Ureteral Reconstruction Research Articles

Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Patients with Ureteral Stricture Disease

To develop a patient-reported outcome measure using qualitative patient-centered methods and expert opinion to quantify the impact of ureteral stricture disease and its management. Patients undergoing robotic ureteral reconstruction for ureteral stricture disease between 9/2021-4/2023 were enrolled. A novel patient-reported outcome was developed in four steps: 1) Semi-structured concept elicitation interviews to evaluate the physical, mental, and social effects of ureteral stricture disease; 2) Item generation based on themes identified in the interview transcripts, existing patient-reported outcomes on health-related QOL, and expert opinion; 3) Feedback on the generated items from a panel of external clinicians with high surgical volume for ureteral stricture disease; and 4) Cognitive interviews assessing patient comprehension and relevance. We conducted 14 semi-structured concept-elicitation interviews. After qualitative analysis of these interviews, we generated a 13-item instrument: 8 items assessed symptoms, 4 items assessed QOL, and 1 item assessed patient-perceived treatment success. Expert input supported the content of the patient-reported outcome measure and guided minor adjustments. Two rounds of cognitive interviews were conducted. The first round included 6 patients, and the patient-reported outcome measure was revised according to patient feedback. The second round included 4 patients, and no additional revisions were made based on the second round. We utilized qualitative patient-centered methods and expert opinion to develop a patient reported outcome measure to assess outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for ureteral stricture disease.

Preoperative Factors for Success of Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Distal Ureteral Strictures.

Introduction: To investigate preoperative predictors of surgical success for patients undergoing robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) for management of distal ureteral strictures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our multi-institutional Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery database to identify all consecutive patients undergoing RUR for surgical repair of distal ureteral strictures between 04/2012 and 12/2022. Procedures included refluxing reimplant (58.5%), side to side reimplant (18.0%), ureteroureterostomy (12.7%), non-refluxing reimplant (6.3%), buccal mucosa ureteroplasty (2.8%), and appendiceal bypass ureteroplasty (1.7%). Patients were grouped according to whether they were surgically successful. Preoperative variables between both groups were compared using chi-square tests. All variables with associations of p < 0.2 underwent a binary logistic regression analysis to determine predictive variables of success for RUR (p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant). Results: Overall, 284 patients met inclusion criteria. Univariate analysis showed obesity (p = 0.03), smoking history (p = 0.10), abdominopelvic radiation history (p = 0.14), immunocompromised state (p = 0.12), and ureteral rest (p = 0.01) were notable preoperative factors (p < 0.2). Binary logistic regression analysis further revealed the odds of surgical success in patients with obesity was 0.32 times (CI: 0.12-0.83, p = 0.02) the odds of success for patients without obesity. The odds of surgical success in patients who underwent preoperative ureteral rest was 4.2 times (CI: 1.51-11.77, p < 0.01) the odds of success for patients who did not undergo preoperative ureteral rest. Conclusion: Preoperative factors including obesity and ureteral rest may affect surgical success of RUR for management of distal ureteral strictures.

Predictors of Failed Outcomes in Ureteral Reconstruction: A Real-World Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: Ureteral reconstruction is aimed at maintaining ureteral patency without the need for long-term catheters like ureteral stents or percutaneous nephrostomies. Different surgical strategies are adopted based on the etiology, the location of the injury, and the severity of the injury. We aimed to analyze the parameters that can predict which patients might not be free from further catheterization after reconstruction. Materials and Methods: This study included patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction from January 2007 to December 2021. The success of ureteral reconstruction was defined as being free from further catheterization after the operation. Results: A total of 184 patients underwent ureteral reconstruction. Malignant disease with ureteral invasion and iatrogenic injuries accounted for 79.9% of the cases. The majority (79.3%) did not have to undergo subsequent interventions. Predictors for a failed result of ureteral reconstruction included a history of radiotherapy (OR = 2.75, p = 0.01), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 3.42, p &lt; 0.001), and an upper ureteric location of the injury (OR = 5.68, p = 0.042). Conclusions: A history of radiation therapy, an upper third ureteric location of the injury, and CKD were identified as predictors of a failed ureteral reconstruction. Malignant diseases, surgical methods, and repair techniques did not significantly affect the outcome of the operation.

