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

Minimally invasive versus open ileal ureter with ileocystoplasty: comparative outcomes and 5-year experience

PURPOSE

To present the experience of ileal ureter with ileocystoplasty (IUC), and compare the outcomes of IUC in minimally invasive procedures to open procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2017 to April 2023, twenty patients underwent IUC in open or minimally invasive (including laparoscopic and robotic) procedures. The baseline characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were collected. Success was defined as relief of clinical symptoms, stable postoperative serum creatine and absence of radiographic obstruction. The perioperative and follow-up outcomes of open procedures and minimally invasive procedures were compared.

RESULTS

The etiology included pelvic irradiation (14/20), urinary tuberculosis (3/20) and surgical injury (3/20). Bilateral ureter strictures were repaired in 15 cases. The surgeries conducted consisted of open procedures in 9 patients and minimally invasive procedures in 11 patients. Compared to open procedures, minimally invasive surgeries had less median estimated blood loss (EBL) (100 ml vs. 300 min, p = 0.010) and shorter postoperative hospitalization (27 d vs. 13 d, p = 0.004). Two patients in the open group experienced grade 3 complications (sigmoid fistula and acute cholecystitis in one patient, and pulmonary embolism in another patient). Over a median follow-up period of 20.1 months, the median bladder functional capacity was 300 ml, with a 100% success rate of IUC.

CONCLUSION

IUC is feasible in both open and minimally invasive procedures, with acceptable complications and a high success rate. Minimally invasive procedures can have less EBL and shorter postoperative hospitalization than open procedure. However, prospective studies with larger groups and longer follow-up are needed.

Bilateral long ureteral strictures were successfully replaced by ileum in inverse seven configuration: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Ureteral stricture is a potential postoperative complication of pelvic surgery. Repair is performed in the intraoperative or postoperative phase for various reasons. Ileal reconstruction of ureter is considered for extensive and bilateral ureteral injuries.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 44-year-old female presented to the hospital where she had undergone hysterectomy two months prior, with acute renal failure due to bilateral hydronephrosis. Radiological examination revealed bilateral distal ureteral stricture measuring 5 cm in length. After failed balloon-dilation, ileal reconstruction was successfully performed without perioperative complications; and she has remained free from hydronephrosis with normal renal function for four years.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Ileal interposition can be used for reconstruction of long lengths or bilateral ureteral injuries. High success rates and low rates of complication have been reported, and the long-term outcome was also acceptable. Apparent ureteral injury was not observed in our case; however, narrowing of ureteral lumen due to submucosal and sub-adventitial edema was observed as a possible cause of strictures. Although, some minor occult injuries during hysterectomy, including thermal effect, ischemia or physical damage due to traction on the ureters were suggested, we were unable to conclusively determine the etiology.

CONCLUSION

Ileal ureter replacement is a useful reconstruction, and the inverse seven configuration is suitable for long bilateral strictures of distal ureter.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement With Extracorporeal Ileal Segment Preparation for Bilateral Extensive Ureteral Strictures: The Initial Experience

OBJECTIVE

To present our initial experience and evaluate perioperative, and follow-up outcomes following the novel technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral ileal ureter replacement (IUR) with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation for bilateral extensive ureteral strictures (BEUS).

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 4 consecutive patients with BEUS undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral IUR with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation between June 2021 and October 2021. A 4-arm technique was used. The demographic characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes as well as the description of surgical technique were reported.

RESULTS

All the patients had BEUS, and the length of strictures was over 10.ßcm in both sides. All procedures were performed effectively with a median operative time of 312.5.ßminutes (range 227-433) and a median estimated blood loss of 75.ßmL (range 50-200). In one patient, additional partial small bowel resection procedure was performed. No case was converted to open surgery. The median length of the ileal graft was 29.ßcm (range 15-32). The median postoperative hospitalization was 10 days (range 6-13). Two patients developed metabolic acidosis, and no major complications during the perioperative and follow-up period were reported. All patients presented symptom-free, with no signs of restenosis and improved/stabilized hydronephrosis, during the median follow-up of 12 months (range 12-15).

CONCLUSION

We present the details and initial experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral IUR with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation. According to the median follow-up of 12 months, this minimally invasive procedure is a safe, feasible, and effective approach in the management of BEUS.

The Clinical Study of Bladder Flap Ureteroplasty (Psoas Hitch) in the Treatment of Lower Ureteral Injuries and Strictures (19 Cases)

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bladder flap ureteroplasty (psoas hitch) in the treatment of lower ureteral injuries and strictures.

Methods

19 patients with lower ureteral injuries and strictures scheduled for a bladder flap ureteroplasty (psoas hitch) in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were recruited. The outcome measures included treatment efficacy and safety.

Results

The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, catheter extubation time, hospital stay, extubation time of ureteral stent, and follow-up time were (125.36 ± 15.38) min, (75.37 ± 11.09) ml, (7.25 ± 1.04) d, (8.76 ± 1.11) d, (46.34 ± 7.66) d, and(19.27 ± 1.27) months, respectively. No serious perioperative adverse reactions were observed, and all the symptoms of patients were relieved.

