Stricture Research Articles

Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Intestinal fibroblasts are pivotal players in maintaining tissue homeostasis and orchestrating responses to injury and inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Fibroblasts contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating immune cell activity, and promoting fibrosis. In addition, fibroblasts play crucial roles in tissue repair and regeneration following acute injury or chronic inflammation. The dysregulation of fibroblast functions can lead to fibrotic complications, such as intestinal strictures and obstruction, which are common in advanced stages of IBD. Understanding the complex interplay between fibroblasts and other cell types in the intestine is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of intestinal diseases and identify novel therapeutic targets. Future research aimed at deciphering the heterogeneity of intestinal fibroblasts and their dynamic roles in disease progression holds promise for the development of precision therapies to mitigate fibrosis and inflammation in intestinal disorders.

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-Assisted Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treat-ment of Ureteral Strictures using Kangduo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus.

Ureteroplasty using buccal or lingual mucosa graft Is feasible for complex proximal ureteral stricture (1, 2). Ileal ureter replacement is considered as the last resort for ureteral reconstruction. Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement can be performed safely and effectively (3). In China, the KangDuo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus (KD-SR-2000 Plus) has been developed featuring two surgeon consoles and five robotic arms. This study aims to share our experience with totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A 59-year-old female patient underwent a complete intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. The surgical procedure involved dissecting the proximal ends of the bilateral ureteral strictures, harvesting the ileal ureter, restoring intestinal continuity, and performing an anastomosis between the ileum and the ureteral end as well as the bladder. The data were prospectively collected and analyzed. The surgery was successfully completed with single docking without open conversion. The length of the harvested ileal ureter was 25 cm. The docking time, operation time and console time were 3.4 min., 271 min and 231 min respectively. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The postoperative hospitalization was 6 days. No perioperative complications occurred. It is technically feasible to perform totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A longer follow-up and a larger sample size are required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Predicting risk factors for postoperative intestinal stenosis in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis: development and assessment of a predictive nomogram

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate an intestinal stenosis prediction model for postoperative newborns with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). MethodsClinical information was collected on neonates who had undergone anastomosis or enterostomy because of NEC. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was applied to identify risk factors included in the model for postoperative intestinal stenosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop a predicting model regression based on the selected variables. Then internal validation was assessed using the bootstrapping validation. The accuracy and applicability of the model are assessed by C-index, calibration and decision curve.ResultsPredictors incorporated into the model were a weight on admission, hematochezia, duration of abnormal C-reactive protein, lactate, intestinal peristalsis vanish, operation methods and duration of surgery. The regression equation was logit (P) = −0.001X1 + 1.566X2 + 0.185X3 + 0.304X4 + 1.34X5 − 2.932X6 + 0.015X7 − 3.193, where X1 was weight on admission (g), X2 was hematochezia (yes = 1, no = 0), X3 was duration of abnormal C-reactive protein (days), X4 was lactate (mmol/L), X5 was intestinal peristalsis vanish (yes = 1, no = 0), X6 was primary anastomosis (yes = 1, no = 0), X7 was duration of surgery (min). The model displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.879 (0.827,0.932) by random sampling for 1000 times. The calibration curve excluded the overfitting performance, and the decision curve confirmed the clinical application capacity of the model. ConclusionThis nomogram of intestinal stenosis incorporating the use of weight on admission, hematochezia, duration of abnormal C-reactive protein, lactate, intestinal peristalsis vanish, operation methods and duration of surgery could be conveniently used to facilitate the intestinal stenosis risk prediction in postoperative-NEC-patients.

Experiences and outcomes of inverted kidney transplantation from a single Vietnamese institute.

