritis only in three patients with refluxing implantation into an intestinal reservoir.

CONCLUSION

Ileal ureteric replacement is a safe and reliable last resort even in difficult cases. Whenever feasible, antirefluxing implantation into intestinal urinary reservoirs is recommended.

Stapled and nonstapled tapered distal ileum for construction of a continent colonic urinary reservoir

A continent colonic urinary reservoir was created in 10 patients who had undergone anterior exenteration for invasive bladder carcinoma. A tapered distal ileal segment with a catheterizable abdominal stoma provided full continence in all 10 patients. Tapering of the terminal ileum was achieved with a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler in 5 patients or with a bowel clamp in 5 others. Three purse-string sutures of 2-zero silk were placed on the tapered ileal segment to increase the intraluminal pressure. A nontunneled ureterocolonic anastomosis was performed in all 20 ureters. No obstruction or reflux was noted in 19 ureters (95 per cent). Hydronephrosis at the anastomotic site was noted in 1 ureter and was successfully dilated percutaneously.