Initial experience of ureteric visualization using methylene blue during laparoscopy for gynecological surgery.

Objectives: Iatrogenic ureteral injury is a severe surgical complication, with a highest incidence of 1.5% in gynecological surgeries. The purpose of this report is to document our initial experience with using methylene blue (MB) to label the ureter in gynecological laparoscopic surgeries and to explore its effectiveness and safety. This is also a novel description of simultaneously visualizing ureteral MB fluorescence and sentinel lymph nodes (SLN's) Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence using the same camera. Methods: This study included patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgeries, with the same surgeon performing all cases. During the early stages of each surgery, rapid intravenous infusion of MB was administered. For cases requiring SLN imaging, we also injected ICG solution into the cervix. Assessment of the included cases was conducted both intraoperatively and postoperatively. The group that had MB fluorescence (Group A) was compared to a control group that did not have it (Group B). Results: A total of 25 patients (Group A) received MB during surgery, demonstrating 45 ureters clearly, with an imaging success rate of 90%. Continuous and clearer fluorescence imaging was achieved in cases with ureteral hydronephrosis. In most patients, ureteral fluorescence was visible 15-20 min after intravenous infusion of MB, and 64% still exhibited fluorescence at the end of the surgery. In patients who had both ICG and MB, dual fluorescence imaging was achieved clearly. Among the included cases, there were no iatrogenic ureteral injuries (0%), which we observed to be lower than in patients who did not receive MB (1.3%). The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Using MB fluorescence is an effective and safe method of visualizing the ureters during gynecological surgeries, and can diminish iatrogenic ureteral injury without increased associated adverse events. It therefore may offer promising prospects for clinical application.

A Case of a Huge Iliopsoas Abscess that Perforated and Communicated with the Ureter.

We experienced a rare case in which iliopsoas abscess (IPA), caused by an Extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Proteus mirabilis, perforated and communicated with the ureter and caused sepsis. An 84-year-old woman, bedridden due to sequelae of a cerebral hemorrhage, was brought to our hospital with a chief complaint of fever lasting for 3 weeks. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge 180 × 110 × 100 mm IPA in the right iliopsoas muscle. The ureter was also found to communicate with the iliopsoas muscle abscess, ureteral stenosis was detected at the same site, and dilatation of the renal pelvis occurred above the area of the ureteral stenosis, indicating hydronephrosis. Considering the mechanism of this case, if the ureter first ruptures and urine leaks, followed by the formation of an IPA, urine will flow along the surrounding fatty tissue and cause an abscess around the ureter and kidney. However, because almost no abscess was detected around the ureter, the abscess was thought to have originated from the iliopsoas muscle located near the center of the ureter. In summary, in this case, an abscess first formed within the iliopsoas muscle, which gradually expanded and compressed the right ureter, resulting in hydronephrosis. The upper ureter, which had become dilated and thinned due to ureteral obstruction, became even more fragile because of the spread of inflammation from the IPA, and the IPA perforated and communicated with the ureter. In patients who have difficulty communicating, the diagnosis of IPA may be delayed because the only symptom is fever. As in this case, if the diagnosis is delayed, the abscess may become large and perforate the ureter; thus, IPA should always be considered as a cause of fever of unknown origin.

Megaureter in adults: a review of the current literature.

OBJECTIVE: Megaureter (MU) is an uncommon condition in adults. The aim is to present a review of the current literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted to explore the current literature including case reports on MU in adults in the period 2003-2023. Each case was characterised in terms of the eight categories: sex, age, etiology, location, symptoms, diagnostic tool used, type of treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: There was no meta-analysis but two reviews. Total, 39 case reports were included based on 35 articles. The most common observations for the first four categories were male (sex), age below 40 (age), obstructed MU (etiology) and left-sided MU (location). Almost every patient appeared with symptoms, most frequently flank pain, abdominal pain and recurrent urinary tract infections. CT scan and transabdominal ultrasonography are the most commonly used diagnostic tools. Most cases underwent either laparoscopic or open surgical treatment with ureteral reimplantation as the most performed surgical procedure. A majority of the patients had an uneventful follow-up. CONCLUSION: MU in adults is a rare condition presenting with heterogeneous symptoms. CT scan and transabdominal ultrasonography should be used as diagnostic tools. Nearly all patients underwent surgical treatment with an uneventful follow-up. Complications such as stone formation and altered function of the affected kidney are common. Surgical treatment is recommended and is determined by consideration of age, symptoms, ureteral extension and progressive loss of renal function.

