Downward Nephropexy Research Articles

Intermediate-term outcomes after robotic ureteral reconstruction for long-segment (≥4 centimeters) strictures in the proximal ureter: A multi-institutional experience.

PurposeTo report our intermediate-term, multi-institutional experience after robotic ureteral reconstruction for the management of long-segment proximal ureteral strictures.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery (CORRUS) database to identify all patients who underwent robotic ureteral reconstruction for long-segment (≥4 centimeters) proximal ureteral strictures between August 2012 and June 2019. The primary surgeon determined the specific technique to reconstruct the ureter at time of surgery based on the patient's clinical history and intraoperative findings. Our primary outcome was surgical success, which we defined as the absence of ureteral obstruction on radiographic imaging and absence of obstructive flank pain.ResultsOf 20 total patients, 4 (20.0%) underwent robotic ureteroureterostomy (RUU) with downward nephropexy (DN), 2 (10.0%) underwent robotic ureterocalycostomy (RUC) with DN, and 14 (70.0%) underwent robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (RU-BMG). Median stricture length was 4 centimeters (interquartile range [IQR], 4–4; maximum, 5), 6 centimeters (IQR, 5–7; maximum, 8), and 5 centimeters (IQR, 4–5; maximum, 8) for patients undergoing RUU with DN, RUC with DN, and RU-BMG, respectively. At a median follow-up of 24 (IQR, 14–51) months, 17/20 (85.0%) cases were surgically successful. Two of four patients (50.0%) who underwent RUU with DN developed stricture recurrences within 3 months.ConclusionsLong-segment proximal ureteral strictures may be safely and effectively managed with RUC with DN and RU-BMG. Although RUU with DN can be utilized, this technique may be associated with a higher failure rate.

Robotic Appendiceal Interposition With Right Lower Pole Calycostomy, Downward Nephropexy, and Psoas Hitch for the Management of an Iatrogenic Near-complete Ureteral Avulsion

Although iatrogenic ureteral injuries are rare, they have potentially devastating consequences for both patients and physicians, and their management remains challenging. We report a case of a 51-year-old morbidly obese (body mass index = 63) woman who suffered an iatrogenic 15-cm right ureteral avulsion during hysteroscopic biopsy. Preoperative antegrade and retrograde pyelograms demonstrated no true renal pelvis and a 3-cm blind-ending distal ureteral stump. The patient underwent a right robotic downward nephropexy, psoas hitch, lower pole calycostomy, and 11-cm appendiceal interposition. At 6 months postoperatively, renal scan demonstrated stable right renal function with no evidence of obstruction.

Expanding Applications of Renal Mobilization and Downward Nephropexy in Ureteral Reconstruction

To evaluate renal mobilization with downward nephropexy as an adjunct maneuver to facilitate various methods of reconstruction of the upper urinary tract with limited ureteral length. We retrospectively reviewed all upper urinary tract reconstructive procedures performed from 2007 to 2015 to identify those requiring downward renal mobilization with nephropexy. Data including concomitant maneuvers, stricture location, prior surgeries, and intraoperative details were analyzed. Success rates, defined by resolution of symptoms and avoidance of further intervention, and complications were evaluated. Of 92 patients undergoing ureteral reconstruction during the study period, 18 (19.6%) involved renal mobilization with downward nephropexy to gain additional ureteral length (5/7 [71.4%] of ureterocalycostomies, 8/26 [30.1%] of Boari flap bladder reconfigurations, 4/12 [33.3%] of ureteroureterostomies, and 1/12 [8.3%] of ileal ureters). Two-thirds of patients (12/18, 66.7%) had undergone unsuccessful prior open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic reconstruction attempts. Renal mobilization was performed open in 15/18 (83.3%) cases and laparoscopically in 3/18 (16.7%). After renal mobilization, the average distance of downward movement achieved was 3.3 cm (range 3-5 cm). With a mean follow-up of 50.4 months (range 3-87 months), overall success rate defined as ureteral patency was 88.9%, with 2/18 patients (11.1%) requiring a subsequent nephrectomy for failed upper tract reconstruction and persistent symptomatic hydronephrosis. Downward renal mobilization and nephropexy is a safe and versatile technique that can be effectively combined with many other reconstructive maneuvers.

