Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures: treatment with Palmaz permanent indwelling stents

Complications of Ileal Conduits after Radical Cystectomy: Interventional Radiologic Management

Since their introduction into clinical practice in the 1950s, ileal conduits have been the most common type of urinary diversion used after radical cystectomy worldwide. Although ileal conduits are technically simpler to construct than other forms of urinary diversion, a variety of complications can occur in the early and late postoperative periods. Early complications include urine leakage, urinary obstruction, postoperative fluid collection (eg, urinoma, hematoma, lymphocele, or abscess), and fistula formation. Late complications include ureteroileal anastomotic stricture, stomal stenosis, conduit stenosis, and urolithiasis. Although not directly related to ileal conduits, ureteroarterial fistula can occur in patients with an ileal conduit. Interventional radiologists can play a pivotal role in diagnosis and management of these complications by performing image-guided minimally invasive procedures. In this article, the authors review the surgical anatomy of an ileal conduit and the underlying pathophysiology of and diagnostic workup for complications related to ileal conduits. The authors also discuss and illustrate current approaches to interventional radiologic management of these complications, with emphasis on a collaborative approach with urologists or endourologists to best preserve patients' renal function and maintain their quality of life. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Getting out of a tight spot: an overview of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture is a well-known complication of urinary diversion and is associated with serious sequelae that lead to total or partial loss of kidney function, infectious complications, and the need for additional procedures. Although the exact aetiology of benign ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures is unclear, they most likely occur secondary to ischaemia at the anastomotic region. Diagnosis can be achieved using retrograde contrast studies, CT scan or MAG3 renography. Open revision remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures; however, endourological techniques are being increasingly used and, in select patients, might be the optimal approach.

Application of Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Ureteroileal Anastomotic Strictures: Long-Term Results

PURPOSE

We report our long-term experience with the management of benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures using self-expandable metal stents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 16 male and 2 female patients with a mean+/-SD age of 72+/-7 years (range 66 to 78) with benign fibrotic strictures at the site of ureteroileal anastomosis underwent implantation of self-expandable metal stents with a nominal diameter of 6 to 8 mm. A total of 24 ureteroileal conduits were treated. The external nephrostomy tubes were removed after fluoroscopic validation of ureteral patency. Patients were followed with blood biochemistry, ultrasonography, urography and/or virtual endoscopy. Retrograde external-internal catheter insertion through the cutaneous stoma was performed in cases of recalcitrant stricture.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of ureteroileal stricture crossing and stenting was 100% (24 of 24 cases). Mean followup was 21 months (range 7 to 50). The clinical success rate during the immediate post-stenting period was 70.8% (17 of 24 cases). The 1 and 4-year primary patency rates were 37.8% and 22.7%, respectively. Secondary interventions included repeat balloon dilation in 15 ureters, of which 8 also underwent subsequent coaxial stent placement. The 1 and 4-year secondary patency rates were 64.8% and 56.7%, respectively. Except in 2 patients who died external-internal Double-J catheters continued to be inserted retrograde in 6 ureteroileal conduits. They are periodically exchanged to prevent mucous inspissation and stent encrustation.

CONCLUSIONS

Metal stents served as the definitive treatment for stricture in more than half of the cases, whereas in the remainder the stents allowed the uncomplicated and regular exchange of Double-J catheters in retrograde fashion. This combined, less invasive treatment for ureteroileal anastomotic strictures may help patients avoid surgical revision and preserve quality of life.

Case Report: Urothelial Hyperplasia Causing Recurrent Obstruction after Ureteral Metal Stent Placement in Treatment of Ureteroenteric Anastomotic Stricture

Initial experience utilizing metal stents in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures has yielded promising results. However, the long-term efficacy of metal stent placement remains unknown. Further, there is a paucity of literature to describe the technical considerations associated with the surgical management of obstruction after metal stent failure. We report the case of a 67-year-old man undergoing bilateral ureteral metal stent removal and ileal conduit creation following stent failure and recurrent obstruction.

Endoscopic Management of Ureterointestinal Strictures after Radical Cystectomy

PURPOSE

To summarize the status of endoscopic treatment for ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures after radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the English-language literature identified by PubMed and MEDLINE to evaluate the efficacy of various treatment options for these strictures.

