Ureteroscopic endoureterotomy

Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Ureteroureterostomy in Patients with Complex Ureteral Stricture after Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy

BACKGROUND

Ureteral stricture (US) postureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) has emerged as a severe complication with the widespread use of laser technology. Furthermore, managing a complex US is challenging. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of robot-assisted ureteroureterostomy (RAUU) in addressing US post-URSL and analyzed the pathology of transected ureteral tissues to identify the risk factors for US.

METHODS

we conducted a prospective cohort study on patients who underwent RAUU for URSL-induced US from April 2021 to May 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients with a mean age of 49.8 years were included in this study. The mean stricture length on radiography was 22.66 ± 7.38 mm. Nine (64.2%) patients had experienced failure with previous interventions. The overall success rate was 92.9%, both clinically and radiographically, without major complications, at a mean follow-up of 12.8 months. The pathological findings revealed microcalcifications and a loss of ureteral mucosa in 57.1% and 28.6% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAUU technique shows promise as a viable option for US post-URSL in appropriately selected patients despite severe pathological changes in the ureter. Therefore, the migration of microcalcifications to the site of ureteral perforation may be a significant factor contributing to US development.

The "Cut-to-the-Light" Technique Laser Endoureterotomy for Complete Ureteral Obstruction Resurfaces! A New Application of an Old Technique

Objective

To describe our new endoscopic approach in treating iatrogenic ureteral stenosis using the “cut-to-The-light” technique.

Methods

Case of a 54 year-old female patient who underwent a right percutaneous nephrolithotomy to treat a staghorn calculus with two subsequent complimentary ureteroscopies complicated by a severe proximal ureteral obstruction. An antegrade flexible uretereroscope and a retrograde rigid ureteroscope were used to locate the stenosis. With the aid of a 365-µm Ho: YAG laser fiber (settings 0.4 J, 12 Hz), we managed to successfully create a small incision in the stenotic lesion, the rigid ureterscopy light was clearly seen by the antegrade flexible ureteroscope and a through-and-through guidewire was then placed, securing the ureter. Ureteral dilatation was then performed followed by a full thickness incision of the ureteral stenosis. A single 8Fr, 28 cm double J ureteral stent was finally placed after stone fragmentation.

Results

The operating time was 200 mins. No blood loss. No fever or signs of UTI were seen shortly after the operation. The Foley catheter was successfully removed at day one post-op. The hospital stay was short of only 2 days.

Conclusion

The “cut-to-the-light” technique is a new application in the arsenal of ureteral stricture treatment that has been scarcely described in the literature before. The use of this method seems to offer excellent outcomes thus demonstrating the importance of this minimally invasive technique as an alternative to conventional invasive methods used. We believe that studies with larger samples and longer follow up are needed in order to fully determine the benefits of this method and to assess and reveal its suitable application and its drawbacks.

Preliminary Outcomes of Different Tactics of Ureteral Stent Placement in Patients with Ureteral Stricture Undergoing Balloon Dilatation: Experience from a Large-Scale Center

Purpose

Our aim is to demonstrate the optimal number of ureteral stent placements in patients with a ureteral stricture (US) after balloon dilatation (BD).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 213 patients who underwent BD from 2011 to 2019 was conducted. All statistical analyses were completed by software SPSS 25.0.

Results

Of the patients enrolled, 119 were males and 94 were females. The average age was 44.71 years. One month after stent removal, the overall success rate of ureteral stent placement was 76.99%, and the success rates of single, double, and triple stent groups were 81.7%, 70.3%, and 79.3%, respectively. Six months after stent removal, the overall success rate was 61.9%, and the success rates of the three groups were 61.7%, 52.7%, and 74.1%, respectively. Twelve months after stent removal, the overall success rate was 55.9%, and the success rates of the three groups were 51.9%, 48.6%, and 70.7%, respectively. During indwelling of the stents, the proportions of severe bladder irritation symptoms in the three groups were 13.6%, 16.2%, and 20.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated the length of US and the time and number of ureteral stent placements were independent risk factors of the treatment effect at 6 months and 12 months after stent removal. Patients in the triple stent group had a better prognosis when compared to those in the single or double stent group.