Single Surgeon Experience with Robot-Assisted Ureteroureterostomy for Pathologies at the Proximal, Middle, and Distal Ureter in Adults

To describe our initial experience with robot-assisted ureteroureterostomy (RUU) at the proximal, middle, and distal ureter. Twelve consecutive patients underwent RUU by a single surgeon (D.D.E.) between July 2009 and November 2012. Indications included three iatrogenic injuries, two impacted stones, two ureterovaginal fistulas, two idiopathic ureteral strictures refractory to conservative treatment, one primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter, one colon cancer metastasis to the ureter, and one invasive endometriosis. There were two proximal, three middle, and seven distal ureteral pathologies. Tension-free anastomosis was achieved in all 12 patients. All patients with proximal and middle ureteral pathology received concomitant downward nephropexy (DN) as a standard part of RUU. Mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 52 years (range 30-69), mean body mass index was 30.0 kg/m(2) (range 21-38), mean operative room time was 190 minutes (range 104-354), mean estimated blood loss was 181 mL (range 50-400), and mean length of excised ureter on pathologic analysis was 2.0 cm (range 1.0-4.5). There was one intraoperative complication in which liver and gallbladder laceration occurred during trocar placement. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.4 days (range 1-5), and there were no postoperative complications. Mean follow up was 10 months (range 3-36). One patient had a ureteral stricture recurrence at 7 months postoperatively that led to renal unit loss and eventual nephrectomy. RUU is feasible, safe, and demonstrates good outcomes for pathologies at the proximal, middle, and distal ureter. Concomitant DN during RUU may assist in achieving a tension-free anastomosis for proximal and middle ureteral repairs.

Central Role of Boari Bladder Flap and Downward Nephropexy in Upper Ureteral Reconstruction

We defined the role of the Boari bladder flap procedure with or without downward nephropexy for proximal vs distal ureteral strictures. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent open ureteral reconstruction for refractory ureteral strictures, as done by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2010. Patients were grouped by stricture site into group 1--proximal third of the ureter and group 2--distal two-thirds. Operative techniques and outcomes were reviewed. During the 30-month study period a total of 29 ureteral reconstruction procedures were performed on 27 patients. A Boari bladder flap was used in 10 of the 12 patients (83%) in group 1 and 10 of the 17 (59%) in group 2. Concomitant downward nephropexy was done more commonly in group 1 (58% vs 12%, p = 0.014). At a mean followup of 11.4 months there was no difference in the overall failure rate between groups 1 and 2 (17% vs 12%). Complications developed more frequently in group 1 (75% vs 35%, p = 0.060), hospital stay was longer (mean 8.0 vs 4.4 days, p = 0.017) and mean estimated blood loss was greater (447 vs 224 ml, p = 0.008). The Boari bladder flap procedure is a reliable technique to reconstruct ureteral strictures regardless of site. Renal mobilization with downward nephropexy is a useful adjunctive maneuver for proximal strictures.

A New Technique for Ureteral Defect Lesion Reconstruction Using an Autologous Vein Graft and a Biodegradable Endoluminal Stent

Ureteral defect lesions are severe complications caused by iatrogenic lesions or trauma. For ureteral defect lesions elaborate surgical intervention is needed, such as autotransplantation or ureteral replacement with small bowel. Thus, we developed a new technique for ureteral defect reconstruction in a pig model using an autologous vein graft splinted by an endoluminal biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid stent (Institute of Textile Technology and Process Engineering, Denkendorf, Germany). In 42 pigs we removed the external jugular vein and used it as an autologous vein graft. After median laparotomy a 3 cm segment was resected from the proximal ureter and replaced by the vein with or without an endoluminal biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid stent. As controls, we used 14 pigs. We observed survival, kidney function, and neoureteral and kidney morphological changes for 7 days and for 6 months. After 6 months the stent material was completely broken down and the vein graft was relined with urothelium. It resembled native ureter with cytokeratin-7 positive columnar epithelium and newly formed capillaries in the ureteral wall. All animals had normal kidney function without renal pelvis congestion. This new technique for ureteral defect reconstruction using an autologous vein graft and a biodegradable endoluminal stent is feasible. It is an interesting alternative in the clinic due to the preservation of physiological urine passage and the antireflux mechanism.

Reimplantation of the Ureter into the Bladder by a Flap Method

Reimplantation of the Ureter into the Bladder by a Flap Method