Robotic-assisted Lingual Mucosal Graft Ureteroplasty for the Repair of Complex Ureteral Strictures: Technique Description and the Medium-term Outcome

Outcomes of Robot-assisted Appendiceal Ureteroplasty From a Multi-institutional Experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the viability of robot-assisted appendiceal ureteroplasty as an innovative surgical approach for the reconstruction of ureteral strictures in cases where traditional methods are unsuitable.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent robot-assisted appendiceal ureteroplasty for right-sided ureteral stricture disease at three academic centers between March 2018 and November 2022. Patients were selected based on stricture characteristics, tissue quality, and the need for tissue transfer techniques. Surgical outcomes, including stricture-free rates, renal function, and complication rates, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 63years, with a balanced gender distribution. The median stricture length was 4.75 cm. The majority of strictures were located in the proximal ureter (50%). Surgical approaches included appendiceal onlay flaps (71.4%) and interposition flaps (28.6%). The median operative time was 268 minutes, with an average estimated blood loss of 75 mL. Postoperatively, ureteral patency was achieved in 92.9% of patients. Two patients (14.3%) experienced urinary tract infections requiring readmission. There was no significant change in serum creatinine levels postoperatively. Hydronephrosis grade significantly improved following surgery (P = .025).

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted appendiceal ureteroplasty is a safe and effective technique for managing ureteral strictures. It offers a high success rate with minimal complications, making it a valuable addition to the urologic surgeon's armamentarium for complex ureteral reconstructions.

Clinical efficacy of ureteroscopy-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty in the treatment of ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty in treating ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 95 patients treated for ureteral stricture at Ganzhou People's Hospital from June 2017 to March 2023 after pelvic surgery. In this group, 49 patients underwent ureteroscope and laparoscopic ureteroplasty under lithotomy position. The control group consisted of 46 patients who underwent simple laparoscopic ureteroplasty in a supine position. Postoperative data from both groups were collected and compared, including operation time, amount of blood loss during surgery, postoperative hospital stay, incidence of complications, success rate of ureteroplasty, and effectiveness of the operation.

RESULTS

The success rate of end-to-end ureteral anastomosis in the observation group was 93.88%, and the operation effectiveness rate was 100%. The success rate in the control group was 78.26% and the operation effectiveness rate was 89.1%.The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the observation group were (121.3 ± 44.6) min and (137.5 ± 34.2) ml, respectively, while in the control group they were (151.2 ± 52.3) min and (165.6 ± 45.8) ml, the difference were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of perioperative complications in the observation group was 2%, significantly lower than that in the control group (19.6%) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty for ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery has the advantages of shortened operation time, increased success rate, and reduced incidence of complications, making it an optional surgical scheme in clinical practice.

Minimal-invasive ileal ureter replacement for the management of multiple ureteral polyps: the initial experience

PURPOSE

To present our initial experience in the management of multiple ureteral polyps with robotic or laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement (IUR).

METHODS

Eight consecutive patients diagnosed with multiple ureteral polyps underwent robotic or laparoscopic IUR between July 2019 and November 2022. Unilateral IUR was performed in 5 patients with polyps in the left (n = 3) or right (n = 2) side, and 3 patients with bilateral multiple polyps underwent bilateral IUR. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

A cohort of 5 male and 3 female patients (11 ureters) with a mean age of 32.8 ± 11.3 years were included. Among these patients, 5 presented with recurrent flank pain, 1 had hematuria, and 2 were asymptomatic. Four patients experienced prior failed surgical interventions. The mean length of diseased ureter was 11.9 ± 4.7 cm, with more than 10 cm in eight sides. All procedures were performed successfully. The mean operation time was 319 ± 87.6 min with 3 patients who simultaneously underwent intraoperative ureteroscopy. The mean length of ileal graft was 23.8 ± 5.8 cm. During the mean follow-up of 20.4 ± 12.8 months, one major complication, specifically incision infection, and four minor complications, including urinary infection (n = 3) and metabolic acidosis (n = 1), were observed. All patients presented symptom-free, with improved/stabilized hydronephrosis and no signs of restenosis.

