Complete substitution of the left ureter with vermicular appendix during hemicolectomy for cancer in an adult patient.

We demonstrated that a complete left ureteral substitution with appendix is a feasible and safe technique. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a successful complete substitution of the left ureter with vermicular appendix in an adult patient reported in the literature.

Appendix or Ileum-Which is the Best Material for Mitrofanoff Channel Formation in Adults?

PURPOSE: We report long-term data on a large cohort of adults who underwent formation of a continent catheterizable channel for various indications. We examined outcomes according to the tissue used for channel formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 176 consecutive adult patients in whom a continent catheterizable channel was created using the Mitrofanoff principle for a broad range of indications a median of 142 months (range 54 to 386) previously. We evaluated outcomes in terms of continued use and continence for each type of material used for channel formation. RESULTS: At the time of this review 165 of the 173 patients (95.4%) included in this study were alive. We included 114 women (65.9%) and 59 men (34.1%) who underwent surgery at a median age of 42 years (range 18 to 73) with a mean followup of 78.6 months (median 60, range 2 to 365). The rate of revision for all causes was higher in the ileal group than in the group with an appendiceal channel (channel stenosis rate 22.7% vs 17.2%, p = 0.39, and channel incontinence rate 36.0% vs 19.5%, p = 0.03). Although 38.7% of patients underwent major surgical revision of the channel at some point, 75.9% of channels continued to be used, of which 90.2% were continent. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a pragmatic overview of the outcome of these challenging cases. Mitrofanoff channel formation represents a durable technique. Appendix and ileum are each a viable choice for tissue use. Tissue selection depends on availability and individual patient factors.

Mesoappendix as potential donor site for vascularized lymph node transfer: anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: The standard of care for treatment of lymphedema is manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy, which is time intensive and requires a life-long commitment. Autologous lymph node transfer is a microsurgical treatment in which a vascularized lymph node flap is harvested with its blood supply and transferred to the lymphedematous region to assist with lymph fluid clearance. An ideal donor lymph node site minimizes the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema and other donor site morbidity. To address this, we have used jejunal mesentery lymph nodes and omental flaps and hypothesize that the mesoappendix, as a "spare part," may be an ideal autologous lymph node transfer donor site. METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved study, 25 mesoappendix pathology specimens resected for benign disease underwent gross pathologic examination for the presence of lymph nodes and measurement of the appendicular artery and vein caliber and length. RESULTS: A single lymph node was present in two of 25 specimens (8%). Mean arterial and vein calibers at the point of ligation were 0.87 ± 0.44 mm and 0.86 ± 0.48 mm (range 0.30-2.2 mm and 0.25-2.2 mm), respectively. Mean arterial and vein length was 1.70 ± 1.06 cm and 1.84 ± 1.09 cm (range 0.8-4.5 cm for each), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mesoappendix rarely contains a lymph node. The artery and vein calibers of 46% of the specimens were greater than 0.8 mm, the minimum caliber preferred for microsurgical anastomosis. If transplantation of a vascularized lymph node for the treatment of lymphedema is desired, the mesoappendix is inconsistent in providing adequate lymph nodes.

Left ureteral appendiceal interposition: exercise caution and do not be mislead by postoperative radiological obstruction.

Postoperative imaging after appendiceal ureteral interposition may be difficult to interpret, misguiding the urologist towards intervention. We present a case in which radiological obstruction was not endorsed by a 99TcDTPA nephrogram, with favorable outcome after conservative treatment.

[Technical features of uretral intestinoplasty. Part 3: laparoscopic ileo- and appendiceal ureteroplasty].

PURPOSE: Presentation of the results and the technical features of the laparoscopic intestinal and appendicular ureteroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2015, intestinal and appendicular ureteroplasty was performed in 103 patients. ileum was used for the replacement of ureteral defects in 78 (75.7%) patients, appendix - in 21 (20.4%), and colon - in 4 (3.9%). In 10 (9.7%) cases, the surgery was performed laparoscopically. Among them, 7 patients underwent ileoureteroplasty (6 - laparoscopic ileoureterocystoanastomosis, 1 - right-sided laparoscopic ileoureterocystoanastomosis by Yang-Monti) and 3 patients underwent appendiceal ureteroplasty. In one case, ileoureteroplasy was performed in patient with complete ureter duplication. RESULTS: The period of follow-up varied from 2 to 14 years, and the average follow-up period was 8+/-5.8 years. Complications occurred in 8 (8.1%) patients who underwent open ileo- and appendiceal ureteroplasty. Among the 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery complications were not observed. The length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery (median, 6 days) than in patients who underwent open surgery (median, 12 days). The results of treatment in all patients were successful. There were no fatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of endovideosurgery for intestinal and appendicular ureteroplasty reduces surgical injury and reduces the length of hospital stay. However, there are not enough publications on this issue available in modern literature. To date, there are few number of operations performed, and it is not allow to consider the findings and conclusions as statistically significant.