Conclusion

Bladder flap ureteroplasty (psoas hitch) is safe and effective for the treatment of lower ureteral injuries, with advantages such as less intraoperative bleeding and trauma and rapid recovery, so it is worthy of promotion. This was a retrospective study supervised by the Ethics Committee of Hebei Yanda Hospital.This trial is registered with no. hebYD076.

Bilateral ileal ureter substitution for patients with ureteral strictures secondary to gynecological tumors radiotherapy: a multi-center retrospective study

Background

The selection of treatment for bilateral ureteral strictures caused by radiotherapy in patients with gynecological tumors often brings great challenges to urologists. This study was designed to analyze the characteristics of radiation-induced ureteral strictures and summarize the surgical experience of bilateral ileal ureter substitution.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the medical records of 18 patients between June 2010 and June 2019 who had a radiation-induced bilateral ureteral strictures. Time interval from radiotherapy to the discovery of ureteral stricture was categorized into short-term (less than 12 months) and long-term (over 12 months) groups. All patients received reverse “7” bilateral ileal ureteral substitution. Surgical success was defined as no restenosis, relief of symptoms, and improved/stabilized hydronephrosis.

Results

The patients had been suffered from ureteral stricture for a median of 12 [2–106] months. The mean length of the left and right ureteral stricture was 9.6±2.6 and 8.8±3.2 cm, respectively. The mean length of the ileal graft was 29.1±7.4 cm. The mean operative time was 308.4±70.2 min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 254.7±166.2 mL. The postoperative hospital stays in the short-term group was significantly shorter than that in the long-term group (14.0 vs. 20.6 days, P=0.049). During a median follow-up time of 24.1 (4.5–71.9) months, the success rate was 94.4%. Eight minor complications and two major complications occurred in 7 patients.

Conclusions

Bilateral ileal ureter substitution can be an effective strategy for radiation-induced ureteral stricture in patients with gynecological tumors.

Ureteral reconstruction for complex strictures: a review of the current literature

PURPOSE

Frequently employed procedures for ureteral reconstruction include balloon dilation, pyeloplasty and ureteral re-implants. However, these procedures do not work for complex ureteral disease. The goal of this literature review is to report on techniques and success rates for the following techniques: buccal graft ureteroplasty, appendiceal interposition, transureteroureterostomy, ileal ureter and autotransplantation.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search for English-language original and review articles was conducted using PubMed. The following terms were queried: "ureteral reconstruction", "buccal graft", "appendiceal interposition", "ileal ureter", "transureteroureterostomy", "autotransplantation".

RESULTS

Procedures involving the buccal mucosa or appendix offer minimally invasive techniques and low morbidity with good short-term success. Drawbacks to appendiceal interposition include the availability and length of appendix, and 10-20% of patients may have insufficient appendix upon intra-operative assessment. Transureteroureterostomy is typically limited to extensive exonerations due to concerns of injury to the contralateral kidney, even with reported success rates > 90%. Ileal ureter may carry a risk of metabolic acidosis in patients with renal insufficiency along with bowel-related complications. Ileal ureter and autotransplantation are reserved for the most severe cases due to their high morbidity but do offer options for the complex patient.

CONCLUSION

Ureteral stricture disease not amenable to pyeloplasty, ureteroureterostomy or ureteroneocystostomy offers a challenge to urologist. Careful patient selection with pre-operative assessment of renal and bladder is vital to a successful operation with minimal complications.

Long-term Outcome of Yang-Monti Ileal Replacement of the Ureter: A Technique Suitable for Mild, Moderate Loss of Kidney Function and Solitary Kidney

OBJECTIVE

To present long-term outcome of Yang-Monti ileal ureter, with a focus on patients with mild/moderate loss of kidney function and solitary kidney.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2001 and December 2019, Yang-Monti ileal ureter was performed on 36 patients with ureteric defects and median age 46.5 years. Of these, 4, 14, 15 and 3 patients had stage 1, stage 2, stage 3a and stage 4a chronic kidney disease, respectively; 6 had solitary kidney. Patients were regularly followed for complications, morphological, and functional outcome.

RESULTS

Ureteric stricture etiology was iatrogenic (16), Bilharzial (7), tuberculous (4), retroperitoneal fibrosis (5), malignancy (3), and gunshot injury (1). The median (range) ureteric defect length was 11 (8-16) cm. Four grade 1/2 postoperative Clavien-Dindo complications were noted. Median follow-up was 68 months (range 12-215). Intestinal obstruction developed in 1 patient and urinary tract infection in 10. At last follow-up, serum creatinine, split renographic clearance, and estimated glomerular filtration rate showed significant improvement compared to preoperative values, in the whole series, in cases with chronic kidney disease (stages 2, 3a and 3b) and solitary kidney. Four cases with chronic kidney disease (stage 3) showed deterioration of the kidney function parameters. Magnetic resonance urography showed improvement of hydronephrosis in most patients. No metabolic complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Yang-Monti Ileal ureter is durable and effective in improving kidney function with few complications. It can be safely used in cases of mild/moderate kidney function loss and solitary kidney. A threshold eGFR <40 mL/min/1.73 m² is considered relative contraindication.