A rare cause of hydronephrosis: Left retrocaval ureter without situs inversus or inferior vena cava duplication with CT and US imaging findings.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly. It usually occurs on the right side and cases on the left side without accompanying conditions such as situs inversus or double inferior vena cava (IVC) are uncommon. Instances of left retrocaval ureter without situs inversus or double IVC are rarely reported in the literature, and there are no cases presented sonographically. In this case, we present a demonstrative sonographic and tomographic images of a left-sided Type 1 retrocaval ureter case where situs inversus and double IVC were not present. In cases where hydronephrosis is detected on ultrasound, a medially displaced ureter should raise suspicion for retrocaval ureter.

An uncommon encounter: crossed fused renal ectopia with singular ureter: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a common congenital anomaly where one kidney is positioned abnormally on the opposite side of the midline, often fused with the other kidney. However, single ureter draining crossed fused renal ectopia is a rare occurrence. CASE REPORT: Here, we report a case of crossed fused renal ectopia with a single ureter in a 46-year-old Nepali male who presented with history of lithuria. Computed tomography revealed that the left kidney was situated on the right side and fused with the right kidney. The renal pelvises of both kidneys were fused, and a single ureter, located on the right side, was draining both kidneys into the bladder. The patient was advised to have regular follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Crossed fused renal ectopia with a single ureter represents a rare renal anomaly. Asymptomatic patients can typically be managed conservatively. Regular follow-up is recommended to monitor renal function, calculus formation, infections, and malignant changes.

An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux.

Objective: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) index is a simple, validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio (UDR) and VUR index (VURx) of patients treated with endoscopic injection (EI) and ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR. Methods: Patients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the participants. The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography, and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study. Results: A total of 255 patients, 60 (23.5%) boys and 195 (76.5%) girls, with a mean age of 76.5 (range 13.0-204.0) months, were included in the study. EI was applied to 130 (51.0%) patients and UNC was applied to 125 (49.0%) patients due to primary VUR. The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0% and 63.0%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0% and 70.0%, respectively. Conclusion: When the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group, it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.

Unusual presentation in a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are neoplasms derived from T cells and B cells and their precursors in the lymphoid system with higher susceptibility in involvement of extra-nodal sites. Predominant ureteric involvement is an unusual presentation. We present a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with secondary involvement of ureter who had symptoms of urinary tract infection in absence of positive urine culture, non-responsive to broad spectrum antibiotics and masquerading pyogenic infection leading to pyelonephritis with ureteritis. Radiological examination revealed mass like soft tissue thickening of ureter extending from renal pelvis throughout the length of ureter. FNAC as well as biopsy from the periureteric thickening revealed lymphomatous involvement of ureter. The following case report provides insight on differentials and varied symptoms of lymphomatous involvement of ureter.

Mechanical characterization of porcine ureter for the evaluation of tissue-engineering applications.

Introduction: Clinics increasingly require readily deployable tubular substitutes to restore the functionality of structures like ureters and blood vessels. Despite extensive exploration of various materials, both synthetic and biological, the optimal solution remains elusive. Drawing on abundant literature experiences, there is a pressing demand for a substitute that not only emulates native tissue by providing requisite signals and growth factors but also exhibits appropriate mechanical resilience and behaviour. Methods: This study aims to assess the potential of porcine ureters by characterizing their biomechanical properties in their native configuration through ring and membrane flexion tests. In order to assess the tissue morphology before and after mechanical tests and the eventual alteration of tissue microstructure that would be inserted in material constitutive description, histological staining was performed on samples. Corresponding computational analyses were performed to mimic the experimental campaign to identify the constitutive material parameters. Results: The absence of any damages to muscle and collagen fibres, which only compacted after mechanical tests, was demonstrated. The experimental tests (ring and membrane flexion tests) showed non-linearity for material and geometry and the viscoelastic behaviour of the native porcine ureter. Computational models were descriptive of the mechanical behaviour ureteral tissue, and the material model feasible. Discussion: This analysis will be useful for future comparison with decellularized tissue for the evaluation of the aggression of cell removal and its effect on microstructure. The computational model could lay the basis for a reliable tool for the prediction of solicitation in the case of tubular substitutions in subsequent simulations.

Surgical Management of Bilateral Single-System Ectopic Ureters (BSSEUs) in a Pediatric Patient: A Report of a Rare Case and Literature Review.

