Minimally Invasive Endourological Techniques may Provide a Novel Method for Relieving Urinary Obstruction due to Ureterosciatic Herniation

Ureterosciatic Hernia in Focus: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Pelvic herniation of the ureter through anatomical musculoskeletal foramina stands out as one of the rarest causes of ureteric obstruction. Historically, most cases have been documented as incidental intraoperative findings. The herniation of the ureter through the sciatic foramen presents as a particularly uncommon variant of this condition, distinguished by its potential to cause life-threatening sepsis or renal failure if not promptly recognized and treated. The diagnostic process remains challenging, attributed partly to the vague initial symptomatology and subtle radiological findings, and second, to the rarity of this condition. This challenge may be further compounded by the lack of a clear description of clinical features and pathways to raise clinician suspicion. In light of these considerations, we conducted this literature review to illuminate this unique cause of obstructive uropathy, aiming to delineate its clinical features and explore common diagnostic and treatment options.

Uretero-Sciatic Hernia (Lindbom Hernia): A Case Report and Long-Term Follow-Up

Ureteric herniation through the posterior pelvic wall is one of the rarest variants of hernias and causes of ureteric obstruction. The clinical features span from asymptomatic to a presentation with severe flank pain and life-threatening infection secondary to ureteric obstruction. The diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion and timely, appropriate radiological investigation. This article presents a case report of a patient who presented with a history of nonspecific abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a left-sided uretero-sciatic hernia (Lindblom hernia). This was managed with routine ureteral stent changes. Long-term follow-up and results from over 10 years of management are presented.

Urosepsis secondary to ureterosciatic hernia corrected with ureteral stent placement: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Ureterosciatic hernia is a rare type of pelvic floor herniation that occurs through the sciatic foramen. The resulting ureteral obstruction may lead to hydronephrosis and to further complications including urinary tract infection and urosepsis. There have been 30 reported cases of ureterosciatic hernia. Ureteral stenting and surgical repair have been used as treatment options.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 86-year-old woman who was transferred to Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital with symptoms of fever and septic shock. Her computed tomography scan revealed left hydronephrosis and deviation of the left ureter into the sciatic foramen; she was therefore diagnosed with a left ureteral sciatic hernia and admitted in our intensive care unit for further treatment with resuscitative fluids, vasopressors, and antibiotics. Following a retrograde insertion ureteral catheter insertion, ureteral incarceration was relieved, and a double-J ureteral stent was placed in situ. Antibiotic treatment was initiated, and the patient's hemodynamic status gradually improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ureterosciatic hernia is a rare disorder, it is associated with serious complications including urinary tract infection with sepsis, which may warrant urgent corrective procedure to relieve the structural obstruction. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, though treatment with ureteral stent placement may be a favorable approach in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with urosepsis.

Successful manual reduction for ureterosciatic hernia: A case report

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Manual reduction was successfully performed for a patient with sciatic hernia.

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There were no report of closed manual reduction previously.

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A sciatic hernia in women may be manually reduced without surgery.

Introduction

Sciatic hernias are the least common type of pelvic floor hernias. The purpose of this study was to present a novel technique for manual reduction and to conduct a systematic review of previous reports of sciatic hernias to characterize them and review the outcomes.

Presentation of case

An 86-year-old female presented with left-sided lumbar pain. She had a past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and was treated with prednisolone and methotrexate. Her left abdomen and left lumbar area were tender. An unenhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed invagination of the left ureter into the left sciatic foramen and a dilated left proximal ureter and renal pelvis. Ultrasonography showed an invaginated left ureter viewing from the left buttock. She was diagnosed with a sciatic hernia. Ultrasound-guided manual transvaginal reduction was performed. Post-procedure unenhanced abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed reduction of the ureter. After 10-months of follow-up, there is no evidence of recurrence.

Discussion

Previous reports of patients with sciatic hernia were identified. Clinical data associated with the hernia, reduction technique and clinical outcomes were collected for 72 patients. Open reduction was performed in 24 patients. A ureteral stent was placed in eight patients when the hernia contained the ureter. Four postoperative complications including one death were reported in adults. There were no reports of closed manual reduction.

Conclusion

A sciatic hernia in women may be manually reduced without surgery. Further reviews of this rare entity are needed to determine the best management strategy.

[URETEROSCIATIC HERNIA TREATED BY URETERAL STENT PLACEMENT]

Ureterosciatic hernia is an uncommon condition that can cause ureteral obstruction. Here, we report a case of ureterosciatic hernia successfully treated by ureteral stent placement. A 95-year old woman presented to our emergency department with high fever. An abdominal CT scan revealed mild left hydronephrosis and urinalysis identified pyuria. The patient was subsequently admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of complicated pyelonephritis. No recovery was evident after antimicrobial treatment, a repeat CT scan revealed a ureterosciatic hernia. We indwelled a left ureteral stent and repaired the hernia. We did not opt for a surgical approach because of the patient's age and presence of dementia. The stent was removed after 2 months, but the patient was re-admitted 4 months later because of pyelonephritis. Here, we indwelled a left ureteral stent, and the patient underwent regular ureteral stent exchange. Placement of a ureteral stent for ureterosciatic hernia is an effective treatment for elderly patients and those who are poor surgical candidates.