CONCLUSION

Robotic or laparoscopic IUR is a feasible, safe, and effective surgical option for patients with long ureteral defects caused by multiple polyps.

The Whitaker test: a predictive tool for evaluating the surgical efficacy of upper urinary tract reconstruction in patients carrying a nephrostomy tube after surgery

PURPOSE

To explore the role of the Whitaker test in evaluating the postoperative outcome of upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery in patients carrying a nephrostomy tube after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study performed in 42 patients with nephrostomy tube undergoing the Whitaker test after upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery between January 2020 and December 2021. Data on clinical information, the Whitaker test and surgical procedure were collected prospectively, and the long-term follow-up results were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The 46 ureters of 42 patients (right 16, left 22, bilateral 4) underwent six common upper urinary tract surgical reconstruction procedures and one combined procedure, including pyeloplasty, ureteroureterostomy, lingual mucosal onlay graft, appendiceal onlay flap, ureteral reimplantation, Boari flap, and ipsilateral lingual mucosal onlay graft combined ureteral reimplantation. All patients underwent the Whitaker test successfully without any discomfort after examination. The postoperative Whitaker test showed 43 kidneys without obstruction and 3 kidneys with obstruction. At a median follow-up of 18 months (range 13-31), the follow-up results showed that the overall success rate of the surgery was 100% (46/46). Concerning the concordance Whitaker test and follow-up results, the observed proportion of agreement was 93.5% (43/46).

CONCLUSION

The Whitaker test can achieve similar consistency with the long-term follow-up results after upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery and can be used as a tool to evaluate the surgical efficacy of upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery, which can provide a prognostic efficacy evaluation for patients carrying a nephrostomy tube after surgery.

Robot-Assisted Ureteroplasty with Labial Mucosal Onlay Grafting for Long Left-Sided Proximal Ureteral Stenosis in Children and Adolescents: Technical Tips and Functional Outcomes

Purpose: To evaluate functional outcomes of robot-assisted ureteroplasty with labial mucosa grafting for long proximal ureteral stenosis (LPUS) in children and adolescents. Methods: Included in this study were 15 patients who underwent robot-assisted ureteroplasty with labial mucosal grafting in our center between July 2017 and September 2021. The left affected stenotic ureter was repaired using labial mucosal grafting. If the ureter was simply strictured but not obliterated, the ureter was spatulated longitudinally along the ventral side and the labial mucosa graft was interposed and anastomosed in a continuous manner. Faced with the obliterated segment, it was excised and the spatulated portion re-anastomosed with a pelvic flap as the dorsal wall. The labial mucosa graft was placed as the ventral wall. The preoperative clinical data and follow-up outcomes were collected and evaluated. Results: Labial mucosa graft onlay ureteroplasty was well performed in all the 15 patients with no occurrence of intraoperative complications or surgical conversion. Five patients underwent an onlay ureteroplasty, and 10 patients underwent a dorsally augmented pelvic flap anastomotic ureteroplasty. The mean (range) stricture length was 7.1 (3-10) cm. The mean operative time was 371.2 (216-480) minutes, and the median blood loss was 40 mL. At the median follow-up of 35 months (range 12-58 months), the overall success rate was 93.3%. Conclusions: Labial mucosa grafting appears to be safe and feasible for repairing long ureteral strictures in pediatric and adolescent patients. Our experience may provide beneficial references and conveniences to solve complex problems in LPUS. This study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant (ethics number: 2017-30).

Treating Multifocal Ureteral Strictures with Combined Techniques: 14 Cases of Initial Experience

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU) combined with ureteral reimplantation (UR) for repairing managing multifocal ureteral strictures (MUS). Methods: Between December 2020 and December 2022, 14 patients underwent LMGU combined with UR. Their perioperative data were collected retrospectively and analyzed. For the proximal diseased ureter, the narrow segment was incised longitudinally to open the ventral wall of ureter, and a lingual mucosal graft was placed as an onlay graft. Meanwhile, UR was applied to treat distal ureteral strictures. Results: Of 14 patients, three (21.4%) had previously undergone a failed ureteral reconstruction. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) proximal stricture length was 4.0 cm (1.56), and distal ureteral stricture length was 4.3 cm (0.94). The mean (SD) operative time was 236 minutes (57), the estimated blood loss was 78 mL (41.5), and the length of postoperative stay was 6 days. One (7%) patient underwent double LMGU to treat proximal 2 segments of ureteral stricture. No open conversions and intraoperative complications occurred. With a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 6-29), the recurrence-free rate was 14/14 (100%). Conclusions: LMGU combined with UR is a feasible and effective technique for managing MUS and can be an alternative to ileal ureteral replacement or renal autotransplantation in some selected patients with MUS.