Ureter‐ileum‐interposition: Combined experience from two high‐volume centres

AbstractThe current study aimed to evaluate short‐ and long‐term complication rates and functional outcomes in a substantial cohort of patients undergoing ileal ureter interposition at two high‐volume medical centres.Materials and methodsA retrospective single‐arm analysis was conducted on patients who underwent ureter reconstruction using ileum between 2003 and 2022 at the University Clinic of Cologne and the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine. Data on aetiology, surgical techniques, pre‐ and postoperative kidney function changes, readmission rates and complication management were collected. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien–Dindo, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD‐EPI formula.ResultsResults revealed 107 cases with consistent data. Within 90 days post‐surgery, 53% experienced complications, mainly graded as I–II. Grade III complications were seen in 13%, with two cases of grade IV complications leading to extended hospitalisation and patient death. The 90‐day mortality rate was 1.8%. Over a mean follow‐up of 52 months, clinically significant vesico‐renal refluxes occurred in 28%, with only 5.4% leading to persistent urinary tract infection. Antireflux techniques appeared to reduce urine upflow incidence compared with conventional interposition. Anastomosis stricture occurred in 15% of patients, with 63% requiring permanent re‐stenting and 37% needing re‐anastomosis. Metabolic acidosis was clinically significant in 7.5% of cases. A slight improvement in renal function was observed during the first year post‐surgery (average postoperative eGFR = 76 ± 22 ml/min; Mann–Witney U test, p = 0,0198). Affected kidney function improved in 56 (52%), was stable in 41 (38%) and deteriorated in 10 (9.3%). Loss of kidney function on the surgery side was seen in 4 (3.7%) patients and resulted in nephrectomy in 3 (2.8%) cases.ConclusionIleal ureter interposition demonstrated a favourable safety profile and functional outcomes. This surgical intervention provides an effective tension‐free bypass, irrespective of healthy ureter length.

Robotic Psoas Hitch, Ureteric Reconstruction and Re-implantation for a Distal Ureteric Stricture Using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS System

Robotic Psoas Hitch, Ureteric Reconstruction and Re-implantation for a Distal Ureteric Stricture Using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS System

Re: Minimizing variability: Standardized approach to retroperitoneal single‐port robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction

Re: Minimizing variability: Standardized approach to retroperitoneal single‐port robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction

Modified Ex Vivo Renal Reconstruction to Facilitate Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Repair of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

To report the use of modified ex vivo renal artery (RA) reconstruction in a patient with 2 small right RAs (RRAs) in anticipation of planned fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). A staged hybrid repair was utilized in a patient with Extent II TAAA involving celiac axis (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), single left RA (LRA), and 2 small (<3 mm) RRAs. The first-stage operation consisted of hepato-renal bypass using modified ex vivo renal reconstruction with single end-to-end anastomosis to both RAs using a saphenous vein graft. A second stage FB-EVAR was performed using patient-specific manufactured stent-graft with 3 fenestrations for the CA, SMA, and LRA 6 weeks later. The patient recovered with no complications. At 4 years, the patient had widely patent hepato-renal bypass and target vessels with normal renal function. The use of adjunctive hybrid procedures may optimize or facilitate FB-EVAR. In this patient, salvage of 2 small RAs was not ideally suited for branch stenting but was possible using modified ex vivo RA reconstruction with preservation of kidney parenchyma and function. This case report illustrates a hybrid approach to overcome one of the most frequent limitations to total endovascular incorporation of renal arteries, eg small diameter, early bifurcation and multiple vessels. The modified ex vivo technique allows meticulous renal artery reconstruction without the deleterious effect of warm ischemia and without the cumbersome reconstruction of ureter and vein that is needed with traditional on table ex vivo auto transplantation. The technique is used in a minority of cases and adds the morbidity of open approach. Case selection is of paramount importance.

Laparoscopic Ureteric Reconstruction After Partial Ureterectomy for Locally Advanced and Recurrent Pelvic Malignancies (with Video).

