Impact of etiology of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction on outcome of endopyelotomy

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty: outcomes for primary and secondary repairs, a single institution experience

INTRODUCTION

Robotic Pyeloplasty (RAP) is a technique for management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

PURPOSE

To report outcomes of RAP for primary and secondary (after failed primary treatment) UPJO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single institution data of adult RAP performed from 2007 to 2009 was collected retrospectively following approval by our IRB. Database analysis included patient age, race, pre and post-operative imaging studies and perioperative variables including operative time, blood loss, pain and complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-five adult patients underwent RAP (26 left/29 right) for UPJO including 9 secondary procedures from 2007 to 2009. Average follow-up was 16 months (1-36). Mean age was 41 years (18-71) with an average BMI of 27 (17-42); 32 were female. Most patients were diagnosed with preoperative diuretic renal scintigraphy and the obstructed side demonstrated mean function of 41% and t1/2 of 70 minutes. Mean operative time was 194 minutes with average blood loss less than 100 mL. Mean hospital stay was 1.7 days with an average narcotic equivalent dose of 15 mg. RAP for secondary UPJO took longer with more blood loss and had a lower success rate. Failure was defined as the need of another procedure due to persistent pain and/or obstruction after diuretic renal imaging. One patient (2%) with primary UPJO failed and 2 patients (22%) with secondary UPJO failed. One major complication occurred.

CONCLUSION

RAP is a good option for the treatment of patients with UPJO. Reported series have established that endopyelotomy has inferior success rate for the treatment of primary UPJO which compromises the success of subsequent treatment as demonstrated in our higher failure rate with secondary UPJO repair.

Efficacy of endopyelotomy in patients with secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few studies have focused on secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) as a disease entity. This study was designed to elucidate the etiology of secondary UPJO and to assess the success rate of endopyelotomy in these cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an endopyelotomy by a single surgeon from May 1997 to September 2009 was conducted. Secondary UPJO was defined anastomotic strictures after dismembered pyeloplasty or as de novo formation after renal surgery. Success of the procedure was defined as both radiographic and symptomatic resolution of obstruction.

RESULTS

Of 157 endopyelotomies performed, 41 patients were considered to have secondary UPJO. Of these 41, previous open or laparoscopic pyeloplasties had failed in 14. Twenty classified as iatrogenic from previous renal surgeries: 10 open, 8 percutaneous, and 2 ureteroscopic. Two cases of secondary UPJO were attributed to strictures that were secondary to impacted stones in the past. The remaining five patients were considered to have idiopathic secondary UPJO and had previous normal imaging studies demonstrating absence of hydronephrosis before development of UJPO. The surgical success rate was 83.5% (35/41) for endopyelotomy in these cases. Seventy-five percent (3/4) of endopyelotomies in children ≤5 years old failed.

CONCLUSIONS

With proper selection, endopyelotomy for secondary UPJO in the adult population was found to be successful and should be considered before more invasive therapy. Success in the pediatric population was poor in this limited evaluation.

Holmium Laser Ureteroscopic Treatment of Various Pathologic Features in Pediatrics

OBJECTIVES

To assess the outcome of pediatric patients treated by ureteroscopy for various pathologic findings.

METHODS

A total of 31 children (median age 5 years, range 0.3 to 14) were ureteroscopically treated for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) (n = 6, 1 primary and 5 secondary), ureteral strictures (n = 4), and calculi (n = 21). Miniscopes with a holmium laser were used for lithotripsy and ureterotomy.

RESULTS

The average age in the UPJO group was 1.8 years (range 0.3 to 4), the operative time was 40 minutes (range 30 to 50), and the hospitalization was 1.2 days (range 1 to 2). A successful clinical and functional outcome was maintained after an average follow-up of 16 months (range 8 to 30). The 4 cases of ureteral stricture included two located in the middle ureter and two at the ureterovesical junction. No failures had occurred in this group after an average follow-up of 25 months (range 8 to 40). The calculi cases comprised 10 lower ureteral, 2 upper ureteral, and 9 renal stones, with an average stone burden of 11 mm (range 5 to 20). Three patients (14%) underwent preoperative stenting. Two patients (10%) required ureteral orifice dilation. Postoperatively, 4 patients (18%) had a ureteral catheter left in place, 15 (71%) had an internal stent with an externalized string, and 2 (10%) did not require drainage. The average operative time was 39 minutes (range 15 to 90), and the hospitalization was 1 day (range 0.5 to 2). All patients were rendered stone free.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that the ureteroscopic approach in children with UPJO, ureteral strictures, and urinary calculi is safe and highly effective. Routine preoperative stenting and intraoperative ureteral dilation are not necessary. Stents with external strings were well tolerated and easily removed without anesthesia.