[Update on ureteral reconstruction 2024]

Ureteral strictures can occur along the entire course of the ureter and have many different causes. Factors involved in the development include, among other things, congenital anomalies, iatrogenic injuries during endoscopic as well as open or minimally invasive visceral surgical, gynecological, and urological procedures as well as prior radiation therapy. Planning treatment for ureteral strictures requires a detailed assessment of stricture and patient characteristics. Given the various options for ureteral reconstruction, various methods must be considered for each patient. Short-segment proximal strictures and strictures at the pyeloureteral junction are typically surgically managed with Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty. End-to-end anastomosis can be performed for short-segment proximal and middle ureteral strictures. Distal strictures are treated with ureteroneocystostomy and are often combined with a Boari and/or Psoas Hitch flap. Particularly, the treatment of long-segment strictures in the proximal and middle ureter remain a surgical challenge. The use of bowel interposition is an established treatment option for this, offering good functional results but also potential associated complications. Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly becoming a minimally invasive treatment alternative to reduce hospital stays and optimize postoperative recovery. However, open surgical ureteral reconstruction remains an established procedure, especially after multiple previous abdominal operations.

Metal ureteral stents for ureteral stricture: 2 years of experience with 246 cases

BACKGROUND

Metal ureteral stents (MUS) has gained popularity as an endoscopic treatment alternative for the management of ureteral strictures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of MUS for treating ureteral strictures and to identify any factors that could influence the success of this intervention.

METHODS

This study is a prospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of MUS for treating ureteral strictures in a single-center setting. The study enrolled 246 patients who had been diagnosed with ureteral strictures and had undergone MUS placement between January 2019 and July 2021. The patients were followed-up for a duration of 2 years.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of MUS placement was 71.7%. Furthermore, the success rate of ureteral strictures after kidney transplantation (78.2%) was significantly higher than common ureteral strictures (73.0%) or recurrent ureteral strictures (67.6%). Additionally, postsurgery, there was a considerable reduction in hydronephrosis volume (68.9±96.1 vs. 32.1±48.8 cm 3 ), blood creatinine level (103.7±49.8 vs. 94.4±47.5 mol/l) and urea nitrogen level (6.7±7.2 vs. 5.1±2.4 mmol/l). The study also reported that the rate of adverse events associated with MUS was relatively low, included hematuria (7.9%), pain (6.8%), urinary tract infection (6.4%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

MUS appear to be a safe and effective treatment option for ureteral strictures, with a high success rate and low complication rate. These results have important implications for the management of ureteral strictures and can help guide clinical decision-making in the selection of treatment options.

Robotic urologic surgery using the KangDuo-Surgical Robot-01 system: A single-center prospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The KangDuo-Surgical Robot-01 (KD-SR-01) system is a new surgical robot recently developed in China. The aim of this study was to present our single-center experience and mid-term outcomes of urological procedures using the KD-SR-01 system.

METHODS

From August 2020 to April 2023, consecutive urologic procedures were performed at Peking University First Hospital using the KD-SR-01 system. The clinical features, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 110 consecutive patients were recruited. Among these patients, 28 underwent partial nephrectomy (PN), 41 underwent urinary tract reconstruction (26 underwent pyeloplasty, 3 underwent ureteral reconstruction and 12 underwent ureterovesical reimplantation [UR]), and 41 underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). The median operative time for PN was 112.5 min, 157.0 min for pyeloplasty, 151.0 min for ureteral reconstruction, 142.5 min for UR, and 138.0 min for RP. The median intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL for PN, 10 mL for pyeloplasty, 30 mL for ureteral reconstruction, 20 mL for UR, and 50 mL for RP. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion, and there were no major complications in any patient. The median warm ischemia time of PN was 17.3 min, and positive surgical margin was not noted in any patient. The overall positive surgical margin rate of RP was 39% (16/41), and no biochemical recurrence was observed in any RP patient during the median follow-up of 11.0 months. The surgical success rates of pyeloplasty and UR were 96% (25/26) and 92% (11/12) during the median follow-up of 29.5 months and 11.5 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The KD-SR-01 system appears feasible, safe, and effective for most urological procedures, based on our single-center experience.

