Simultaneous Antegrade and Retrograde Endoscopic Management of Complete Short-Segment Ureteroileal Anastomotic Stricture: Technique and Early Outcome

Abstract

Background: Ureteroileal anastomotic strictures have a prevalence of up to 10%. Although open surgical revision remains the gold standard treatment, endoscopic and robotic approaches are described to reduce morbidity.1 Patients with complete occlusive strictures are usually not considered candidates for endoscopic management. There are limited publications with small number of patients who employed endoscopic management for complete occlusive ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. Objective: The aim of this video is to describe surgical approach in a stepwise manner for endoscopic management of a complete short-segment (<1 cm) ureteroileal anastomotic stricture.2–6 Methods: A 51-year-old woman underwent an anterior pelvic exenteration and ileal conduit followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer management. After 1 year, she underwent nephrostomy tube placement for pyelonephritis associated with a left hydroureteronephrosis. Subsequent antegrade nephrostogram demonstrated a complete ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. The patient was counseled regarding various management options, and she opted for endoscopic management. Under general anesthesia we initially performed a flexible cystoscopy through the ileal conduit and were unable to identify the left ureteroileal anastomotic site. We then dilated percutaneous renal access and placed 13F ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy sheath in kidney under fluoroscopic guidance. Antegrade simultaneous ureteroscopy and nephrostogram confirmed a short-segment complete stenosis of ureteroileal anastomosis. Using 200 micron holmium laser fiber at 1 J × 10 Hz, we incised the distal blind end of ureter near conduit allowing passage of the ureteroscope in periureteral tissue. We then incised the ileal conduit, allowing antegrade advancement of a guidewire into the conduit. This wire was retrieved cystoscopically through an ileal conduit and secured at the level of stoma. Finally, a 7F/14F endoureterotomy stent was placed followed by nephrostomy tube placement. Results: The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged home the next day with an open nephrostomy tube. After 10 days, we confirmed free drainage of contrast into the conduit without extravasation on antegrade nephrostogram and clamped the nephrostomy tube. We later removed nephrostomy tube at 2 weeks and endoureterotomy stent by office cystoscopy at 6 weeks. At 3-month and 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. A renal ultrasonography revealed residual mild left hydronephrosis and a renal scan showed stable split left renal function of 25% with adequate drainage. Conclusion: Our video provides detailed technical nuisances to novice endourologist for a safe and effective treatment of a complete short-segment ureteroileal anastomotic occlusion with simultaneous antegrade and retrograde endoscopic management. No competing financial interests exist. Authors have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. Runtime of video: 4 mins 58 secs