Long-Term Outcome of Endopyelotomy for The Treatment of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: How Long Should Patients Be Followed Up?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term success rate of endopyelotomy for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1995 and December 2003, 85 endopyelotomies (10 percutaneous, 75 retrograde) were performed in 77 patients with a mean age of 35.2 +/- 13.9 years. The mean number of procedures per patient was 1.14, with 69 patients undergoing a single procedure. Endopyelotomies were performed using either a cold knife (N = 26), Ho:YAG laser (N = 47), or hook electrode (N = 12). Treatment success was defined as symptomatic relief with radiographic resolution or stabilization of renal function, as judged by an excretory urogram or diuretic renogram. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the long-term probability of success.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 37.3 months (range 3-98 months), the overall success rate was 67.5%, and the median time to failure was 7.7 months (range 1-50 months). Kaplan-Meier estimates of success were 87.8% at 6 months, 76.9% at 12 months, 72.2% at 18 months, 68.7% at 24 months, 64.8% at 36 months, and 61.6% at 60 months. The success rate was not significantly affected by the etiology, surgical approach, or incisional method. Similarly, the degree of preoperative hydronephrosis or renal function did not affect the success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rate of endopyelotomy decreases as the follow-up increases. Although most failures were detected within 1 year of the procedure, it appears that follow-up of at least 36 months is required for patients who have undergone endopyelotomy for UPJ obstruction.

Ureteroscopic Laser Endopyelotomy in Secondary UPJ Obstruction after Pyeloplasty Failure

OBJECTIVES

Secondary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction after failure of open and laparoscopic repair may be challenging to resolve due to possible extensive fibrosis and the increased invasiveness of this procedure. Alternatively, ureteroscopic laser endopyelotomy may be a more acceptable procedure for patients and surgeons. We report our preliminary experience with ureteroscopic holmium laser endopyelotomy after open pyeloplasty failure and define the complications that arose and the results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed 6 retrograde endopyelotomies with a holmium laser for failed UPJ repairs following the Anderson-Hynes procedures. Patient follow-up was carried out every 3 months using sonography and renal scan, and again after 1 year using renal scan and urography.

RESULTS

Mean hospitalization was 2.1 days. Ureteroscopic laser endopyelotomy was successful in 4 cases (66.6%). In 2 patients, failure occurred at the third month of follow-up. Complications included 1 case of slight bleeding, which was resolved conservatively without the need for blood transfusion, and 2 cases of guidewire rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary UPJ obstruction is more challenging to resolve by open or laparoscopic approach. Retrograde endopyelotomy gives a valid alternative thanks to its success rate and its better acceptance by patients. We consider retrograde laser endopyelotomy the approach to choose when faced with secondary UPJ obstruction after open or laparoscopic failures.

MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY URETEROPELVIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION AFTER FAILED PRIMARY LAPAROSCOPIC PYELOPLASTY

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has been established as a minimally invasive alternative to open pyeloplasty. However, little is known about the treatment of patients in whom this technique fails. We present our experience with treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction after failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1993 to September of 2003, 227 patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Of these patients 10 (4.4%), including 6 females and 4 males 24 to 62 years old (mean age 42.1), underwent secondary treatment after laparoscopic pyeloplasty failed. The type of secondary intervention varied by anatomical factors, and patient and surgeon preference. Success was defined as symptomatic relief and improved radiographic imaging at latest followup.