Laparoscopic "reverse 7" ileal ureteral replacement for bilateral extensive ureteral strictures performed completely intracorporeally: the initial experience

PURPOSE

To present our initial experience and evaluate the feasibility of the novel technique of completely intracorporeal laparoscopic "reverse 7" ileal ureteral replacement (IUR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2018 and September 2019, two patients underwent completely intracorporeal laparoscopic "reverse 7" IUR, which were female patients with bilateral extensive ureteral strictures (BEUS) secondary to radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical cancer and postoperative radiotherapy. Antegrade pyelography and retrograde pyelography showed BEUS preoperatively.

RESULTS

The novel technique was performed successfully by the same surgeon without conversion to open surgery. The operating time of each patient was 420 min and 410 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the estimated blood loss of each patient was 120 ml and 100 ml, respectively. There were no major complications during the perioperative period. After ureteral stent was removed, antegrade pyelography postoperatively revealed excellent drainage with the resolution of hydronephrosis in both patients. After removing of ureteral stent and nephrostomy tube, no patients have a complaint about the donor site or the onset of flank pain.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, we present the initial experience with completely intracorporeal laparoscopic "reverse 7" IUR. With initial follow-up outcomes, this novel minimally invasive technique appears to be feasible and efficacious in treating BEUS in carefully selected patients.

Ileal ureter replacement: Early morbidity and long-term results

INTRODUCTION

Ileal ureter is a technique that consists of replacing the ureter by a segment of ileum to treat a long ureteric lesion or a lesion involving the lumbar ureter. The primary objective of our study was to assess the early perioperative morbidity of ileal ureter according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The secondary objectives were to assess the morbidity and the medium- and long-term outcome of renal function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-centre retrospective study, collecting data from patients operated between February 2005 and October 2019. All patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement surgery in our unit were included in this analysis. The ureteric defect was longer than five centimetres and involved the pelvic and/or iliac and/or lumbar ureter. All ileal ureter replacements were performed by open surgery using isoperistaltic ileal grafts.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (11 women and 10 men) underwent total or subtotal, unilateral or bilateral ileal ureter replacement, corresponding to 25 kidneys. The grade III early postoperative complication rate was 9.5% (two cases) mainly consisting of bleeding. No grade IV or V complications were observed. With a mean follow-up of 85 months, long-term morbidity essentially consisted of infectious complications. No patients developed anastomotic strictures. Mean serum creatinine was 116.3μmol/L preoperatively, 105.6μmol/L one month postoperatively and 112.2μmol/L at last follow-up. Renal function was generally preserved or even improved, except for patients with preoperative renal failure.

CONCLUSION

Ileal ureter replacement is a surgical alternative associated with low morbidity and satisfactory long-term functional results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Bilateral ureteral replacement using ileum in bilateral refractory ureteral stricture with renal insufficiency: a case report and review of literature

Although several studies have reported the efficacy and safety of ileal ureter in refractory ureteral strictures, reports on its long-term outcomes are still insufficient. In this case report, we present an excellent long-term outcome over three years without complication of bilateral ureteral replacement with ileum using ‘7’ shaped configuration in a woman after undergoing radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy who had renal insufficiency due to ureteral stricture. This study gave us a useful information about the feasibility and safety of bilateral ileal ureter in patients with ureteral strictures and renal insufficiency.

Intestinal interposition for complex ureteral reconstruction: A comprehensive review

Long ureteral defects have remained a challenge to urologists for a long time. Bowel interposition, including ileal ureter, appendiceal interposition and reconfigured colon substitution, has gained wide acceptance, even though it is a complicated procedure and associated with some potential complications. Mucus obstruction and metabolic disorders are common complications of intestinal substitution. To circumvent these troubles, modified techniques, such as tapering the bowel graft, intestinal onlay flap and the Yang-Monti procedure, are used. In particular, Yang-Monti ileal ureter replacement is a highly effective option for ureteral reconstruction, and the incidence of complications would be significantly reduced in select patients. After being combined with the Boari flap or psoas hitch technique, the length of intestinal segment used can also be significantly reduced. Most recent long-term results suggest that ileal ureter replacement with antireflux anastomosis seems to be remarkably free of complications, and we highly praise the distal nipple valve technique. Appendiceal interposition is available for patients with normal appendix, and usually this procedure is limited to reconstructing the right ureter. Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty has emerged as a feasible and effective option to manage patients with complex proximal and mid-ureteral strictures of the right side. The colon is rarely used for ureteral reconstruction because of its large caliber and mucous surface area. However, a reconfigured colon segment is a good substitute to reconstruct long-segment ureteral defects, and long-term follow up confirmed minimal complications and improved renal function. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on complex ureteral reconstruction and replacement using intestinal segments, in particular, ileal ureter replacement.