Conclusion

The long-term effect of three stents was better than that of single and double stents, but the success rate of treatment reduced gradually over time.

Entrapped Endopyelotomy Stent After Endoureterotomy for Midsegment Ureteral Stricture: The Lessons Learned

Background: The type of the stent to be used after endoureterotomy is a matter of discussion and debate. Endopyelotomy stent is commonly used after endoureterotomy for the management of upper and the lower ureteral strictures. For the strictures in the middle segment of the ureter (lower part of upper ureter, midureter, and upper part of lower ureter), the bulbous portion of the endopyelotomy stent may not adequately cover the endoureterotomy site leading to early recurrence. Case Presentation: Presented here is a young man who underwent endoureterotomy for a postureteroscopy stricture at the L4-L5 vertebral level. The endopyelotomy stent that was placed after endoureterotomy upmigrated, and the bulbous portion of the endopyelotomy stent got stuck above the recurrent stricture site. This difficult clinical situation needed a percutaneous access for stent removal. Conclusion: We propose that tandem stents have an advantage over endopyelotomy stent postendoureterotomy for stricture in the middle portion of the ureter as it provides a good splint for healing without any risk of stent migration and complications.

Long-Term Outcomes of Two Ipsilateral vs Single Double-J Stent After Laser Endoureterotomy for Bilharzial Ureteral Strictures

Background: Laser endoureterotomy became a preferable choice for managing benign ureteral strictures. Ureteral stricture caused by bilharzias is characterized by focal destruction of ureteral musculature, ending by fibrosis, making it poor responder to endoureterotomy. There is no consensus about the ideal ureteral stent size after endoureterotomy. However, many researches recommend larger stents caliber (12-14F). We assess long-term efficacy of insertion of two ipsilateral Double-J stents vs single Double-J stent after laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture. Materials and Methods: Within 4 years, 70 patients underwent retrograde laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture (diagnosed by positive history of bilharziasis, positive serology test, and/or bilharzial cystoscopic finding). Patients with history of stone, urologic or pelvic surgery were excluded. Patients were randomized into two groups: the first group (35 patients) received ipsilateral two Double-J (7F each) postendoureterotomy, whereas the second group (35 patients) received one Double-J (7F). Double-Js were removed after 8 weeks. Follow-up was done regularly by clinical interpretation and imaging studies. Patients' characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes (subjectively and objectively) were compared in both groups. Results: Sixty-three patients completed follow-up >18 months, mean follow-up 30 ± 4 months [19-41], and mean stricture length 1.4 ± 0.6 cm [0.5-3.0], with no statistical significance between both groups. Success proved by relief of symptoms and radiographic resolution of obstruction. The overall success rate was significantly better in 2-Double-J group than in 1-Double-J group (83.9% vs 53.1%) p = 0.009, and also for stricture >1.5 cm (85.7% vs 38.5%) p = 0.018, respectively. Conclusions: Insertion of two ipsilateral Double-J, after laser endoureterotomy for bilharzial ureteral stricture associated with long-term success rate better than insertion of 1-Double-J, especially for stricture segment >1.5 cm.

Appendiceal Onlay Flap Ureteroplasty for the Treatment of Complex Ureteral Strictures: Initial Experience of Nine Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the onlay technique using the appendix for ureteral reconstruction and describe the initial experience of nine operations performed by one surgeon. Methods: Nine patients with complex ureteral strictures who underwent appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty since May 2019 were recruited from our RECUTTER database. There were seven men and two women, with a mean age of 38.9 years; four patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and five patients underwent traditional laparoscopic surgery. All patients had iatrogenic injuries of the ureter after treatment of stone disease. Seven patients had proximal ureteral strictures, and two had midureteral strictures. The mean stricture length of the nine patients was 3.9 (range 3-4.5) cm. Nephrostomy was performed in seven patients before they presented to our center, and the other two patients had indwelling Double-J ureteral stents. Results: All nine operations were effectively completed without open conversion. The mean operation time was 182 (range 135-220) minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 71 (range 20-100) mL, and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 9 (range 6-12) days. No postoperative complications of high grade (Clavien-Dindo III and IV) occurred within 30 days of surgery. All the patients had their Double-J ureteral stents and nephrostomy tubes removed after complete ureteroscopy and upper urinary tract urodynamic examination or CTU, which showed that the anastomosis healed well and that the urinary tract was unobstructed, respectively. The objective success rate was 100% (all the patients had endoscopic and radiographic resolution of their ureteral strictures). The subjective success rate was 88.9% (one patient developed recurrent back discomfort and a 0.5 cm calculus was found in her renal pelvis). Conclusions: Appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty is a viable and effective technique for treating complex proximal and middle ureteral strictures at the right side.