[Technical features of intestinal ureteroplasty. part 5: bilateral ureteroplasty].

AIM: To present the results and the technical features of the various methods of bilateral ileal ureteroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2016, 154 patients (mean age 52+/-9.2 years) underwent ileal and appendicular substitution of the ureter and urinary bladder. Study participants comprised 70 (45.4%) men and 84 (54.6%) women. All patients underwent comprehensive examination, including ultrasound, X-ray, radioisotope and endoscopic tests. Bilateral isolated ileal ureteroplasty was performed in 20 patients (40 substituted ureters) whereof in 14, 5 and 1 cases U-shaped, 7-shaped and two separate grafts were used, respectively. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 2 (10%) of 20 patients who underwent bilateral intestinal ureteroplasty. Acute small bowel obstruction occurred in a patient after a U-shaped substitution of extended defects of both ureters. He underwent relaparotomy, bypass ileotransverse side-to-side anastomosis. Another patient developed right-sided ureteral-intestinal anastomotic leak following bilateral 7-shaped ureteroplasty. After relaparotomy and right ureter ligation, the breakdown site of the graft was closed with suturing. Repeat operations were successful; there were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Bilateral ileal ureteroplasty is much more complicated surgery than a unilateral operation. For proper collection and preparation of ileal graft in isoperistaltic position without mesenteric torsion, one should know how to place it in relation to intestinal anastomosis. Depending on this, several types of bilateral ileal ureteroplasty may be used: U-shaped, bilateral 7-, J- or L-shaped or separate isoperistaltic ileoureteroplasty.

Review of appendiceal onlay flap in the management of complex ureteric strictures in six patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty for repairing complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2006 and August 2012 four women and two men (mean age 34.2 years) underwent right laparoscopic appendiceal onlay flap ureteroplasty. The mean stricture length was 2.5 cm. Stricture formation was secondary to impacted ureteric stones in three patients and failed pyeloplasty for congenital pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in the remaining three. Each patient had ipsilateral flank pain before surgery. RESULTS: The mean operating time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 244 min, 175 mL and 3.2 days, respectively. No intra- or peri-operative complications were noted. The objective success rate was 100% (all patients had radiographic and/or endoscopic resolution of their ureteric strictures). The subjective success rate was 66%, (two patients developed recurrent discomfort, which upon exploration was found to be attributable to fibrosis away from the appendiceal onlay graft, where the gonadal vessels crossed the ureter). Both patients with recurrent pain underwent laparoscopic ureterolysis and bladder advancement flap proximal to the appendiceal onlay, which markedly improved one patient's pain but the other patient continued to have discomfort, ultimately resulting in a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty is a viable treatment option for patients with complex right proximal and mid-ureteric strictures, while minimising the potential morbidity of appendiceal and ileal interposition.

Use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy in a paediatric patient: problem encountered.

This report is of robotic-assisted laparoscopic Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy in a 12-year-old patient with detrusor underactivity and hereditary sensory neuropathy. The whole operation was performed in 555 minutes with no open conversion. The patient experienced one episode of stomal stenosis, which required dilatation. At 3-year follow-up, the patient had both stomal and urinary continence. This is a safe and effective procedure to create a means of urinary catheterisation with avoidance of a large unsightly scar and comparable clinical outcome to an open procedure.

[Repair of right ureteral stenosis by traumatic injury with appendiceal interposition: a case report].

We report a repair of a right ureteral stenosis with the appendix as a ureteral substitute. A 20-year-old male suffered a traumatic injury in a motorcycle accident. He underwent an emergency operation for right hemothorax, intraabdominal hemorrhage, and bone fracture of right leg. Three weeks later, right hydronephrosis and urinoma were identified. Combined retrograde and antegrade pyelography demonstrated a severe 7 cm long stenosis in the right upper ureter. After an indwelling right nephrostomy catheter was placed, he returned to the hospital for a ureteral reconstruction. We planned to substitute the appendix to bridge the stenotic ureter. After transecting the appendix from the cecum, the mesoappendix was spatulated from mesoileum. Ureteral tissue was resected and appendix was interposed. Three weeks later, ureteral stent was removed. DTPA diuretic renogram scintigraphy demonstrated no evidence of obstruction five weeks later. Two years postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic and his renal function was normal. Although only few cases of ureteral repair with appendix are known, uretero-appandix replacement is less invasive and complicated, and recommended in some cases.