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-assisted Unilateral or Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treatment of Ureteral Strictures: Technique and Outcomes from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Few studies on totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement (RA-IUR) have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To report our technique and the outcomes of totally intracorporeal RA-IUR for unilateral or bilateral ureteral reconstruction, involving performing cystoplasty simultaneously.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen patients underwent totally intracorporeal RA-IUR from April 2021 to July 2022 at a single center. The perioperative variables were prospectively collected, and the outcomes were assessed.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

The surgical procedure included dissection of the proximal end of the ureteral stricture or renal pelvis, harvesting of the ileal ureter, rebuilding of intestinal continuity, upper anastomosis of the ileum to the renal pelvis or the ureteral end, and lower anastomosis of the ileum to the bladder. All operations were performed intracorporeally.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient demographics and perioperative results were prospectively collected and analyzed for perioperative complications and success rates. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

All patients successfully underwent totally intracorporeal RA-IUR without open conversion. Seven patients received unilateral RA-IUR and eight received bilateral RA-IUR. The mean (range) length of the harvested ileal segment was 28.3 (15-40) cm, the operative duration was 261.8 (183-381) min, the estimated blood loss was 64.7 (30-100) ml, and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 10.5 (7-17) d. At a median (range) follow-up of 14 (8-22) mo, the subjective and functional success rates were 100% and 86.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that totally intracorporeal unilateral or bilateral RA-IUR (even with ileocystoplasty) can be performed safely and efficiently with acceptable minor complications and a high success rate.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study indicates that totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement surgery is safe and feasible for ureteral reconstruction, even with ileocystoplasty. The postoperative complications are acceptable. At a median follow-up of 14 (8-22) mo, the subjective and functional success rates were 100% and 86.7%, respectively.

Robotic-assisted double lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for multifocal ureteral strictures: Case report and technical description

BACKGROUND

Ureteroplasty with a single onlay graft for proximal ureter stricture has been widely used in the clinic. However, robotic ureteroplasty with a double lingual mucosal graft (RU-DLMG) has not been reported.

METHODS

The intraoperative measured ureteral stricture lengths of patient 1 were 1.8, 2.5, and 4.6 cm, and those of patient 2 were 2.5 and 3.5 cm. We performed a RU-DLMG in which the diseased ureter was incised longitudinally from the ventral side and repaired with a double lingual mucosal graft to widen the ureteral lumen. Because of the presence of a distal ureter stricture, RU-DLMG combined with ureteral reimplantation was performed in patient 1.

RESULTS

Antegrade urography showed no obstruction of the reconstructed ureteral segment after removing the ureteral stent. The patients had no complaints about the donor site and flank pain during the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

RU-DLMG appears to be a suitable option for multifocal ureteral strictures.

Four-dimensional hydrogel dressing adaptable to the urethral microenvironment for scarless urethral reconstruction

The harsh urethral microenvironment (UME) after trauma severely hinders the current hydrogel-based urethral repair. In fact, four-dimensional (4D) consideration to mimic time-dependent physiological processes is essential for scarless urethral reconstruction, which requires balancing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling at different healing stages. In this study, we develop a UME-adaptable 4D hydrogel dressing to sequentially provide an early-vascularized microenvironment and later-antifibrogenic microenvironment for scarless urethral reconstruction. With the combination of dynamic boronic ester crosslinking and covalent photopolymerization, the resultant gelatin methacryloyl phenylboronic acid/cis-diol-crosslinked (GMPD) hydrogels exhibit mussel-mimetic viscoelasticity, satisfactory adhesion, and acid-reinforced stability, which can adapt to harsh UME. In addition, a temporally on-demand regulatory (TOR) technical platform is introduced into GMPD hydrogels to create a time-dependent 4D microenvironment. As a result, physiological urethral recovery is successfully mimicked by means of an early-vascularized microenvironment to promote wound healing by activating the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, as well as a later-antifibrogenic microenvironment to prevent hypertrophic scar formation by timing transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway inhibition. Both in vitro molecular mechanisms of the physiological healing process and in vivo scarless urethral reconstruction in a rabbit model are effectively verified, providing a promising alternative for urethral injury treatment.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction for benign ureteral strictures: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes : Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Ureteral Strictures