Dual ureteral stent placement after redo laser endoureterotomy to manage persistent ureteral stricture

INTRODUCTION

Endourological intervention is a minimally invasive approach for the management of ureteral strictures. Contraindications to this approach include active infection, strictures of sizes >2 cm, and failure of endoureterotomy. This report demonstrates a case of successful dual stent placement after redo endoureterotomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A recurring ureteral stricture in a 69-year-old woman, who had undergone ureteroscopic lithotripsy for a right ureteral calculus 60 months earlier, was successfully managed by redo endoureterotomy. The procedure involved insertion of dual ureteral stents after endoluminal incision and balloon dilation. Ureteral stents were removed 8 weeks after the operation. No significant complications or signs of stricture were observed 42 months after endoscopic repair.

CONCLUSION

This minimally invasive and effective technique of dual ureteral stent placement following laser endoureterotomy successfully managed the recalcitrant ureteral stricture in a case with failed single stent placement following endoureterotomy.

Ureterolysis with ureterotomy and omental sleeve wrap in patients with radiation induced pelvic retroperitoneal fibrosis

Introduction

Secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) due to pelvic radiation alone or together with pelvic surgery is one of the causes of obstructive renal failure. Ureteral obstruction is caused by ischemic stricture and encasement by fibrotic tissue. Endo-ureterotomy alone, without vascular supply, is not successful in these cases.

Material and methods

We present eleven cases of ureteral obstruction due to radiation and surgery induced RPF. Seven patients had radiation therapy with or without radical hysterectomy and three patients had anterior resection of the rectum with pre-emptive radiation and one patient had anal cancer treated with local excision and radiation therapy. Nine of the eleven patients had bilateral ureteral obstruction. Open ('intubated') stented ureterotomy and omental sleeve wrap was performed. In one patient, Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy was necessary.

Results

Of the eleven patients (twenty renal units) we succeeded in nine patients (eighteen renal units). In two patients with bilateral ureteral obstruction, we were able to reestablish ureteral patency in only one renal unit each.

Conclusions

Ureterolysis with ureterotomy and omental sleeve wrap is a valid surgical approach for alleviation of ureteral ischemic obstruction due to secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis caused by radiation alone or together with pelvic surgery.

The Morbidity of Ureteral Strictures in Patients with Prior Ureteroscopic Stone Surgery: Multi-Institutional Outcomes

PURPOSE

Nephrolithiasis is an increasingly common ailment in the United States. Ureteroscopic management has supplanted shockwave lithotripsy as the most common treatment of upper tract stone disease. Ureteral stricture is a rare but serious complication of stone disease and its management. The impact of new technologies and more widespread ureteroscopic management on stricture rates is unknown. We describe our experience in managing strictures incurred following ureteroscopy for upper tract stone disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records for patients managed at four tertiary care centers between December 2006 and October 2015 with the diagnosis of ureteral stricture following ureteroscopy for upper tract stone disease were retrospectively reviewed. Study outcomes included number and type (endoscopic, reconstructive, or nephrectomy) of procedures required to manage stricture.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with 40 ureteral strictures following URS for upper tract stone disease were identified. Thirty-five percent of patients had hydronephrosis or known stone impaction at the time of initial URS, and 20% of cases had known ureteral perforation at the time of initial URS. After stricture diagnosis, the mean number of procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia performed for stricture management was 3.3 ± 1.8 (range 1-10). Eleven strictures (27.5%) were successfully managed with endoscopic techniques alone, 37.5% underwent reconstruction, 10% had a chronic stent/nephrostomy, and 10 (25%) required nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical morbidity of ureteral strictures incurred following ureteroscopy for stone disease can be severe, with a low success rate of endoscopic management and a high procedural burden that may lead to nephrectomy. Further studies that assess specific technical risk factors for ureteral stricture following URS are needed.