RESULTS

Cumulative success rates from multiple studies analyzing patency after balloon dilation, endoureterotomy, and metal stenting specifically for ureteroenteric strictures were 18%, 63%, and 83%, respectively. Studies have not clearly shown any significant advantage over any specific cutting modality. The use of metal stents appears promising but is still fraught with complications of tissue ingrowth and recurrent obstruction. Clinical factors that appear to be associated with a poor prognosis are age >60 years, left-sided strictures, length >1 cm, stenting <4 weeks, and poor function in the affecting kidney.

CONCLUSION

Ureteroenteric strictures remain the most challenging and difficult of all ureteral strictures to treat. An evolution of technology has helped advance the therapeutic options available. Given the rarity of this condition, limited study designs, and small numbers of patients, conclusive statements regarding the optimal treatment for this condition are difficult. Given its patency rates and possible complications, endoureterotomy should be considered the initial treatment of choice in properly selected patients.

Percutaneous Placement of Permanent Metal Stents for Treatment of Ureteroenteric Anastomotic Strictures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of permanent metal stent placement in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures following failed balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Metal stents were placed in six ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures in four patients presenting with recurrent obstruction after balloon dilation or laser endoureteromy. Patients were evaluated at 1 week postoperatively with antegrade ureterography and at 3 to 6 months with renal ultrasound or CT scans. Serum creatinine assays and physical examination were performed at serial postoperative clinic visits.

RESULTS

At 1-week follow-up, antegrade studies demonstrated a patent anastomosis in all six strictures. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (range 7-12 months), no stricture recurrence has been seen. All patients have been clinically stable, without episodes of pyelonephritis, flank pain, or need for indwelling stents or nephrostomy tube placement. Serum creatinine concentrations have been stable in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Metal stents offer a useful treatment option in patients who develop ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures after urinary diversion. Further, such stents may be used in patients failing balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy. Further study to assess the long-term durability of metal stent placement is needed.

SELF-EXPANDING POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE COVERED NITINOL STENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF URETERAL STENOSIS: PRELIMINARY REPORT

PURPOSE

We evaluated the treatment of ureteral stenosis using a self-expanding nitinol stent covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and April 2003, 37 ePTFE covered metal stents were implanted in 20 patients with a total of 29 ureteral stenoses due to various causes. In general the stents were introduced by using a retrograde approach under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance with patients under spinal block and sedation. Followup assessments in 18 patients, including urography, were done 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the procedure. Followup endoscopic examinations were performed at 6 and 12 months in 8 patients.

RESULTS

Immediate ureteral patency was achieved during all insertion procedures and maintained in most patients. Four patients died of the neoplastic process 3 to 12 months after implantation. Four stent migrations occurred in 3 patients (22.2%), which was resolved by implanting a new stent. Nonobstructive mucous hyperplasia was observed in 5 patients (27.7%) at the end of the stent, although there was no internal calcification. In all cases the stents remained patent until the current time or until patient death.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ePTFE covered nitinol stents were safe and effective for ureteral stenosis. Their resistance to calcification was high with nonobstructive hyperplasia developing in only a few cases and only at the stent ends. The ideal material for covering stents would produce no mucous hyperplasia.

Treatment of benign ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures with permanent ureteral Wallstent after Camey and Wallace urinary diversion: long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture follows urinary diversion in 4% to 8% of patients and may lead to a progressive deterioration of renal function. There are problems with all current management techniques: surgical revision, endourologic incision, nephrostomy drainage, external ureteral stents, and dilation with a high-pressure angioplasty balloon. The authors present their long-term results with permanent ureteral Wallstents for the treatment of benign ureterointestinal stricture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight patients with 10 strictures were treated by placement of self-expanding permanent indwelling stents via percutaneous nephrostomy between September 1993 and January 1998. The mean age of the group was 59.2 years. Development of strictures occurred a mean of 20.9 months after urinary diversion. There were seven complete and three partial strictures. Of 49 patients treated by the Camey procedure, 7 patients (14%) developed 9 (18%) strictures. Of 28 patients having the Wallace procedure, 1 patient (3.5%) developed one stricture. After recanalization of the distal ureter by a Terumo guidewire and dilation with a high-pressure angioplasty balloon, a Wallstent was placed across the stricture via a percutaneous approach.

