Utility of 3D Modeling in Complex Upper Tract Reconstruction: Robot-Assisted Ureteropelvicostomy of Native Ureter to Transplant Renal Pelvis

Abstract

Clinical History: The case is a 17-year-old boy with a history of bilateral grade 4 vesicoureteral reflux and end-stage renal disease who underwent a living-unrelated donor renal transplantation in November 2021. He presented in June 2022 with vague abdominal pain and creatinine 4.3 mg/dL. Physical Examination: Transplant biopsy showed no evidence of acute rejection. Antegrade nephrostogram at the time of nephrostomy tube placement demonstrated hydronephrosis and a focal stricture of the proximal transplant ureter. His anatomy was further complicated because of prior ligation of his native distal right ureter at the time of transplant and intraperitoneal location of his transplant kidney through a peritoneal window. Diagnosis: Focal proximal stricture of transplant ureter. Intervention: Given the complex anatomy, a 3D-printed anatomical model was created to facilitate surgical planning. The 3D model highlighted a complex trajectory of the proximal ureter and strictured segment directly posterior to the transplant hilar vessels. In addition, the transplant kidney was directly overlying the dome of the bladder because of its intraperitoneal location. Given these anatomic considerations, the patient underwent an uncomplicated robot-assisted ureteropelvicostomy between his native left ureter and transplant renal pelvis. Follow-Up/Outcomes: Total robotic operative time was 2 hours 17 minutes. He was dismissed on postoperative day 1 with a creatinine nadir equivalent to his post-transplant baseline at 10-week follow-up. 3D-printed models have utility in select cases with complex anatomy. These models facilitate accurate regional and spatial anatomy of critical structures to enable effective operative planning. No competing financial interests exist. Patient consent statement: Patient consented to the use of nonidentifiable intraoperative photography and video recording for the purpose of medical education and publication in professional journals. Source of 3D model: Mayo clinic 3D Anatomic Modeling Laboratory. Authors have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. No funding was received for this article. Music: All music was from Pixabay.com, royalty free. Runtime of video: 04 mins 58 secs