Ureteral replacement with appendix in pediatric renal transplantation.

Ureteral necrosis is an uncommon complication following RT which can adversely affect outcome. Even though authors agree that the native ureter ought to be preserved, there are cases in which graft function can only be salvaged by ureteral substitution. The scant references in the literature on the use of the appendix for left ureteral replacement in children prompted us to report the following two cases in whom the technique was employed and to assess the evolution of graft function in these patients.

Free and pedicled appendix transfer for various reconstructive procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The appendix has a constant vascular anatomy and provides a small lumen that always maintains its patency because of mucosal secretion and motility; thus, it serves as an ideal conduit structurally. The appendix has been used in urologic surgeries as a pedicled flap and as a free flap in isolated case reports for the reconstruction of the urethra. However, this study proposes more extended applications of the appendix in different kinds of reconstruction. METHODS: From 2002 to 2011, 11 patients were included in this study retrospectively. Of these cases, 8 were transferred as free flaps, whereas the other 3 were pedicle flaps. Among the 8 free appendix transfers (A and B), 5 of them were used for voice reconstruction by creating a tracheoesophageal fistula; the other 3 were transferred to reconstruct the male urethra. Among the 3 pedicled appendix transfer, 2 were used for reconstruction of cervix and vagina, whereas the other was used for reconstruction of esophagus and voice tube simultaneously after ablation of cancers in the hypopharynx and esophagus. RESULTS: All cases showed successful results not only structurally but also functionally. As for voice reconstruction, the appendix serves as an autologous fistula between the trachea and the esophagus with minimal complications and no aspirations. The intelligibility and loudness were fair to excellent, whereas fluency required persistent training and practice.For patients who underwent urethral reconstruction, their micturition was smooth with ease postoperatively. Two of the patients also received penile reconstruction with fibula osteocutaneous flap simultaneously during the urethral reconstruction.As for reconstruction of cervix and vagina, pedicled appendix-cecum-colon-complex is a great option offering long-term patency with an expandable diameter up to 2.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Appendix has a reliable vascularity and a unique structure for reconstruction of conduit-like organs, and combining its adjacent bowel segments, including ileum, cecum, and colon, during tissue transfer not only increases its length but provides more applications and possibilities for reconstruction of different parts of the body. Removal of the appendix carries minimal morbidity. Our study proved the applicability and reliability of free and pedicled appendix transfer.

The Urologist and the Appendix: A Review of Appendiceal Use in Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery.

Recently, genitourinary reconstruction has experienced a renaissance. Over the past several years, there has been an expansion of the literature regarding the use of buccal mucosa for the repair of complex ureteral strictures and other pathologies. The appendix has been an available graft utilized for the repair of ureteral stricture disease and has been infrequently reported since the early 1900s. This review serves to highlight the use of the appendix for reconstruction in urology, particularly focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the appendix, historical use, and current applications, particularly in robotic upper tract reconstruction.

A Multi-Institutional Experience With Robotic Appendiceal Ureteroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To report a multi-institutional experience with robotic appendiceal ureteroplasty. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 13 patients undergoing right appendiceal flap ureteroplasty at 2 institutions between April 2016 and October 2019. The primary endpoint was surgical success defined by the absence of flank pain and radiographic evidence of ureteral patency. RESULTS: Eight of 13 (62%) underwent appendiceal onlay while 5/13 (38%) underwent appendiceal interposition. Mean length of stricture was 6.5 cm (range 1.5-15 cm) affecting anywhere along the right ureter. Mean operative time was 337 minutes (range 206-583), mean estimated blood loss was 116 mL (range 50-600), and median length of stay was 2.5 days (range 1-9). Balloon dilation was required in 1/12 (8%). One patient died on postoperative day 0 due to a sudden cardiovascular event. Otherwise, there were no complications (Clavien-Dindo > 2) within 30 days from surgery. At a mean follow up of 14.6 months, 11/12 (92%) were successful. CONCLUSION: Robotic appendiceal ureteroplasty for right ureteral strictures is a versatile technique with high success rates across institutions.