Minimally invasive management of ureteral strictures: a 5-year retrospective study

Introduction

Ureteric strictures are well-documented complications related to surgery or radiation therapy. Minimally invasive treatment using endoscopic dilatation or laser incision is the standard practice. There are no existing guidelines on which techniques to use in the treatment of different stricture types and a paucity of data regarding long-term results.

Purpose

Our study aimed to retrospectively assess the long-term efficacy of minimally invasive treatment in benign and malignant ureteric strictures.

Materials and methods

Over a 5-year period, 2007–2012, we analyzed the data of 59 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic ureteric strictures. We excluded 16 patients from final analysis due to failed access or loss to follow-up. All patients but one were treated with antegrade, retrograde balloon or catheter dilatations. Successful outcome was defined as an asymptomatic, completely catheter free patient, with stable renal function.

Results

43 patients were eligible for retrospective final analysis. The largest proportion of strictures occurred following surgery combined with radiotherapy 8/43 (19%). Preoperative decompression was required in 30/43 (70%). We identified 32/43 (75%) balloon dilatations, 10/43 (23%) catheter dilatations and 1/43 (2%) laser incision. Overall success rate was 31/43 (72%). All 6 recurrences occurred within 36 months, 4 within the first 12 months. 3/6 patients were successfully re-dilated.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive treatment is a worthwhile alternative in strictures due to previous radiation and/or surgical treatment of malignancies. Most recurrences occurred within the first year. However, late recurrences arise; therefore, patients should be subject to long-term follow-up. Moreover, re-dilatation may be required.

Contemporary management of ureteral strictures

Ureteral stricture disease is a luminal narrowing of the ureter leading to functional obstruction of the kidney. Treatment of strictures is mandatory to preserve and protect renal function. In recent times, the surgical management of ureteral strictures has evolved from open repair to include laparoscopic, robotic and interventional techniques. Prompt diagnosis and early first line intervention to limit obstructive complications remains the cornerstone of successful treatment. In this article, we discuss minimally invasive, endo-urological and open approaches to the repair of ureteral strictures. Open surgical repair and endoscopic techniques have traditionally been employed with varying degrees of success. The advent of laparoscopic and robotic approaches has reduced morbidity, improved cosmesis and shortened recovery time, with results that are beginning to mirror and in some cases surpass more traditional approaches.

Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Endoscopic Management of Ureteral Strictures: an Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on the role of endoscopic treatment of ureteral stricture disease (USD) in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a relative paucity of recent literature regarding the endoscopic treatment of USD. Laser endopyelotomy and balloon dilation are associated with good outcomes in treatment-naïve patients with short (< 2 cm), non-ischemic, benign ureteral strictures with a functional renal unit. If stricture recurs, repetitive dilation and laser endopyleotomy is not recommended, as success rates are low in this scenario. Patients with low-complexity ureteroenteric strictures and transplant strictures may benefit from endoscopic treatment options, although formal reconstruction offers higher rates of success. Formal ureteral reconstruction remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteral stricture disease as it is associated with higher rates of complete resolution. However, in carefully selected patients, endoscopic treatment modalities provide a low-cost, low-morbidity alternative.

Semi-rigid ureteroscopy: indications, tips, and tricks

Advances in ureteroscopic technology, alongside broadening treatment options have fuelled the rapid expansion of endourology. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy is a well-known procedure used globally for varying urological conditions, with high success rates. This article aims to provide ‘tips and tricks’ for the semi-rigid ureteroscopy procedure, and the management of commonly encountered pathology such as renal stones, ureteric strictures, and urothelial tumours.