Inverted kidney transplant (KT) has been applied in many transplant centers, but the experiences and outcomes of this technique was limited. To describe the technical characteristics, indications and evaluate the outcomes of inverted kidney transplantation. Retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2023, included 74 patients who underwent inverted kidney transplantation with 72 cases of right kidney transplant into the right iliac fossa and 2 cases of left kidney transplant into the left iliac fossa performed in Viet Duc University Hospital. 63 cases in stage 1 (ipsilateral kidney transplant), all kidney graft were transplanted on the same side and 11 cases in stage 2 in which the kidney transplant was performed in some special cases such as recipients with severe atherosclerotic iliac arteries or incompatibility between the arteries and venous. The operation time was significantly higher (192.8 vs. 173.7min, p = 0.037). However, the kidney function showed no difference when being discharged and remained stable until the latest follow-up. 3-year graft survival was 98.3%. There was 1 case of graft loss due to chronic graft rejection- immunosuppression incompliance requiring retransplantation after 2 years. Main complications included acute pancreatitis (2.7%), and ureteral stenosis at the ureter-bladder junction (6.8%), not significantly different compared to conventional KT. Inverted kidney transplantation is a simple, safe and effective technique and could be a feasible solution for some specific circumstances.

Longitudinal analysis of urinary I-FABP in extremely preterm infants that develop necrotizing enterocolitis.

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) is an intestinal epithelial protein detectable in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The longitudinal behavior of I-FABP following NEC or its association with gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes is unknown. In this secondary analysis of the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial, we compared infants with and without NEC. Urine I-FABP concentrations in matched infants (n = 70) were measured serially using ELISA and compared using paired analysis. In infants with NEC, the associations of I-FABP levels with short-term outcomes and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age were determined using non-parametric analysis. Infants with NEC were more likely to have cholestasis, death or severe neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, and lower Bayley-III motor scores. Baseline urinary I-FABP levels were similar between groups. When compared to controls, infants with NEC had urinary I-FABP concentrations that were higher at diagnosis (median 11 vs 2.6 ng/ml, p = 0.006) and lower post-NEC (median 1 vs 5 ng/ml, p = 0.002). Diagnosis I-FABP levels were not associated with gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age. In extremely preterm infants, urinary I-FABP was elevated at NEC diagnosis and lower post-NEC compared to matched controls. I-FABP levels were not associated with adverse gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels are increased at diagnosis of NEC and fall to below baseline after NEC in extremely preterm infants. Urine I-FABP levels at NEC diagnosis are not associated with cholestasis, intestinal stricture or obstruction, need for additional intestinal surgery after NEC, or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age. Urine I-FABP levels may be useful in the diagnosis of NEC. Diagnostic I-FABP levels do not predict short-term gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes after NEC.

Clinical efficacy and its influencing factors of ustekinumab in the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease

To analyze the clinical efficacy and its influencing factors of ustekinumab (UST) in the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). From January 2021 to January 2024, CD patients who received UST treatment were retrospectively collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Harvey-Bradshaw index were applied to assess clinical activity of CD patients, C-reactive protein was used to evaluate biochemical remission rate, and simplified Crohn's disease endoscopy score was used to evaluate the degree of intestinal inflammation. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for the clinical response rate at week 8, as well as the clinical remission rate and endoscopic remission rate at week 32. A total of 138 CD patients were included, including 93 males and 45 females. The age of diagnosis [M (Q1, Q3)] was 24 (19, 32) years old. At week 8, the clinical response rate and biochemical remission rate was 58.0% and 49.3%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that disease behavior (stenosis or penetration) was the risk factor of the clinical response rate at week 8 (OR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.23-0.95). The clinical remission rate and endoscopic remission rate at week 32 were 56.5% and 37.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that disease behavior (stenosis or penetration) was the risk factor of the clinical remission rates (OR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.08-0.42) and endoscopic remission rates (OR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.11-0.55) at week 32. Failure to achieve clinical response at week 8 was the risk factor of the clinical remission rates (OR=0.21, 95%CI: 0.09-0.52) and endoscopic remission rates (OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.07-0.50) at week 32. UST treatment has good clinical efficacy in CD patients. CD patients with intestinal stenosis or penetrating lesions can decrease the efficacy of UST treatment. Failure to achieve clinical response at week 8 can decrease the efficacy at week 32.