The urinary tract is one of the most frequently involved organs in advanced non-urologic pelvic malignances. Extensive resection of ureteric organs is mandatory during a curative surgery. Urinary reconstruction after partial ureterectomy, the most challenging situation, is associated with a higher incidence of complication than cystectomy, especially when performed with laparoscopy. Furthermore, to date, no generally accepted strategy for urinary reconstruction after extensive tumor resection with partial ureterectomy has been established. The study identified and scrutinized intraoperative videos and clinical records of patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies who underwent segmental ureterectomy during en bloc resection of advanced tumors between February 2020 and February 2024. The study enrolled nine patients, including four cases managed by ureteroureteral anastomosis, two cases managed by ureteroneocystomy, two cases managed by Boari flap reconstruction, and one case managed by ileal interposition. In all nine cases, R0 margins were obtained, and no case needed conversion to laparotomy. No clinical evidence of postoperative urinary leakage was identified. The median follow-up period was 14months (range, 5-19months). In three of the nine cases, recurrence was identified, at the 3rd, 18th, and 19th month follow-up evaluations, respectively. One patient died of systemic metastasis. Laparoscopic ureteric reconstruction is feasible for patients who undergo segmental ureterectomy during extensive surgery for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. A low anastomotic leakage rate and favorable postoperative renal function could be achieved in this study when anastomosis was performed laparoscopically.

Laparoscopic Ureteral Reconstruction in Children with Retrocaval Ureter: A Modern Single Center Retrospective Study.

Purpose: This study aims to report our experience in the treatment of children with retrocaval ureter (RCU) using laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction surgery. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 10 pediatric patients with RCU who underwent laparoscopic surgery at our hospital from April 2010 to April 2022. All patients underwent comprehensive preoperative radiological assessment and were diagnosed with RCU, subsequently undergoing laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction. Patient demographics, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Regular follow-ups were conducted postoperatively, evaluating clinical symptoms and radiological results. Results: The median age of the 10 patients was 8.8 years (range, 6-14 years). All surgeries were successfully performed laparoscopically without the need for open conversion, with an average surgical time of 153.3 minutes (range, 120-243 minutes). Intraoperative bleeding was minimal and no blood transfusions were required. No intraoperative complications were observed. The average hospital stay for the patients was 5.3 days (range, 4-7 days) and the Double-J (D-J) stent was removed 6 weeks postoperatively. Follow-up ultrasound results at 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed a reduction in renal pelvic dilatation, and all patients experienced significant relief of clinical symptoms related to flank and abdominal discomfort. Conclusion: Laparoscopic reconstruction for RCU demonstrates good feasibility and effectiveness in pediatric patients, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for the management of RCU in children.

Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for benign non-passable upper ureteric stricture – A case report with review of literature

Ureteral stricture (US) is not a very common condition. The etiology of US could be either benign or malignant. It is mostly due to long-standing ischemia causing inflammation and fibrosis that ultimately leads to stricture formation. In most cases, diagnosis is made incidentally under direct visualization at the time of the ureteroscopic procedure. Surgery for ureteral reconstruction aims to achieve adequate vascular supply, a tension-free anastomosis with mucosal apposition, and to ensure complete excision of stricture-laden ureteral segments. We herein present the case of a 42-year-old male patient who presented with a complaint of acute pain in his left flank, radiating from the loin to the front, for 10 days. The workup investigations revealed a tight stricture in the left upper ureter, a 2-mm calculus in the left upper ureter proximal to the stricture, and left proximal hydroureteronephrosis. The patient was successfully managed by laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy.

Renal function after ureteral reconstruction surgery in patients with solitary kidney.

Ureteral strictures (US) could lead to impaired kidney function, which was alleviated by ureteral reconstruction surgery. However, solitary kidney (SK) patients with US were more complicated to treat. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of reconstruction surgery on renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with SK. We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent reconstruction surgery between April 2014 to March 2022. eGFR was measured pre- and postoperatively. The 'static renal function' was defined as a change in eGFR of 20% or less at the last follow-up, and the 'worsening renal function group' was defined as a decrease of greater than 20%. A total of 61 SK patients were involved. The success rate of ureteral reconstruction surgery was 90.16% (55/61). The median follow-up time was 20.8 months (range, 3.7-109.2 months). The median eGFR was 65.5 (range, 15.1-99.9) and 65.3 (range, 3.8-123.4) mL/min/1.73 m2 at the baseline and the last follow-up. No statistically significant difference in eGFR was observed between the preoperative baseline and last follow-up visits (P=0.58). However, in patients with baseline renal dysfunction [chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3-5], the eGFR significantly improved at the last follow-up compared to the baseline (P=0.02). Three patients developed a 'worsening renal function' (4.92%). Besides, the systolic blood pressures (SBP) at follow-up significantly reduced compared to the preoperative baseline (P=0.002). Ureteral reconstruction surgery is an effective treatment to preserve renal function, which also achieves a high success rate and is associated with the reduction of SBP for SK patients with US.

