Combined Boari bladder flap-psoas bladder hitch procedure in ureteral replacement.

Abstract

Uncomplicated injuries to the ureter are commonly treated with end-to-end ureteroureterostomy or reimplantation into the bladder. The Boari bladder flap and the psoas bladder hitch have been used separately when distal ureteral replacement is required. In cases of more extensive ureteral damage extending above the pelvic rim, more complex procedures have been performed. These procedures (transureteroureterostomy, intestinal replacement or renal autotransplantation) often represent a considerable surgical challenge and may be associated with numerous complications. Combining the principles of the psoas bladder hitch and Boari flap affords the clinician a means of traversing extensive ureteral defects with standard surgical techniques. We report herein patients with ureteral damage who have undergone replacement of various lengths of ureter with combined psoas hitch/Boari flap procedures. The technique is suitable for traversing ureteral defects at least to the lower pole of the kidney. An obvious advantage is that the replacement utilizes only normal urinary tract, it does not endanger ipsilateral kidney nor contralateral ureter or kidney and can be employed in patients with decreased renal function. In our experience ureteral replacement with the combination of the psoas bladder hitch and Boari bladder flap is an excellent method which is surgically simpler and safer than the other methods described for more extensive ureteral injuries.