Efficacy of domestic single-hole robotic surgery system in the treatment of pediatric urological diseases

To explore the efficacy of domestic single-hole robotic surgery system in the treatment of pediatric urological diseases. A prospective review of clinical data of children who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was conducted from July to November 2023. All surgeries were performed using the sharp single-port serpentine arm robotic surgery system, with an umbilical access route. All surgeries are performed by the same chief physician. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, incision size, and postoperative complications were recorded. A total of 12 patients were included, consisting of 8 males and 4 females, aged 8.0-17.0 (13.5±2.7) years. The procedures included 5 pyeloplasties (1 case of bilateral pyeloplasty), with a unilateral operative time [M (Q1, Q3) ]of 180 (145, 200) minutes and a blood loss of 5 (5, 10) ml. Oral mucosa ureteroplasty was performed in 1 patient, taking 3 hours and 52 minutes with a blood loss of 10 ml. Renal cyst decortication was conducted in 1 case in 85 minutes with a blood loss of 20 ml. High ligation of the spermatic vein was conducted in 3 patients, with an average operative time of 97 minutes and no intraoperative blood loss. Bilateral gonadectomy was completed in 80 minutes with a blood loss of 5 ml. Ovarian cystectomy (1 case) was performed in 69 minutes with a blood loss of 5 ml. All surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. Except for the oral mucosa ureteroplasty, which required an additional 5 mm auxiliary port, all procedures were performed through a 3 cm umbilical incision. Among the patients who underwent pyeloplasty, 1 case of urinary leak was identified and successfully treated conservatively with adequate drainage over 25 days. Re-stenosis was experienced by 1 patient with a long segment ureteral stricture postoperatively, while no Clavien-Dindo grade≥2 complications were observed in other patients. All umbilical wounds were concealed, and satisfactory postoperative appearances were noted. The domestic single-hole robotic surgery system is effective in treating pediatric urological diseases.

Use of omentum during robotic-assisted reconstructive urological surgery: a systematic review of the current literature.

Due to its biological properties, the omentum is a very useful tool in the hands of reconstructive urologists. The purpose of this systematic review is to present all existing evidence regarding the use of omentum during different robotic-assisted reconstructive urological surgeries. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines, three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane) were systematically screened. The following search string was used: (omentum OR omental) AND robotic. Retrospective studies and case-series were included, while case-reports were not included. 13 studies met all eligibility criteria and were included in final qualitative synthesis. Seven studies reported robotic vesicovaginal fistula repair, two studies reported robotic vesicouterine or vesicocervical fistula repair, one study reported robotic rectovesical fistula repair, one study reported robotic rectourethral fistula repair, one study reported ureterolysis with omental wrap and one study reported robotic repair of long ureteral strictures with omental wrap and autologous onlay flap or graft ureteroplasty. Recurrence rates ranged from 0% to 6.7%. The Grade I-II complications according to Clavien-Dindo Classification ranged from 0 to 40%, while no Grade III-IV were reported. Robotic repair with the use of omentum is potentially a feasible, safe and efficient approach for complicated urological surgeries, such as vesicovaginal, vesicouterine, vaginocervical, rectovesical and rectourethral fistulas, idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and long ureteral strictures. Because the evidence is based on small case series, further publications are needed to enhance confidence in omental harvesting and render it a routine component of reconstructive Urology.

Kidney-Sparing Surgery for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma-Modalities, Outcomes, and Limitations.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5-10% of urothelial cancers and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Increasing incidence of UTUC has been observed since the 1970's, alongside the evolution of advance imaging techniques, precision biopsy equipment, and risk stratification models. The high morbidity of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) which is still the gold-standard treatment for high-risk UTUC, has driven the development of kidney-sparing surgery alternatives for low-risk UTUC. Now, several treatment approaches have outcomes comparable to RNU for low-risk UTUC and guidelines are recommending kidney-sparing surgery for favorable low-risk disease. The main categories of kidney-sparing surgery include segmental ureterectomy, endoscopic ablation, chemoablation, and vascular-targeted phototherapy. These treatments are highly nuanced making them difficult to compare, but for most cases of favorable low-grade disease, we recommend endoscopic laser ablation with optional adjuvant intracavitary therapy. Adverse events associated with kidney-sparing surgery include ureteral stricture, bleeding requiring transfusion, and bladder recurrence of UTUC. Limitations of kidney-sparing surgery include appropriate tissue sampling (contributing to under-grading and under-staging), higher rates of ipsilateral recurrence, and potential for grade and stage progression. Collectively, these may subsequently necessitate RNU. Here, we review the technical variations and evidence behind kidney-sparing therapies as well as their practicality in the real world.

