Endourological treatment of symptomatic ureteral stump posnephrectomy

Abstract

Introductionureteral stump syndrome is defined as a recurrent urinary infection, low abdominal pain and haematuria in patients with a history of nephrectomy. Its incidence is low and the symptoms are non-specific. The aim of our paper was to present our results with endoscopic treatment of symptomatic ureteral remnants. Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients with ureteral remnant syndrome after nephrectomy treated in our centre between 2004 and 2015. We present a series of 10 patients. The patients were treated endoscopically with electrofulguration of the ureter and edges of the affected meatus, with subsequent injection of filler material into the suburetheral submucosa to aid in the coaptation of the ureteral remnant walls. ResultsThe mean age at treatment was 2 years. The right ureteral remnant was treated in 6 patients and the left in 4. Seven meatuses were ectopic and 3 orthotopic. Follow-up was 8 years. After endoscopic treatment only 2 patients relapsed. ConclusionEndourological treatment of ureteral stump syndrome is a simple, safe, rapid and effective option that can be performed as an outpatient, for orthotopic and ectopic stumps. It does not compromise subsequent open resection of the ureteral remnant if required, and therefore we believe that it should be considered a valid alternative for the initial treatment of this disorder.