INTRODUCTION

Robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) has been widely used to treat ureteral diseases. To summarize the surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes following RUR, as well as to compare data on RUR with open and laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction.

METHODS

Our systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42022309364) database. The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for publications in English on 06-Feb-2022. Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised cohort studies with sample size ≥ 10 cases were included.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were included involving 996 patients and 1004 ureters from 13 non-comparative, and 10 retrospective comparative studies. No RCT study of RUR was reported. The success rate was reported ≥ 90% in 15 studies. Four studies reported 85-90% success rate. Meta-analyses for comparative studies showed that RUR had significantly lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (P = 0.006) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (P < 0.001) than the open approach. RUR had shorter operative time than laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RUR is associated with lower EBL and shorter LOS than the open approach, and shorter operative time than the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of benign ureteral strictures. However, further studies and more evidence are needed to determine whether RUR is more superior.

Oral mucosal graft ureteroplasty versus ileal ureteric replacement: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To describe outcomes of oral mucosal graft ureteroplasty (OMGU) and ileal ureter replacement (IUR) and determine the relative merits of both procedures.

METHODS

Databases (including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane) were interrogated for eligible trials that assessed outcomes of OMGU or IUR from 2000 to 30 July 2022. The variables analysed were reconstruction success rates, stricture length, hospital stays, perioperative complications and long-term complications.

RESULTS

A total of 23 single-arm studies were included. The pooled reconstruction success rates for OMGU and IUR were 94.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.0%-97.7%) and 85.8% (95% CI 81.0%-90.0%), respectively. Stricture length of patients in the OMGU and IUR groups were 3.73 (95% CI 3.17-4.28) and 11.55 (95% CI 9.82-13.29) cm, respectively. The maximal stricture length repaired by OMGU was 8 cm. The hospital stays were 5.85 (95% CI 3.88-7.82) and 11.55 (95% CI 6.93-16.17) days in the OMGU and IUR groups, respectively. The incidences of low-grade postoperative complications were 13.6% (95% CI 6.9%-20.3%) and 27.3% (95% CI 19.5%-35.1%), high-grade postoperative complications were 4.6% (95% CI 1.8I-8.5%) and 13.0% (95% CI 9.4%-17.1%), and long-term complications (occurred at > 3months) were 9.0% (95% CI 1.7%-20.0%) and 35.4% (95% CI 25.8%-45.6%) in the OMGU and IUR groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

An OMGU is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe alternative to IUR for the management of long ureteric strictures. OMGU was the preferred treatment for long ureteric strictures, especially obstructed ureter segments of ≤8 cm.

Robotic versus laparoscopic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosa graft for complex ureteral stricture

PURPOSE

Ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosa graft (LMG) for complex ureteral stricture was reported promising. We aimed to compare outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic ureteroplasty using a LMG (RU-LMG vs. LU-LMG, respectively).

METHODS

From October 2018 to January 2021, 32 ureteroplasties using LMGs were performed by one experienced surgeon, including 16 robotic and laparoscopic procedures each. Patient demographics and peri-operative, post-operative, and follow-up data were prospectively collected and compared.