RESULTS

Secondary interventions were repeat laparoscopic pyeloplasty in 1 patient, retrograde endoscopic balloon dilation in 2 and endopyelotomy in 7 (laser, cold knife and cutting balloon endopyelotomy in 3, 2, and 2, respectively). No postoperative complications were seen. Patients were followed for a mean of 25.5 months (range 3 to 96) after the second procedure. Seven of 10 secondary interventions (70%) were successful with no obstruction on followup imaging. Three of 10 interventions (30%) failed, namely 1 laparoscopic pyeloplasty, 1 endoscopic balloon dilation and 1 laser endopyelotomy. Failure of the second procedure occurred at a mean of 9.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

When given the choice, most patients select endoscopic management after failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty due to its minimally invasive nature and low complication rate. Success rates are 70% with repeat intervention. Some patients require a third intervention.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: Determining Durability of Endourological Intervention

PURPOSE

We evaluated the durability of endourological intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and established guidelines for postoperative surveillance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 1989, 150 patients have undergone endourological intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, of whom 127 (53 men and 74 women) 13 to 79 years old (mean age 40.4) underwent postoperative evaluation at our center. These 127 patients are the study group reported. Endourological management consisted of hot wire balloon endopyelotomy in 25 patients, percutaneous endopyelotomy in 67 and ureteroscopic laser endopyelotomy in 35. Success in this study was strictly defined as symptomatic relief plus radiographic resolution on excretory urogram and/or diuretic renogram. Statistical analysis was performed to assess mean time to failure and develop Kaplan-Meier re-stenosis-free survival estimates.

RESULTS

Followup was 1 to 128 months (mean 22). Time to failure was 0.9 to 32.4 months (mean +/- SD 10.3 +/- 9.4). Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to re-stenosis (failure) were 6 months in 12% of patients, 12 in 22%, 18 in 24%, 24 in 27%, 30 in 32% and 36 in 37%. After 3 years no further failures were observed and Kaplan-Meier estimates remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term probability of success, which is estimated to be 63.3% in this series, is somewhat lower than that reported in the literature. It likely is a result of longer followup and a more strict definition of success that includes functional and symptomatic relief. Our data suggest that while most failures become evident within the first 12 months, failure can develop as late as 3 years after intervention. As such, patients should be followed at least that long to ensure a durable result.

Percutaneous endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Percutaneous endopyelotomy was performed 13 times on 11 patients with primary and secondary UPJ obstruction between 1994 and 2002. Excretory urogram revealed improvement in ten of eleven patients. One of the ten successfully treated patients required repeated endopyelotomy. Endopyelotomy failed in one patient, who had secondary UPJ obstruction that had been stenosed by granuloma caused by a ureteral stone. As the patient had UPJ obstruction of high insertion type with thinned renal parenchyma, nephrectomy was performed after repeated endopyelotomy. Compared with open pyeloplasty, percutaneous endopyelotomy is less invasive and is cosmetically advantageous.

Endopyelotomy sheath: a new device to facilitate antegrade endopyelotomy

PURPOSE

Antegrade endopyelotomy is still the treatment of choice in most cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In this approach using the standard technique the cold knife incision invariably falls in a different plane, which may result in a thin strip of ureteral mucosa and at times avulsion as well as difficult passage of the endopyelotomy stent. A modified technique using a new device has been studied to augment safety and the precision of incision at the ureteropelvic junction during endopyelotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The endopyelotomy sheath is a 22 cm. hollow polyurethane tube with a proximal size of 7 cm. that is 12Fr to 16Fr, tapering to 6Fr distally. This sheath is passed over a single guide wire and advanced under fluoroscopic guidance until the wider proximal end is placed across the ureteropelvic junction. The proximal end has a slit that is directed at the incision site and through which an incision is made with a cold knife.

RESULTS

To date this modified technique has been used in 16 patients. The sheath provided good space for making an incision and made the movement of the knife safe and much easier. The incision was smooth and always made at 1 place, ensuring the preservation of the maximum circumference of the mucosa across the ureteropelvic junction. Mean function +/- SEM was 36.18% +/- 6.14% (range 27% to 48%) and mean pelvic volume was 44 ml. (range 34 to 60). At a mean followup of 10 months (range 3 to 17) 14 patients (87.5%) showed objective improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

This endopyelotomy sheath simultaneously dilates the ureteropelvic junction and allows a smooth cut in a straight line at a predetermined site. By this maneuver the maximum circumference of mucosa is preserved for better healing and possibly better results. Passing the endopyelotomy stent was not a problem. This sheath makes endopyelotomy safe, easy and user friendly.