Minimizing variability: Standardized approach to retroperitoneal single‐port robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction

AbstractEvidence suggests that robot‐assisted ureteroplasty is a safe and feasible management option of ureteral strictures. The retroperitoneal approach to ureteral reconstruction using single‐port (SP) robot can be beneficial in challenging cases of patients with prior history of abdominopelvic surgery or radiation. Herein, we present a standardized approach to retroperitoneal SP robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction, highlighting the advantages of this technique in selected clinical scenarios.

Comparison of proximal and distal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for complete duplex kidneys in children

ObjectiveTo compare efficacy of proximal and distal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (UU) for complete duplex kidneys in children.MethodsPatients who underwent laparoscopic UU for complete duplex kidneys between December 2016 and July 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. 71 patients who had normal lower pole moiety without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were recruited. All of them underwent ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), renal scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance urography preoperatively. Proximal laparoscopic UU was performed in 35 patients and distal laparoscopic UU in 36 patients. Double J stents were placed in normal lower pole moieties. Clinical data, including general information, diagnosis, surgical management, imaging characteristics, clinical symptoms and postoperative complications (classified according to the modified Clavien–Dindo classification), and length of stay were recorded. Measurement date comparisons between groups were performed by t test, counting date were analyzed by chi-square test.ResultsThe study consisted of 71 patients (56 females and 15 males) with complete duplex kidneys (41 in left kidney and 30 in right kidney). The patients’ mean age was 34 m (range 3–161 m) and follow-up ranged from 25 to 81 m. No significant difference was found in age and follow-up time between the two groups. Laparoscopic UU was performed in all patients successfully. The operation time of the two groups was 108.42 ± 26.95 min for distal UU vs 121.46 ± 35.15 min for proximal UU(p = 0.14). No significant difference in postoperative complications was seen between the two groups (22.2% vs 31.4%, p = 0.345). However, in terms of the grading of postoperative complications, the proximal UU group had a higher grade (3 of them had a grade of IV) and more serious complications.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the overall incidence of complications between distal and proximal UU. Compared with proximal laparoscopic UU, distal laparoscopic UU is easier to perform with less injury to the peripheral tissues. Postoperative complications of proximal UU are more serious and more difficult to manage. We recommend complete duplex kidney ureteral reconstruction with distal UU.

Reply to Editorial Comment on “High Rates of Discordant Ureteral Perfusion During Open Ureteral Reconstruction With Indocyanine Green: Does Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Change Management or Stricture Outcomes?”

Reply to Editorial Comment on “High Rates of Discordant Ureteral Perfusion During Open Ureteral Reconstruction With Indocyanine Green: Does Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Change Management or Stricture Outcomes?”

Reconstruction: Ureteral Reconstruction (Including Pyeloplasty) and Bladder Reconstruction (Including Trauma-Related Fistula) I (MP48)

Reconstruction: Ureteral Reconstruction (Including Pyeloplasty) and Bladder Reconstruction (Including Trauma-Related Fistula) I (MP48)

Reconstruction: Ureteral Reconstruction (Including Pyeloplasty) and Bladder Reconstruction (Including Trauma-Related Fistula) II (PD44)

Reconstruction: Ureteral Reconstruction (Including Pyeloplasty) and Bladder Reconstruction (Including Trauma-Related Fistula) II (PD44)

Editorial Comment on “High Rates of Discordant Ureteral Perfusion During Open Ureteral Reconstruction with Indocyanine Green: Does Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Change Management or Stricture Outcomes?”

Editorial Comment on “High Rates of Discordant Ureteral Perfusion During Open Ureteral Reconstruction with Indocyanine Green: Does Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Change Management or Stricture Outcomes?”

High Rates of Discordant Ureteral Perfusion During Open Ureteral Reconstruction With Indocyanine Green: Does Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Change Management or Stricture Outcomes?