11609 Management of Stage IV Endometriosis Causing Ureteric Stricture and Hydroureter

11609 Management of Stage IV Endometriosis Causing Ureteric Stricture and Hydroureter

Unusual Presentation of Ureteral Hunner Lesion: A Case Report

This case report presents a rare and atypical manifestation of a ureteral Hunner lesion (HL). The patient initially presented with right ureteral stenosis, abnormal urine cytology, intermittent flank pain, gross hematuria, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation involved various imaging studies, endoscopic procedures, and medical interventions. Eventually, the patient underwent right segmental ureterectomy resulting in symptom improvement. Pathology revealed findings consistent with a HL. This case report highlights the challenges in diagnosis, management, and the importance of considering ureteral HL as a potential cause of ureteral symptoms.

Postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 24 h is unnecessary for abdominal surgeries in children and neonates

PurposeDespite recent WHO recommendations, antibiotic prophylaxis is routinely continued for several days after surgery. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis cessation within 24 h after abdominal surgeries MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who underwent 3 representative gastrointestinal surgeries (1; transumbilical small bowel procedure for intestinal atresia or stenosis, 2; extrahepatic bile duct resection, and hepaticojejunostomy for congenital biliary dilatation, 3; stoma closure for intestinal perforation, anorectal malformation, or inflammatory bowel disease) at our institution between 2011 and 2023. The demographic data collected included age, preoperative hemoglobin level, albumin level, body mass index, and ASA class. Intraoperative and postoperative data were also collected. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the duration of perioperative antibiotics (‘within 24 h’ and ‘beyond 24 h’), and the incidence of superficial incisional SSI (siSSI) was compared between the 2 groups in each procedure ResultsDuring the study period, 25 cases underwent transumbilical small bowel procedure, 23 cases underwent hepaticojejunostomy, and 45 cases underwent stoma closure. The preoperative care bundle including bowel preparation, cleansing, and operative procedures has not changed during the study period. First- and third-generation cephalosporins were administered to all the patients. All patients received their first single dose of antibiotics within 60 min before the skin incision. In particular, 14 patients who underwent small-bowel procedures received only a single dose. The SSI rates for small bowel procedures, hepaticojejunostomy, and stoma closure were 0%, 4.4%, and 4.4%, respectively. No SSIs were observed in any of the procedures in the 'within 24 h' group ConclusionBased on our study, we conclude that ≤24 h of postoperative continuation of antibiotic prophylaxis is sufficient for siSSI prevention in hepaticojejunostomy and stoma closure. Additionally, single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis is adequate for neonatal small bowel procedures.

Editorial Comment on "Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Patients with Ureteral Stricture Disease"

Editorial Comment on "Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Patients with Ureteral Stricture Disease"

Hereditary Multiple Intestinal Atresia With a Novel TTC7A Pathogenic Variant: Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Two Cases.

Hereditary multiple intestinal atresia (HMIA) with TTC7A mutation is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous TTC7A gene mutation. It is characterized by multiple small and large intestinal atresias and/or stenoses. TTC7A mutation is described in some patients with inflammatory bowel disease and mild-severe forms of severe combined immunodeficiency without intestinal atresia or stenosis. We present 2 cases of intestinal atresia and documented TTC7A mutation with a novel variant. Both cases had different clinical and pathological manifestations. The first case is a male infant born at 35 weeks of gestation with failure to pass meconium. Intestinal biopsy reveals apoptotic enteropathy with villous atrophy and increased mucosal eosinophils. The second case is referred at birth for antenatally detected umbilical hernia, polyhydramnios and possible upper intestinal obstruction. The resected specimen reveals ileal atresia with partial villous atrophy, decreased number of lamina propria inflammatory cells and absence of plasma cells. In conclusion, these cases reflect an emerging TTC7A pathogenic variant with different histological manifestations and leads to characterization as immune dysregulation disorder. There is a need to differentiate TTC7A mutation associated ones from cases labeled as very early onset IBD and rule out other hereditary immunodeficiencies.