Single-center comparison of laparoscopic pyeloplasty, Acucise endopyelotomy, and open pyeloplasty

PURPOSE

To compare Acucise endopyelotomy (Applied Medical, Irvine, California), laparoscopic pyeloplasty, and open pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing surgical correction of UPJ obstruction between December 1999 and August 2001 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center was performed. Patients undergoing UPJ correction with Acucise endopyelotomy (N = 9), laparoscopic pyeloplasty (N = 16), and open pyeloplasty (N = 7) were compared in regard to demographic information, operative data, recovery parameters, cost data, and outcome (as determined by diuretic renography, the Whitaker test, or both).

RESULTS

Success rates of 56%, 94%, and 86% were obtained for Acucise endopyelotomy, laparoscopic pyeloplasty, and open pyeloplasty, respectively. There were no differences between the Acucise endopyelotomy and laparoscopic pyeloplasty groups in age, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, length of follow-up, estimated blood loss (EBL), hospital stay, total hospital cost, or analgesic requirement. The Acucise patients demonstrated shorter operating times (1.7 v 3.3 hours; P < 0.001) and time to oral intake (7.9 v 16 hours; P = 0.008) than the laparoscopic pyeloplasty group. When the laparoscopic pyeloplasty patients were compared with the open pyeloplasty patients, there was no difference in operative time, EBL, time to oral intake, or total hospital costs. The laparoscopically treated patients demonstrated significantly lower analgesic requirements (27.2 v 124.2 mg of morphine sulfate equivalent; P = 0.02) and shorter hospital stays (1.4 v 3.0 days; P = 0.03) than the open surgery patients. The Acucise patients demonstrated shorter operative time (1.7 v 3.4 hours; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (1.3 v 3.0 days; P = 0.02), and lower analgesic requirement (22.4 v 124.2 mg of morphine sulfate equivalent; P = 0.02) than the open surgery patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty achieves a success rate equal to that of open pyeloplasty while providing a recovery similar to that obtained with Acucise endopyelotomy and is gaining popularity as the treatment of choice for UPJ obstruction.

Is a 2-week duration sufficient for stenting in endopyelotomy?

PURPOSE

Internal stenting is an integral part of endopyelotomy. Studies in animals show good healing after 1 to 2 weeks of ureterotomy. Inherent stent related problems warrant a minimum possible duration of stenting without compromising the results of endopyelotomy. We performed a prospective randomized trial to evaluate the optimum duration of stenting after endopyelotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 57 consecutive patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction were randomized to undergo 7/14Fr internal endopyelotomy stent placement for 2 (group 1) and 4 (group 2) weeks. A symptom based questionnaire was administered to all patients at stent removal. Followup was done with diuretic scanning at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and then yearly, and thereafter with diuretic renography.

RESULTS

In each group 26 patients were available for evaluation. The 2 groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, symptoms and ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate. Mean followup was 22.3 (range 12 to 36) and 21.3 months (range 12 to 35) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. At the end of 1 year 24 group 1 (92.3%) and 23 group 2 (90.3%) patients had an improved drainage pattern. This difference was not significant. Stent related symptoms were present in a good proportion of patients in groups 1 and 2 but there was a significant difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections (11.5% versus 38.1%, p = 0.04). Of the group 2 patients 64% preferred 2 weeks of stenting.

CONCLUSIONS

Two weeks seems to be a sufficient duration to allow functional restoration across the ureteropelvic junction after endopyelotomy and decrease stent related complications.

Management of failed primary intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: 12-year, single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

To compare contemporary endourologic and open surgical management of failed primary intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, specifically in regard to immediate and long-term results and complications.