OBJECTIVETo determine the role of near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFI) combined with indocyanine green (ICG) to assess ureteral tissue perfusion in a benign genitourinary reconstruction cohort with a high prevalence of prior abdominopelvic radiation and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODSA prospective, single-surgeon series, between June 2018 and April 2022, of patients who underwent open genitourinary reconstructive surgeries in which NIFI/ICG was utilized to intraoperatively assess ureteral tissue perfusion prior to ureteral anastomosis. Primary outcome was ureteroanastomotic stricture (UAS). Secondary outcomes included impact of NIFI/ICG on surgical decision-making and ureter resection length. RESULTS39 patients, median age 66, underwent 40 multimodality reconstructive surgeries during which NIFI/ICG was utilized in the open setting. Radiation-induced etiology was present in 32 of 40 (80%) patients. UAS occurred in 1 of 57 (1.8%) anastomoses with median follow-up 23.4 months. Use of NIFI/ICG changed intraoperative decision-making in 63% of cases. Change in intraoperative decision-making was more common in patients with prior abdominopelvic radiation (66%) compared to non-radiated patients (13%), p=0.007. Discordance between subjective (white-light) and objective (NIFI/ICG) ureteral perfusion (white-light) occurred in 61% of ureters. Mean length of resected ureter was higher following objective assessment with NIFI/ICG (3.6 cm) versus subjective assessment (white light) conditions (1.8 cm), p=0.001. CONCLUSIONSUse of NIFI/ICG was associated with low rates of UAS at 2 years follow-up in a cohort with high prevalence of prior radiation. NIFI/ICG was associated with longer lengths of ureter resection and ureteral perfusion assessment discordance compared to subjective surgeon assessment under white-light conditions.

Long-term Renal Preservation and Complication Profile With Ileal Ureter Creation

ObjectivesTo examine long-term ileal ureter replacement results at over 32 years at our institution. Long segment or proximal ureteral strictures pose a challenging reconstructive problem. Ureteroureterostomy, psoas hitch, boari flap, buccal ureteroplasty and autotransplantation are common reconstructive techniques. We show that ileal ureter remains a lasting option. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing open ileal ureter creation from 1989-2021. Patient demographics, operative history, and complications were examined. All patients were followed for change in renal function. Demographic data was analyzed and cox proportional hazard models performed. Results158 patients were identified with median follow-up time of 40 months. 81% had a unilateral ileal ureter creation. 50% were female, median age was 53.3. 27% of patients had radiation-induced strictures. Pre-operatively, 56.3% of patients were CKD stage 1-2 and 43.7% were stage 3-5. Post-operatively, 54% were stage 1-2 and 46% were stage 3-5. Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated no significant correlation between worsening renal function and stricture cause, bilateral repair, complications, or sex. 77% had no 30-day complications. Clavien complications included grade 1(18), grade 2(4), grade 3(9), grade 4(5). Long-term complications included worsening renal function(3%), incisional hernia(8.2%), and small bowel obstruction(6.9%). 5(3.1%) patients ultimately required dialysis and 5(3.1%) patients developed metabolic acidosis. ConclusionIleal ureteral reconstruction is often a last resort for patients with complex ureteral injuries. Clinicians can be reassured by our long-term data that ileal ureteral creation is a safe treatment with good preservation of renal function and low risk of hemodialysis and metabolic acidosis.

Robotic reconstruction of necrosed ileal ureter: Technical challenges, intra-operative difficulty, and learning points.

This video explores the challenges faced during a re-do robotic intra-corporeal ileal ureter reconstruction in a previously operated case. A 24-year-old woman presented with a 12-cm long stricture after robotic ileal ureter replacement surgery. A proper preoperative evaluation in the form of ureteroscopy and a nephrostogram is essential and the key steps include adhesiolysis, identification of the necrotic ileal ureter, and meticulous dissection. A 13-cm long segment of the ileum was isolated and was anastomosed to the renal pelvis and the bladder. The surgery lasted for 420 min with 300 ml of blood loss. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and had a normal drainage with no complications at 1-year of follow-up. The factors such as a broad mesentery, a tension-free anastomosis, and avoiding the twisting of the pedicle are crucial for success of robotic ileal ureter replacement surgery.