Single Versus Double Ureteral Stent Placement After Laser Endoureterotomy for the Management of Benign Ureteral Strictures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endoureterotomy is a viable option for treating patients with benign ureteral stricture. We compared the efficacy and safety of double versus single ureteral stent placement after laser endoureterotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 55 patients with benign ureteral strictures; all patients underwent retrograde laser endoureterotomy. Patients were randomized either to single or double ureteral stents. Single stents were placed in 27 ureters while double stents were placed in 28 ureters. The stent diameter used was 7 F, and stents were indwelling for 8 weeks. Imaging was performed 1 month after stent removal and repeated regularly every 3 months. Clinical characteristics, operative results, and functional outcomes were compared for strictures managed in both groups. Success was evaluated both subjectively and objectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with a mean age of 46 (16-75) years had benign ureteral strictures; the mean stricture length was 1.92 (1-3) cm. The mean follow-up was 25.7 (9-42) months. The overall success rate was 67.3% (37 patients) with no radiologic evidence of obstruction, 6 (10.9%) patients showed symptomatic improvement while 12 (21.8%) patients underwent surgical reconstruction. Success was significantly higher for ureteral strictures (>1.5 cm) managed with double stent placement (82.4%), compared with single stent placement (38.9%) with a P value of 0.009.

CONCLUSIONS

Double stent placement of the ureter after laser endoureterotomy achieved a higher success rate compared with single stent placement in cases of benign ureteral strictures. Although ureteral strictures (≤1.5 cm) achieved better outcome after laser endoureterotomy, strictures (>1.5 cm) favored better with double stent versus single stent placement.

Review of appendiceal onlay flap in the management of complex ureteric strictures in six patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty for repairing complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2006 and August 2012 four women and two men (mean age 34.2 years) underwent right laparoscopic appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty. The mean stricture length was 2.5 cm. Stricture formation was secondary to impacted ureteric stones in three patients and failed pyeloplasty for congenital pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in the remaining three. Each patient had ipsilateral flank pain before surgery.

RESULTS

The mean operating time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 244 min, 175 mL and 3.2 days, respectively. No intra- or peri-operative complications were noted. The objective success rate was 100% (all patients had radiographic and/or endoscopic resolution of their ureteric strictures). The subjective success rate was 66%, (two patients developed recurrent discomfort, which upon exploration was found to be attributable to fibrosis away from the appendiceal onlay graft, where the gonadal vessels crossed the ureter). Both patients with recurrent pain underwent laparoscopic ureterolysis and bladder advancement flap proximal to the appendiceal onlay, which markedly improved one patient's pain but the other patient continued to have discomfort, ultimately resulting in a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty is a viable treatment option for patients with complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures, while minimising the potential morbidity of appendiceal and ileal interposition.

Ureteral strictures revisited…trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel: a comprehensive review

A ureteral stricture is a rather rare urological event defined as a narrowing of the ureter causing a functional obstruction and renal failure, if left untreated. The aim of this review article is to summarize and discuss current knowledge on the incidence, pathogenesis, management, and follow up of proximal, mid, and distal ureteral strictures.

Laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy: an update

PURPOSE

Although minimally invasive approach is one of the first-line treatment choices for ureteral strictures, there are still controversies on the ideal method to treat this entity. The objective of this update was to define the level of evidence around endoscopic treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) and ureteral strictures.

METHODS

We reviewed the current available literature on the PubMed database from the last decade up to May 2014 on laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy.

RESULTS

The level of evidence for the endoscopic treatment of UPJ and ureteral strictures is low. Despite this, it appears that endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy performed mainly with Ho:YAG laser achieve good success rates with minimal perioperative morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser endoureterotomy and endopyelotomy should be considered a reasonable treatment option in selected patients.

Current status of minimally invasive endoscopic management of ureteric strictures

Endourological techniques are used more often nowadays in the treatment of ureteric strictures of various etiologies. Advances in technology have provided new tools to the armamentarium of the endoscopic urological surgeon. Numerous studies exist that investigate the efficiency and safety of each of the therapeutic modalities available. In this review, we attempt to demonstrate the available and contemporary evidence supporting each minimally invasive modality in the management of ureteric strictures.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy: Tips and tricks

With advancement in technology, improvement in endoscope and ancillary equipment, more complex procedures can be performed using flexible ureterorenoscopy. In this review article we provide a summary of flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures with “tips and tricks” for success for each type of procedure. It looks at the disposables used with flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures, set up and patient positioning for gaining access, insertion and handling of scope and the use of urethral access sheath. We also provide techniques for various flexible ureterorenoscopic procedures including management of renal stones, calyceal diverticula and upper tract urothelial tumours.