RESULTS

The endourologic placement of the Wallstent was well tolerated by all patients. The hospital stay averaged 2 days. Seven patients with nine strictures after the Camey procedure are doing well with a follow-up of 7 to 68 months (mean 22.4 months). One major complication was observed in one patient necessitating an additional procedure (lithotripsy) because of stone formation at the lower part of the stent extending into the neobladder in order to maintain patency after 68 months. The other patient, who had a Wallace procedure, is doing well 1 year 8 months afterward.

CONCLUSION

An endourologic ureteral Wallstent approach to ureterointestinal stricture is a successful alternative, providing satisfactory management of the problem in most patients. No complication such as stent migration, hematuria, pain, or recurrent stricture was observed.

Ureteroileal anastomotic strictures: an innovative approach with metallic stents

PURPOSE

We report our experience with the use of self-expandable metallic stents to bypass anastomotic strictures after ureteroileal urinary diversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 3 men and 1 woman with invasive bladder carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures developed after a mean of 16 months. Self-expandable metallic stents were successfully placed (bilaterally in 2) comprising 6 stented ureters that bypassed strictures. Mean patient age was 64 years and mean followup was 12 months.

RESULTS

No restenosis was observed in 3 patients during followup. The stricture recurred 1 month after stent placement in the remaining patient and additional intervention was necessary, consisting of placement of a totally coaxial overlapping metal stent. No sepsis or other complication was observed. One patient died of metastatic disease 12 months after stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the use of metal stents as an adequate, safe and effective alternative treatment for anastomotic strictures after ureteroileal diversion.

Update on interventional uroradiology

From its humble beginnings as a method of expediently decompressing the obstructed kidney, the field of interventional uroradiology has evolved in the hands of urologists and interventional radiologists to a means of addressing myriad problems in the urinary tract and has changed the day-to-day practice of urology. The foundation of interventional uroradiology is the creation of an appropriate entry into the urinary system. After a review of this basic procedure, extensions of the technique and new applications of emerging technology are reviewed.

Nonvascular stents

Stents or endoprostheses have evolved since their introduction. Initially used only in the vascular system, the use of stents has expanded to use in the biliary, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts and in the tracheo-bronchial tree. Current use of stents includes treatment of both benign and malignant conditions, with the greatest impact in the palliation of malignant strictures. The biomechanics and types of stents used in each region is reviewed. The indications, insertion techniques, results, and complications of stents in each of the aforementioned regions are also reviewed.

The use of self-expanding metallic Wallstents (SMW) in ab-extrinsic ureteral obstructions: Preliminary results

We report the preliminary results of ureteral obstruction treatment with self-expanding metallic Wallstents (SMWs) in 3 women. The causes of the obstructions were: in the first case pelvic relapse of an ovario carcinoma, in the second retroperitoneal fibrosis, and in the third pelvic fibrosis due to uterine cancer radiotherapy. In one patient only one SMW was placed, while in the other two, two SMWs were placed in the same ureter. At follow-up sonography, urography, and CT scan the ureters showed no sign of obstruction. In our limited experience, the SMW device is effective, easy to insert and minimally invasive.

Treatment of ureteral obstructions with the Wallstent endoprosthesis: preliminary results

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of the Wallstent endoprosthesis in the treatment of ureteral strictures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Wallstents with diameters of 10 mm were placed across five malignant and six benign ureteral strictures in eight patients. All patients were believed to have poor surgical options, and their strictures were being maintained with catheter drainage. Ten lesions involved ureteroenteric anastomoses, and one malignancy involved the midureter.

RESULTS

Three stents (two patients) across malignant disease remained patent until the time of patient death (3-5 months); the remaining two stents (one patient) became occluded within 1 month. Only one of six stents placed for benign disease remained patent at 11 months. All occlusions in benign strictures resulted from ingrowth of hyperplastic urothelium and granulation tissue. Complete obstruction was usually present only focally within the stent. The malignant occlusions were caused by tumor ingrowth and granulation tissue. No major complications were directly related to the stents, but two infections occurred.

CONCLUSION

Wallstent endoprostheses are ineffective in providing long-term relief in patients with benign ureteroenteric strictures. Further evaluation of their role in malignant strictures is needed.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoileal anastomotic stricture

A 26-year-old man with anastomotic stricture at the junction of an ileal ureter and the bladder was managed successfully by endoureterotomy. Follow-up at 18 months indicated the absence of recurrent stricture. To our knowledge, endourologic management of an ileovesical anastomotic stricture has not been reported previously.