RESULTS

The robotic group had a higher rate of previous reconstruction than the laparoscopic group (62.50% vs. 18.75%; p = 0.012). The stricture length was significantly longer in the robotic group (4.8 ± 1.2 cm) than the laparoscopic group (3.7 ± 1.2 cm; p = 0.013). All procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. The operative time was shorter in the robotic group (192 ± 54 min) than the laparoscopic group (254 ± 46 min; p = 0.001). The robotic group had a shorter length of post-operative stay (6.1 ± 2.4 d vs. 8.9 ± 4.3 d; p = 0.033) but a higher hospital cost (76,801 ± 17,974 vs. 42,214 ± 15,757 RMB; p < 0.001) than the laparoscopic group. The mean follow-up time was 21 ± 7 months for the robotic group and 29 ± 9 months for the laparoscopic group respectively (p = 0.014). No difference was detected in the success rate (93.75% and 100%, respectively; p = 0.309) and complication rate (18.75% and 31.25%, respectively; p = 0.414) between the robotic and laparoscopic groups.

CONCLUSION

Both RU-LMG and LU-LMG are feasible, effective, and safe for repair of complex ureteral strictures. RU-LMG had a shorter operative time and a shorter length of post-operative stay but a higher hospital cost.

An experimental study of magnetic compression technique for ureterovesical anastomosis in rabbits

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of the magnetic compression technique (MCT) for ureterovesical anastomosis in a rabbit model with ureteral obstruction. The distal ureteral obstruction model using female New Zealand rabbits was induced by ligating the distal end of the right ureter with silk thread for four weeks. A pair of cylindrical NdFeB magnets (daughter magnet and parent magnet) with a hole in the center was used for the ureterovesical anastomosis. The daughter magnet and the parent magnet were respectively placed close to the obstruction site through the dilated proximal ureter and urethra, and then the daughter-parent magnets pair was attracted together automatically. Postoperative X-rays were taken to confirm the position of the magnets. The anastomotic stoma specimens were obtained two weeks postoperatively, and the anastomotic stoma formation was observed by the naked eye and histological staining. The operation time and the anastomotic burst pressure were measured. The ureter was significantly dilated in the fourth week after ligation, which satisfied the placement of the daughter magnet. The ureterovesical magnet placements were successfully performed in ten experimental rabbits, with an operation time of 36.5 ± 6.09 min. The parent and daughter magnets attracted each other well and were subsequently removed through the urethra two weeks postoperatively, resulting in the establishment of ureterovesical anastomosis. The anastomotic burst pressure was 147.5 ± 14.59 mmHg. Gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomotic stoma showed that the anastomotic stoma healed well. MCT is feasible and simple for ureterovesical anastomosis.

Dorsal oral mucosa graft urethroplasty for female urethral stricture reconstruction: A narrative review

Female urethral stricture is currently a challenging situation. In general, urethra dilatation can be selected for treatment, but the complications and high recurrence rate urge doctors to consider other treatments. Recently, dorsal oral mucosa graft urethroplasty is concerned by more and more surgeons, but there are not enough reports so far. A comprehensive search of dorsal oral mucosa graft urethroplasty was performed. According to the existing literature, there are applications of buccal mucosa and lingual mucosa, and compared with other kinds of grafts, the success rate is higher. However, there is a lack of multicenter, large sample and long follow-up studies. And there is still no enough comparative study between different types of oral mucosa. In summary, dorsal oral mucosa graft urethroplasty is an effective option for the management of female urethral stricture. More multicenter and large sample studies with long-term follow-up data are needed.

Analysis of the efficacy and risk factors of surgical treatment of recurrent UPJO in adults

BACKGROUND

To compare the efficacy of secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilation and to analyze the risk factors for secondary surgical failure in patients with recurrent uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 65 patients with recurrent UPJO who underwent secondary surgery between September 2011 and March 2019, of whom 33 had complete baseline data and follow-up data. General clinical information, perioperative data, and follow-up results were collected from patients. Risk factors for surgical failure in patients with recurrent UPJO were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The failure rates of secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilation in secondary surgery were 16.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that ureteral stenosis length and operative time were associated with secondary pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation failure (p < 0.05), and ureteral stenosis length was an independent risk factor for secondary pyeloplasty failure (OR = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.006-0.864, p = 0.038). In the balloon dilation group, treatment failure rates were significantly lower in patients with stenotic segment lengths less than 1 ± 0.32 cm than in patients with stenotic segment lengths greater than 1 ± 0.32 cm (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary pyeloplasty may provide better benefit. Ureteral stricture length is an independent risk factor for failure of secondary pyeloplasty and a potential risk factor for balloon dilatation. Operation time is a potential risk factor for pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation.