[European Association of Urology guidelines on laser technologies]

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Office has set up a guideline working panel to analyse the scientific evidence published in the world literature on lasers in urologic practice.

OBJECTIVE

Review the physical background and physiologic and technical aspects of the use of lasers in urology, as well as current clinical results from these new and evolving technologies, together with recommendations for the application of lasers in urology. The primary objective of this structured presentation of the current evidence base in this area is to assist clinicians in making informed choices regarding the use of lasers in their practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Structured literature searches using an expert consultant were designed for each section of this document. Searches were carried out in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Medline and Embase on the Dialog/DataStar platform. The controlled terminology of the respective databases was used, and both Medical Subject Headings and EMTREE were analysed for relevant entry terms. One Cochrane review was identified.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Depending on the date of publication, the evidence for different laser treatments is heterogeneous. The available evidence allows treatments to be classified as safe alternatives for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction in different clinical scenarios, such as refractory urinary retention, anticoagulation, and antiplatelet medication. Laser treatment for bladder cancer should only be used in a clinical trial setting or for patients who are not suitable for conventional treatment due to comorbidities or other complications. For the treatment of urinary stones and retrograde endoureterotomy, lasers provide a standard tool to augment the endourologic procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), laser vaporisation, resection, or enucleation are alternative treatment options. The standard treatment for BPO remains transurethral resection of the prostate for small to moderate size prostates and open prostatectomy for large prostates. Laser energy is an optimal treatment method for disintegrating urinary stones. The use of lasers to treat bladder tumours and in laparoscopy remains investigational.

Laparoscopic reconstruction of iatrogenic-induced lower ureteric strictures: Does timing of repair influence the outcome?

CONTEXT

Influence of timing of repair on outcome following laparoscopic reconstruction of lower ureteric strictures

AIMS

To assess the influence of timing of repair on outcome following laparoscopic reconstruction of lower ureteric strictures in our adult patient population.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Single surgeon operative experience in two institutes. Retrospective analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients were worked up in detail. All patients underwent cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography prior to laparoscopic approach. Patients were categorised into two groups: early repair (within seven days of inciting event) and delayed repair (after two weeks). Operative parameters and postoperative events were recorded. Postprocedure all patients were evaluated three monthly. Follow-up imaging was ordered at six months postoperatively. Improvement in renal function, resolution of hydronephrosis and unhindered drainage of contrast through the reconstructed unit on follow-up imaging was interpreted as a satisfactory outcome.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Mean, standard deviation, equal variance t test, Mann Whitney Z test, Aspin-Welch unequal variance t test.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (37 units, 36 unilateral and 1 simultaneous bilateral) underwent laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction of lower ureteric stricture following iatrogenic injury - 21 early repair (Group I) and 15 delayed repair (Group II). All patients were hemodynamically stable at presentation. Early repair was more technically demanding with increased operation duration. There was no difference in blood loss, operative complications, postoperative parameters, or longterm outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In hemodynamically stable patients, laparoscopic repair of iatrogenically induced lower ureteric strictures can be conveniently undertaken without undue delay from the inciting event. Compared to delayed repairs, the procedure is technically more demanding but morbidity incurred and outcome is at par.

Ex vivo evaluation of femtosecond pulse laser incision of urinary tract tissue in a liquid environment: implications for endoscopic treatment of benign ureteral strictures

BACKGROUND

The femtosecond (FS) pulse laser incises soft tissues with minimal peripheral damage and is a promising cutting tool for ureteroscopic endoureterotomy of benign ureteral strictures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of applying the FS laser to ureteroscopic endoureterotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A commercial Ti:Sapphire regenerative amplifier system (Coherent, RegA 9050, USA) was used in this study. Normal saline, 5% glucose solution, 4% mannitol solution, distilled water, and a 1% (v/v) suspension of whole blood with each of these solutions were tested for their attenuation rate (AR) of the FS laser's power. Bladder specimens from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as a surrogate model. The laser incised slots of 2 mm in length at bladder samples using three power grades (5×, 10×, and 20× the threshold power) combined with five effective pulse rates (40, 20, 10, 5, and 2.5 kHz), both in air and in normal saline. After samples were processed with standard hematoxylin-eosin staining procedures, the incision depth and collateral damage range were determined microscopically.