METHODS

Since 1989, 48 patients have undergone management of failed primary intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Of these, 42 patients (21 females and 21 males; age range 16 to 68 years, mean age 34.9) underwent follow-up evaluations. These 42 patients constitute the present study group. The mode of secondary intervention was determined by individual upper tract anatomy, concurrent medical conditions, and informed patient preference. Secondary intervention included open operative repair (n = 20) or percutaneous (n = 11), ureteroscopic (n = 5), or retrograde cautery wire balloon (n = 6) endopyelotomy. Success was defined as symptomatic relief and improved calicectasis on radiographic evaluation at latest follow-up.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 6 to 148 months (mean 47.7). Endourologic intervention was associated with a mean hospital stay of 2.3 nights and a complication rate of 13.6%. The long-term success rate of these endoscopic approaches was 59.1% overall, including a 71.4% success rate after a failed open operative procedure and a 37.5% success rate after a failed endourologic procedure. In contrast, open operative salvage was associated with a mean stay of 4.3 nights and a 15% complication rate. The success of open operative salvage was 95% overall, including 94.1% after failed endourologic intervention and 100% after failed open operative intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Endourologic intervention for failed primary management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction is associated with a short hospital stay and low rate of complications. Such intervention provides acceptable success rates in the setting of prior failed open operative intervention. However, when endourologic salvage was used for prior failed endourologic intervention, the success rates were limited. This suggests that intrinsic factors such as crossing vessels or periureteral fibrosis may play a role in limiting the utility of such procedures in this setting. In contrast, open operative salvage after any prior failed intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction provides excellent functional results without any increase in morbidity, with, in this contemporary series, an acceptably short hospital stay. These data should help urologists and patients make well-informed treatment decisions.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: an innovative approach combining metallic stenting and virtual endoscopy

PURPOSE

We report our experience with auto-expandable metallic stents for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 4 patients with a mean age of 45 years who had ureteropelvic junction obstruction with placement of a self-expandable intraureteral metallic stent (Wallstent, Schneider, Zurich, Switzerland). All patients presented with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after open pyeloplasty. Excretory urography and 3-dimensional reconstruction computerized tomography were performed 1 and 6 months after stent insertion. Virtual endoscopy images were obtained at followup due to the need to define ureteral patency.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 16 months (range 9 to 24). Wallstent placement was successful and immediate patency was achieved in all cases. During followup 3 patients required no further intervention and the stented ureteropelvic junction remained patent. In the remaining patient stricture recurred 2 months after initial stent insertion due to the ingrowth of scar tissue through the prosthesis. Additional intervention was deemed necessary after placing a longer 6 cm., completely coaxial overlapping metal stent. Virtual endoscopy and excretory urography findings concurred. Virtual endoscopy allows visualization of the stented ureteropelvic junction lumen cephalad and caudal to the prosthesis. It also enables easy navigation within the stent at different angles of view.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of applying metallic stents for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and adjacent adynamic ureteral segments combined with virtual endoscopy is strengthened by the results of this study.

The role of endourology in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Endopyelotomy has benefited from abundant confirmatory investigations, and significant progress in different technical modalities has occurred. Retrograde techniques, including the Acucise (Applied Medical, Laguna Hills, CA) cutting balloon and the ureteroscopic Holmium laser incision, are becoming preferred approaches while the other modalities retain their specific indications. Long-term results and potential complications have been carefully studied and reported. Better identification of risk factors has prompted precise preoperative investigations and allowed for careful patient selection, leading to improved results. These results approach those of open pyeloplasty, but with minimal morbidity.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Retrograde endopyelotomy

The modern day treatment of UPJO with retrograde endopyelotomy continues to evolve as experience and knowledge progress. Use of the straight lateral incision and selective use of spiral CT angiogram has refined treatment decisions with retrograde endopyelotomy further. The authors' decision-oriented approach offers guidelines for the practicing urologist. Ultimately, it is up to the urologist and the patient to select the best approach for each clinical scenario.

Retrograde Acucise endopyelotomy: long-term results

PURPOSE

We evaluated the long-term outcome of retrograde endopyelotomy with the Acucise cutting balloon as a first-line treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in 36 patients (median age 44 years).

PATIENTS

Twenty-three patients had a primary UPJO. The median follow-up in the series was 24 (6-42) months.

RESULTS

Success, defined as a subjective and objective improvement, was obtained in 27 (75%). In multivariate analysis, only the presence of a crossing vessel (45% v. 81%) was a significant covariate for success. The success rates for primary and secondary UPJO were 74% and 77% respectively. The grade of obstruction had no impact on results. The median time to the nine failures was 3 months, and no failure occurred more than 6 months after the endopyelotomy. In 75% of the failures with no crossing vessel, redo retrograde Acucise endopyelotomy was successful.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde Acucise endopyelotomy is an efficient long-term treatment of UPJO with low morbidity. This technique is a reasonable choice for first-line treatment of UPJO.