Management of Ureteral Stricture Disease After Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancies: A Retrospective, Multi-Institutional Analysis.

A radiation-induced ureteral stricture (RIUS) is a challenging condition in urologic surgery, and the optimal surgical strategy is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to report post-operative outcomes of minimally invasive management of this condition from a multi-institutional cohort. Data of patients with diagnoses of RIUS at five referral robotic centers between January 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-, intra- and post-operative variables were collected. Recurrence was defined as the presence of flank pain combined with imaging findings for obstruction, and requiring further management. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify predictors of ureteral stricture recurrence. Fifty-three patients with a diagnosis of an RIUS were included. Primary pelvic malignancy was mostly cervical (42%). In 72% of cases (mostly mid-proximal and short strictures) endourological management was attempted, which was deemed successful in 74% of patients at stent removal. The endourology success rate at a median follow-up of 12 months was 59%. Twenty-five patients (47%) were scheduled for robotic surgery. The reconstructive techniques most often performed were end-to-end anastomosis (44%) and ureteral reimplantation (52%). Three low-grade Clavien-Dindo post-operative complications (12%) occurred. Robotic surgery was successful in all cases except one. Considering the entire cohort, eight patients (15%) developed recurrence at a median follow-up of 5 months. All patients with recurrence were managed by permanent drainage. A statistically significant improvement in eGFR with respect to baseline was found at a median follow-up of 12 months (p = 0.007). The univariate logistic regression model identified ureteral stricture length >2 cm (OR 6.4, 95% C.I. 1.1-36.9, p = 0.04) and concomitant chemotherapy (OR 8.9, 95% C.I. 1.6-49.9, p = 0.01) as predictors of recurrence. At multivariate analysis concomitant chemotherapy was confirmed as an independent predictor of recurrence (OR 7.8, 95% C.I. 1.3-49.0, p = 0.03). Endourological management of an RIUS is reasonable for short and mid-proximal ureteral strictures, while robotics is required in almost all the remaining cases. Up to 15% of recurrence develops within 6 months. Re-do reconstructive surgery is rarely performed, even in referral centers.

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.

Conservative Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Newborns: Incidence and Management of Intestinal Strictures.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the main causes of acute abdomen in neonates. Surgical treatment entails important morbidity and mortality and conservative management, when possible, offers better outcomes. Post-NEC intestinal strictures are one of the main complications. Retrospective analysis from June 2011 to November 2022 of post-NEC strictures (PNS) after conservative management of neonates diagnosed with NEC (modified Bell stage IIA or higher) at a tertiary neonatal surgery center. Out of 219 NEC, 126 received initial conservative management (57.5%), 24 (19%) of which eventually underwent surgery for PNS. Average gestational age and weight at birth of our cohort were 31.3 ± 4.9 weeks and 1,694 ± 1,009 g.PNS diagnosis was made 38.4 ± 16.5 days after the NEC episode. 6/24 (25%) were asymptomatic and diagnosed by screening enema, 11 (46%) presented signs of intestinal obstruction before the enema could be performed and 7 (29%) after a normal previous protocol study.Median age at PNS surgery was 56 ± 17.9 days. A total of 2/3 strictures were found in cecum, ascendent, and transverse colon. Primary resection and anastomosis were performed in all cases. Feeds were restarted on postoperative day 4.3 ± 2.9. Two cases presented anastomotic complications (1 dehiscence and 1 stenosis), and no deaths were recorded. PNS is a frequent complication after conservative management. Deffered surgical treatment after the acute NEC episode is resolved allows for safer surgeries (since patients have reached hemodynamical stability and overcome septic shock), shorter resections, and favorable postoperative outcomes.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using lingual mucosa grafts or appendiceal flaps for the management of complex ureteral strictures: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using a lingual mucosa graft (LMG) or an appendiceal flap (AF) for complex ureteral strictures and summarize our experience.MethodsA total of 16 patients with complex ureteral strictures (range: 1.5–5 cm) who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic-modified ureteroplasty and were admitted to our hospital from May 2022-October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. We used modified presuture methods in patients who needed the posteriorly augmented anastomotic technique to reduce anastomotic tension. Perioperative variables and outcomes were recorded for each patient.ResultsThe operation under robot-assisted laparoscopy was successfully performed in all sixteen patients (12 with LMG ureteroplasty and 4 with AF ureteroplasty) without conversion to open surgery. The mean length of the ureteral structure was 2.90 ± 0.90 cm (range: 1.5–5 cm), the mean operation duration was 209.69 ± 26.74 min (range: 170–255 min), the median estimated blood loss was 75 (62.5) ml (range: 50–200 ml), and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 10.44 ± 2.10 d (range: 7–14 d). The follow-up time in this group was 6 ~ 21 months. The success rate of the surgery was 100%.ConclusionRobot-assisted laparoscopic modified ureteroplasty using AF or LMG is a safe and feasible operation for complex ureteral strictures and deserves to be popularized.