RESULTS

The ARs of blood suspensions with each of the three isosmotic solutions were significantly higher than the other five solutions (P < 0.001). The FS laser's cutting depth and the collateral damage were increased with the laser power or power density but the collateral damages were less than 100 µm. Microbubble formation was detected in the liquid environments tested and influenced the effective laser power.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic application of the FS laser is feasible. Microbubble formation with the laser incision, however, may influence cutting effects. Proposed methods to address these issues include increasing the irrigation rate, using distilled water as irrigation or using gas insufflation instead of irrigation. It is necessary to evaluate these methods, as well as the long-term biologic response to laser incision, on living animal models in endoscopic settings before use on humans.

Endoscopic management and the role of double stenting for primary obstructive megaureters

PURPOSE

We determined the efficacy and potential complications of endoscopic incision and balloon dilation with double stenting for the treatment of primary obstructive megaureter in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively reviewed cases of primary obstructive megaureter requiring repair due to pyelonephritis, renal calculi and/or loss of renal function. A total of 17 patients were identified as candidates for endoscopy. Infants were excluded from study. All patients underwent cystoscopy and retrograde ureteropyelography to start the procedure. In segments less than 2 cm balloon dilation was performed, and for those 2 to 3 cm laser incision was added. Two ureteral stents were placed within the ureter simultaneously and left indwelling for 8 weeks. Imaging was performed 3 months after stent removal and repeated 2 years following intervention.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 7.0 years (range 3 to 12). Of the patients 12 had marked improvement of hydroureteronephrosis on renal and bladder ultrasound. The remaining 5 patients had some improvement on renal and bladder ultrasound, and underwent magnetic resonance urography revealing no evidence of obstruction. All patients were followed for at least 2 years postoperatively and were noted to be symptom-free with stable imaging during the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic management appears to be an alternative to reimplantation for primary obstructive megaureter with a narrowed segment shorter than 3 cm. Double stenting seems to be effective in maintaining patency of the neo-orifice. Followup into adolescence is needed.

EAU guidelines on laser technologies

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Office has set up a guideline working panel to analyse the scientific evidence published in the world literature on lasers in urologic practice.

OBJECTIVE

Review the physical background and physiologic and technical aspects of the use of lasers in urology, as well as current clinical results from these new and evolving technologies, together with recommendations for the application of lasers in urology. The primary objective of this structured presentation of the current evidence base in this area is to assist clinicians in making informed choices regarding the use of lasers in their practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Structured literature searches using an expert consultant were designed for each section of this document. Searches were carried out in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Medline and Embase on the Dialog/DataStar platform. The controlled terminology of the respective databases was used, and both Medical Subject Headings and EMTREE were analysed for relevant entry terms. One Cochrane review was identified.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Depending on the date of publication, the evidence for different laser treatments is heterogeneous. The available evidence allows treatments to be classified as safe alternatives for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction in different clinical scenarios, such as refractory urinary retention, anticoagulation, and antiplatelet medication. Laser treatment for bladder cancer should only be used in a clinical trial setting or for patients who are not suitable for conventional treatment due to comorbidities or other complications. For the treatment of urinary stones and retrograde endoureterotomy, lasers provide a standard tool to augment the endourologic procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), laser vaporisation, resection, or enucleation are alternative treatment options. The standard treatment for BPO remains transurethral resection of the prostate for small to moderate size prostates and open prostatectomy for large prostates. Laser energy is an optimal treatment method for disintegrating urinary stones. The use of lasers to treat bladder tumours and in laparoscopy remains investigational.