Bilateral single-system ectopic ureters (BSSEUs) are among the rarest entities encountered in pediatric urology. A BSSEU occurs when the ureteric buds originate cranially from the mesonephric ducts, causing a delay in their integration into the urogenital sinus. It presents as continuous incontinence in females, whereas symptoms like infection and discomfort are present in males. We describe a case involving a BSSEU opening into the vagina and urethra, with the patient experiencing continuous urinary incontinence, and its diagnosis and management. Here, We discuss a rare case of a four-year-old girl exhibiting continuous urinary incontinence or dribbling associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) attributed to bilateral ectopic ureters. Imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT) and MRI, revealed the presence of BSSEUs accompanied by hydroureteronephrosis. The condition was managed with prompt surgical intervention involving bilateral ureteric reimplantation. Subsequent to the procedure, the patient experienced a significant improvement in continence mechanism and bladder capacity, obviating the requirement of urinary diversion procedure appendicovesicostomy or bladder neck reconstruction. Notably, while BSSEUs are an uncommon presentation, their timely and appropriate management is paramount in preventing potential renal damage. This case underscores the significance of vigilant monitoring and proactive intervention in addressing such complex urological anomalies in pediatric patients.

Ureteral Metastasis From Prostate Cancer: A Report of Two Cases.

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) is the second most common cause of cancer in men, but metastases to the ureter are exceedingly rare. Here, we present two cases with differing clinical symptoms and treatment courses but ultimately the same diagnosis. The two cases presented here had differing clinical presentations: one with lower urinary tract symptoms and the other with hydronephrosis. Systemic therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHrH) agonist appears to help with clinical outcomes in both cases reported here. Although such cases are extremely rare, consideration as a differential and early detection can impact a patient's clinical outcomes. For patients with PCa that present with obstructive urinary symptoms, there may be a clinical benefit to perform a thorough metastatic work-up for seeding to other parts of the urinary tract.

Exploring the landscape of urinary tract melanomas: A review for pathologists and clinicians.

Melanomas originating within the urinary tract represent a rare and clinically challenging subset of malignancies. Despite extensive research on cutaneous melanomas, urinary tract melanomas remain relatively unexplored, presenting diagnostic dilemmas and limited treatment consensus. In this comprehensive review, we synthesize current knowledge on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and treatment strategies specific to this disease. Enhancing clinical awareness, refining diagnostic approaches, and exploring novel therapeutic interventions hold promise for improving outcomes in this challenging malignancy subset.

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.

Corrigendum: Cardiac infarction caused by PD-1 inhibitor during small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ureter treatment: a case report.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1114397.].

Deep pelvic endometriosis causing ureteral obstruction.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity. The pathogenesis is unclear, but a common theory attributes the condition to retrograde menstruation into the peritoneal cavity via the fallopian tubes. Hormonal influence causes these ectopic tissues to undergo cyclical bleeding, resulting in subsequent inflammation and scar tissue formation; however, it can affect postmenopausal women. In rare instances, endometriotic lesions can obstruct the ureter and result in hydroureteronephrosis and subsequent loss of renal function. This condition presents with nonspecific symptoms and is known as an often-silent disease, resulting in challenging and delayed preoperative diagnosis. In this article, we report the case of an asymptomatic 65-year old female who was diagnosed with deep pelvic endometriosis, which obstructed the right distal ureter. We focus on optimizing diagnosis and management through the application of radiological imaging modalities, specifically computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Migrated in the Urinary Tract: Case Report and Extensive Literature Review.

The migration or translocation of an intrauterine device (IUD) in the urinary tract is a rare event. Here, we present the case of a 55-year-old woman who accidentally discovered the ectopic presence of an IUD following a radiological examination for pelvic pain caused by a lumbar discopathy. Over the years, the patient had several IUDs inserted without being able to specify which one had migrated. The removal of the IUD was performed laparoscopically with the minimum resection of the bladder wall and the subsequent cystorrhaphy. The evolution of the patient was favorable. To better analyze these events, we conducted an all-time extensive electronic search of the PubMed database and identified 94 eligible articles, with a total of 115 cases. The literature analysis on the IUD migrations shows either the simultaneous existence of the second IUD or of a maximum number of up to two IUD insertions during the life of patients. Thus, in the presented case, we identified five IUD insertions over time, which explained the chronic inflammatory process by forming an important mass of adherents that included the urinary bladder, uterus, omentum, sigmoid colon, and abdominal wall. Therapeutic management must be adapted to each case depending on the intra/extravesical location of the migrated IUD evaluated by imaging.

Evaluation of the benefit of indocyanine green as an educational and practical tool for ureteral identification in laparoscopic pelvic surgery: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a visible near-infrared fluorescent dye. Several studies have reported its benefit in identifying important anatomical structures, tissue vascularization, and sentinel lymph nodes in the case of tumors. Studies have shown that ICG is critical and safe in gynecologic surgeries. However, research on how ICG dye can help surgeons in laparoscopic surgeries correctly identify the course of the ureter has yet to be further investigated. METHOD: This cross-sectional study enrolled 62 gynecology attending and resident surgeons who were asked to identify the course of the ureter on images of laparoscopic surgeries. The results were then compared with images in which ICG dye highlighted the course of the ureter. The purpose of this study was to detect the ability of surgical assistants and residents to adequately identify the course of the ureter in laparoscopic pelvic surgeries. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in terms of year of residency, years of experience, number of laparoscopic procedures attended, and correct identification of ureter course. ICG proved useful in identifying the correct ureteral trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: ICG can be a valuable tool to improve the correct identification of ureters and improve surgical outcomes.