[Trends in upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery over a decade based on a multi-center database]

OBJECTIVE

To study the trend of surgical type, surgical procedure and etiological distribution of upper urinary tract repair in recent 10 years.

METHODS

The preoperative and perioperative variables and follow-up data of upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery in RECUTTER (Reconstruction of Urinary Tract: Technology, Epidemiology and Result) database from 2010 to 2021 were searched, collected and analyzed. The surgical type, surgical procedure, duration of hospitalization, time of operation, incidence of short-term complications, and proportion of the patients undergoing reoperations were compared between the two groups of 2010-2017 period and 2018-2021 period.

RESULTS

A total of 1 072 patients were included in the RECUTTER database. Congenital factors and iatrogenic injuries were the main causes of upper urinary tract repair. Among them, 129 (12.0%) patients had open operation, 403 (37.6%) patients had laparoscopic surgery, 322 (30.0%) patients had robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery and 218 (20.3%) patients had endourological procedure. In the last decade, the total number of surgeries showed a noticeable increasing annual trend and the proportion of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in 2018-2021 was significantly higher than that in 2010-2017 (P < 0.001). The 1 072 patients included 124 (11.6%) cases of ileal ureter replacements, 440 (41.1%) cases of pyeloplasty, 229 (21.4%) cases of balloon dilation, 109 (10.2%) cases of ureteral reimplantation, 49 (4.6%) cases of boari flap-Psoas hitch surgery, 60 (5.6%) cases of uretero-ureteral anastomosis, 61 (5.7%) cases of lingual mucosal onlay graft ureteroplasty or appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty. Pyeloplasty and balloon dilatation had been the main types of surgery, while the proportion of lingual mucosal onlay graft ureteroplasty plus appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty had increased significantly in recent years (P < 0.05). In addition, the time of operation was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 2018, which was considered to be related to the sharp increase in the proportion of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. We found that minimally invasive surgery (endourological procedure and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery) as an independent risk factor (P=0.050, OR=0.472) could reduce the incidence of short-term post-operative complications.

CONCLUSION

We have justified the value of the RECUTTER database, created by the Institute of Urology, Peking University in data support for clinical research work, and provided valuable experience for the construction of other multi-center databases at home and abroad. In recent 10 years, we have observed that, in upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery, the surgery type tends to be minimally invasive and the surgery procedure tends to be complicated, suggesting the superiority of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

Lingual Mucosal Graft Ureteroplasty for Long Proximal Ureteral Stricture: 6 Years of Experience with 41 Cases

BACKGROUND

Management of a long proximal ureteral stricture is challenging. Lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU) is a novel minimally invasive technique for ureteral reconstruction that avoids the morbidity of bowel interposition or autotransplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of LMGU for managing long, complex proximal ureteral strictures in a multi-institutional cohort of patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective study involved data for 41 patients treated with LMGU at three centers between June 2015 and January 2021.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

LMGU was performed using either an onlay ureteroplasty in which the diseased ureter was incised ventrally and repaired with a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) to widen the ureteral lumen, or an augmented anastomotic technique in which the obliterated segment of the ureter was excised and reanastomosed primarily on dorsal side, and an LMG was placed on the ventral side.

MEASUREMENTS

Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables and outcomes were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 41patients, 40 were operated with laparoscopic procedures and one with a robot. Twenty-four (59%) patients underwent an onlay ureteroplasty, and 17 (41%) underwent an augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty. The reconstructed ureter was wrapped with omentum in 90% of cases. The median (range) stricture length was 4.8 cm (2.0-8.0), operative time was 166 min (98-306), and estimated blood loss was 65 ml (15-220). No open conversions and intraoperative complications occurred. At a median follow-up of 35 mo (range 13-80), the overall success rate was 97.6% (40/41).

CONCLUSIONS

LMGU is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term technique for managing long, complex proximal ureteral strictures.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reported a novel technique for long proximal complex ureteral strictures using an onlay lingual mucosal graft (LMG). Our 6-yr outcomes demonstrate that onlay LMG ureteroplasty is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term procedure for ureteral reconstruction.