Robotic Repair of Ureteral Strictures After Kidney Transplantation

Background. Approximately 5% to 10% of patients who undergo kidney transplantation develop ureteral stricture, which can be treated endoscopically or by open surgery, which is more effective but complications are common and potentially severe. Robotic surgery has begun to emerge as an alternative in reconstructive procedures. However, few studies have evaluated the role of robotic surgery in this clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of robotic surgery in treating ureteral stricture after kidney transplantation. Methods. Single-center study of patients (n = 27), who developed ureteral stricture following kidney transplantation. All patients were treated from 2018 to 2023. We describe the patients’ baseline characteristics and clinical and surgical features. We determined the success rate as a measure of efficacy and complications to measure safety. Results. We perform 15 pyeloureterostomies to the native ureter and 12 ureteroneocystostomies. At a median follow-up of 15 mo, the success rate was 92.6%. Fourteen patients (52%) developed treatment-related complications, mainly grade II (Clavien-Dindo classification), except for one grade IVb complication. The median length of hospital stay was 3 d [interquartile range (2–6)]. Conclusions. These data show that robotic surgery is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of ureteral strictures after kidney transplantation. The success rate was high with a low complication rate. To our knowledge, this is the largest series to date to evaluate robotic surgery in this clinical setting.

Severe hydronephrosis complicated with primary aldosteronism: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundPrimary aldosteronism is characterized by high plasma aldosterone and low renin. The plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio is recommended for screening. Severe hydronephrosis leads to renal parenchymal ischemia, resulting in increased renin secretion. Since nonsuppression of renin may cause a negative result in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio test, severe hydronephrosis and primary aldosteronism occurring simultaneously in a patient are challenging to diagnose.Case presentationA 54-year-old Chinese man of Han ethnicity was diagnosed with hypertension and severe hypokalemia (minimum 1.57 mmol/L) 13 years prior, and was also diagnosed with severe hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteral stenosis on the left side. His clinical features suggested primary aldosteronism, but the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result of the patient was negative every time he underwent the primary aldosteronism screening test. No further treatment for primary aldosteronism was performed, which led the patient to suffer from severe hypokalemia, such that he was taking 12–15 g/day potassium chloride orally to keep his blood potassium between 3.0 and 3.5 mmol/L (reference value, 3.5–5.5 mmol/L) for 13 years, and the patient needed to be hospitalized in the intensive care unit for rescue several times. At admission, although the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result of the patient was negative, we still did the saline stress test and captopril inhibition test, and the results showed that the plasma aldosterone level was not lower after the test than before the test. Adrenal enhanced computed tomography suggested an adenoma in the left adrenal gland, and the results of adrenal vein sampling suggested that the left side was the dominant side. Therefore, laparoscopic total resection of the left adrenal gland was performed, and 2 weeks later, the patient developed short-term renal function impairment and hyperkalemia, but his renal function and blood potassium returned to normal after treatment that included fluid rehydration. The patient’s biochemical test results and clinical symptoms were completely normal after 1 year.ConclusionWe suggest that for patients with a high suspicion of primary aldosteronism in the clinic, comprehensive analysis must be performed in combination with clinical characteristic assessments, such as severe hydronephrosis, if renin is within the normal range or if the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result is negative at screening and diagnostic tests, and adrenal vein sampling should be performed if necessary. It can help avoid misdiagnoses and contribute to the treatment of patients with severe hydronephrosis and primary aldosteronism.