Ultrasound findings in 34 newborn foals with uroperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Uroperitoneum is a typical disease of the newborn foal, which occurs rarely but regularly. Ultrasonography is considered the most important imaging method for diagnosing this disease. Thus far, only one older case series comprising 31 foals suffering from uroperitoneum has systematically listed results of ultrasound examinations. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the findings of an ultrasonographic examination of 34 foals with uroperitoneum in order to inform future interpretation of ultrasonographic data in suspected uroperitoneum cases. METHOD: Ultrasonographic data of 34 neonatal foals up to the age of 14 days diagnosed with uroperitoneum between 2006 and 2022 were analysed. RESULTS: Most foals demonstrated highly increased levels of free (97%), anechogenic (91%) fluid in the abdomen. Although the urinary bladder was frequently visible (50%), bladder wall discontinuity was only occasionally detectable (18%). CONCLUSION: Transabdominal ultrasonography has proved to be a very reliable imaging method for diagnosing suspected uroperitoneum. It is recommended that it be used in every case of suspected uroperitoneum in order to exclude differential diagnoses.

Treatment of Urolithiasis with Thulium Fiber Laser in Fragmentation Mode Using Optimized Pulse Sequences.

Objectives: The super-pulsed thulium fiber laser (SP TFL) is a new alternative to high-power holmium laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy. The SP TFL has shown advantages in dusting regimes, but benefits in fragmentation regimes are less understood. The second-generation SP TFL introduces an advanced fragmentation pulse (AFP) sequence to maximize SP TFL's efficiency in fragmentation. This study evaluates safety and efficacy of the SP TFL fragmentation mode in ureteroscopy (URS) and mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. Safety of a new AFP was compared ex vivo to standard SP TFL fragmentation settings by measuring the dimensions of wounds created in porcine kidney after laser exposure for 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 s. The resulting wounds were evaluated histologically using nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBTC) stain. In the clinical phase, the second-generation SP TFL was used to fragment and extract ureteral and renal stones in 40 patients using ureteroscopic and percutaneous approaches. The stone size, volume, density, laser-on-time, and total energy were recorded for each patient. In addition, the chemical composition, ablation rate, and ablation efficiency were assessed for each stone treatment. Results: The ex vivo mucosa damage profiles caused by AFP were similar to those caused by regular pulses. In clinical phase, the median volume and density for ureteral stones were 0.4 cm3 and 1029 Hounsfield units (HU), for renal stones 1.3 cm3 and 1113 HU, respectively. Different stone types were crushed into fragments suitable for extraction. The mean AFP energy was 3 J and the average power for ureteral stones was 10.5 W, whereas for renal stones it was 28.5 J and 31 W, respectively. The overall complication rate was low in both groups. Conclusion: ST PFL with AFP capability facilitates effective fragmentation of ureteral and renal stones of any composition during URS and mini-PCNL with minimal complication rates.

Ureteroscopy vs laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large proximal ureteric stone: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) for large proximal ureteric stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomised trial was conducted from January 2018 through December 2022 including patients with impacted proximal ureteric stones of 15-25 mm. Patients underwent fURS or RLU. Primary outcome was the stone-free rate. Demographic data, stone features, and complications rates were also compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were enrolled, 32 in each group. The mean impacted stone time was similar between groups, as well as stone size (17 mm) and stone density (>1000 Hounsfield Units). The ureteric stone-free rates between the two groups (93.7% in fURS vs 96.8% in RLU; odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.72 to 3.17; P = 0.554), and overall success rates, which take into account residual fragments in the kidney (84.3% in fURS vs 93.7% in RLU; OR 1.02, 95% CI -0.69 to 2.74; P = 0.23), were similar. Operative time was also not statistically significantly different between groups (median 80 vs 82 min; P = 0.101). There was no difference in hospital length of stay. Retropulsion rate was higher with fURS (65.6% vs 3.1%; p < 0.001). Residual hydronephrosis (34.3% each group) and complication rates did no differ according to treatment. CONCLUSION: Flexible URS and RLU are both highly efficient and present low morbidity for large impacted proximal ureteric stone treatment. RLU is not superior to fURS.