Management of benign ureteral strictures in the endoscopic era

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

During the past decade, endoscopic management has emerged as the first-line treatment of benign ureteral strictures. We reviewed our experience with the management of benign ureteral strictures to determine the success rate of endoscopic surgery in a contemporary series and assessed the viability of surgical reimplantation in the modern era.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 75 patients with a diagnosis of ureteral stricture between 2000 and 2005 via electronic medical records search and excluded those with completely obliterated, external compressive, malignant, or ureteroenteric strictures, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and those with follow-up less than 2 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients who were treated endoscopically (balloon dilation and/or holmium laser endoureterotomy) were identified. Mean stricture length in each patient was 1.6 +/- 1 cm (range 0.5-4 cm), and the mean number of procedures per patient was 1.7 +/- 0.8. Endoscopic success was achieved in 29 (85%), while 5 (15%) patients experienced endoscopic management failure and ultimately needed ureteral reimplantation. When comparing the endoscopically treated and reimplant groups, there was no significant difference in mean stricture length (1.38 +/- 1.13 vs 2 +/- 1.1 cm, P = 0.14), yet mean number of procedures performed (1.41 +/- 0.85 vs 3.6 +/- 1.5; P = 0.002) reached statistical significance. There were no clinical or radiographic signs of obstruction in 100% of patients who received endoscopic therapy only and 100% of patients who needed open surgical management at a mean follow-up of 25.2 +/- 19.3 and 7.7 +/- 3.2 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery is clearly a successful primary treatment modality in the management of benign ureteral strictures with minimal morbidity. In the modern era of endoscopic surgery, however, ureteral reimplantation remains a viable option in treating the small subset of patients with benign ureteral strictures for whom endoscopic management fails.

Holmium laser endoureterotomy for benign ureteral stricture: a single center experience

PURPOSE

We assessed the long-term outcome of laser endoureterotomy for benign ureteral stricture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a database of 69 patients who underwent retrograde laser endoureterotomy from October 2001 to June 2007 we identified 35 with a benign ureteral stricture. Clinical characteristics, operative results and functional outcomes were investigated. Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiographic resolution of obstruction.

RESULTS

Median followup was 27 months (range 10 to 72). All except 1 patient were followed at least 16 months. All patients completed clinical followup and 33 completed imaging. Of 35 patients 29 (82%) were symptom-free during followup and 26 of 33 (78.7%) were free of radiographic evidence of obstruction. All except 1 failure occurred within less than 9 months postoperatively. The success rate was higher for nonischemic strictures (100% vs 64.7%, p = 0.027) and tended to be higher for strictures 1 cm or less (89.4% vs 64.2%, p = 0.109).

CONCLUSIONS

Holmium laser endoureterotomy is effective for benign ureteral stricture in well selected patients. Most failures occur within less than 9 months after surgery, which may indicate a need for closer followup during postoperative year 1. Factors that might may outcome are ischemia and stricture length.

A case of iatrogenic ureteric injury presenting with headache

BACKGROUND

A 33-year-old woman was referred to the renal outpatient clinic with a headache caused by severe hypertension. She had given birth 3 months previously by emergency caesarean section after a labor complicated by uterine rupture. She had delivered by caesarean section twice previously.

INVESTIGATIONS

Full blood count, urinalysis, serum creatinine level, renal ultrasonography, antegrade and retrograde studies.

DIAGNOSIS

Renal ultrasonography showed marked left hydronephrosis. Antegrade and retrograde studies showed a short ureteric stricture 3 cm proximal to the vesicoureteric junction causing complete obstruction and consistent with iatrogenic ureteric injury.

MANAGEMENT

A left nephrostomy was placed and the patient was treated with nifedipine and prazosin. Her hypertension resolved and these drugs were discontinued 1 week later. The ureteric stricture was managed by entirely endourological means. A guidewire was manipulated across the stricture via a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. Ureterotomy was then undertaken using a holmium yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, followed by placement of a endopyelotomy stent with the larger segment across the stricture site. A good result was seen at ureteroscopy following subsequent stent removal. The patient remains normotensive.

Endoscopic ureterotomy for the treatment of ureteric stricture following laparoscopic oophorectomy

We report a case of ureteric stricture formation in a 40-year-old woman after laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy and ureterolysis for removal of a large benign ovarian cyst. Ten days postoperatively, she was examined for gradually increasing loin pain and was found to have a short-segment ureteric stricture. She was initially treated conservatively by placement of a ureteric stent. The stent was removed after 6 weeks, and the ureteric obstruction reoccurred. She was subsequently successfully treated by endoscopic ureterotomy.