Application of appendicular-based cecal flap for less invasive augmentation cystoplasty: a novel technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of a new modified technique for augmentation cystoplasty on selected cases, both in terms of improvements in bladder urodynamics and creating an ideal conduit for clean intermittent catheterization. METHODS: Ten patients suffering from intractable low-compliance bladder and reasonable capacity underwent appendicular-based cecal flap augmentation cystoplasty. The procedure comprised the isolation of a 10 to 12 x 3 to 5-cm cecal flap on the base of the appendicular pedicle, by which the bladder was augmented and the appendix was brought out through the abdominal wall for catheterization. Without any bowel anastomosis, the cecal anterior wall was repaired. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 23.8 months, 9 of 10 patients became continent. Postoperative urodynamic study revealed a 53.8% increase in mean maximal cystometric capacity (from 171.4 to 263.7 ml; p = 0.012) and a 7.7-fold increase in mean bladder compliance (from 3.39 to 26.66 ml/cm H(2)O; p = 0.012). Mean maximal detrusor filling pressure decreased by 79% (from 62.2 to 13 cm H(2)O; p = 0.012). Renal function remained stable in all patients. Appendicular stoma was easy to catheterize, and no stomal stenosis occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Early results of this less invasive technique could be promising in patients with high filling pressure and acceptable maximum bladder capacity.

[Self-catheterizable urinary re-diversion using the appendix for urethral recurrence after ileal neobladder].

A 68-year-old man underwent urinary re-diversion due to urethral recurrence 2 years after radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder reconstruction. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cystoscopy revealed anastomotic recurrence between bladder and urethra with a tendency of urinary retention. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed and pathological findings showed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), papillary invasive G3, pT1 or more. Finally, we performed total urethrectomy and partial resection of bladder neck with self-catheterizable urinary rediversion using appendix. Pathological findings showed TCC, G3, pT1. Self-catheterizable urinary re-diversion using the appendix can be an option for urethral recurrence after ileal neobladder reconstruction.

Reconstruction of bladder and urethra using ileocecal segment and appendix in patients with exstrophy-epispadias complex: the first report of a new surgical approach.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe our experience in administering an innovative surgical technique to treat pediatric cases of exstrophy-epispadias complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2004, seven consecutive patients (six males) with exstrophy-epispadias complex were treated using ileocecal segment for bladder augmentation and appendix for urethral reconstruction. In a single-stage operation, the exstrophied bladder was dissected- and a segment of cecum, ascending colon, terminal ileum, and the corresponding appendix were isolated. Using the opened colon to augment the bladder, the ileal segment was fashioned to skin as temporary stoma, and the appendix was laid in the urethral lumen as the neourethra following urethral demucosation. This technique was used as a secondary surgery in one case and as a primary surgery in six neonates. Evaluation of the urinary tract status was performed by cystograms and ultrasonograms. RESULTS: Renal function was saved in all cases and continence was achieved by clean intermittent catheterization every two hours either via the neourethra (n = 6) or through the temporary stoma (n = 1). The patients did not experience any metabolic complications in their follow-ups. Moreover, no one had vesicourethral reflux, dehiscence, or fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The technique was deemed safe with acceptable outcomes even when secondary repair of previously failed operation was intended. Experiencing the technique in larger cohorts as well as longer follow-ups might be necessary to assess probable long-term complications.

[Appendicouretheroplasty].

Repair of long uretheral defects with the appendix (appendi-couretheroplasty--AUP) was made in 5 patients. Stenosis of the lumbar urether was caused by a gunshot wound in one patient. Uretheral strictures developed after iatrogenic injury during extended gynecological operations in 3 women. The strictures arose after radiotherapy in one female. The man has undergone plastic reconstruction of the upper third of the right ureter, while women - replacement of the pelvic urether, including one case on the left. In two cases a modified surgical technique was used for better appendicocystanastomosis--a flap was dissected from the cupola of the cecum. In one case surgery was combined with simultaneous contralateral Boari's operation, in the other case--with transvaginal suturing of the vesicovaginal fistula. Exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis occurred in one patient. In the other case antegrade pyeloureterography has detected stricture of ureteroappendicoanastomosis. Resection of the stricted place and reanastomosing were performed in this patient. Passability of the urinary tract recovered in all the patients. Thus, replacement of any part of the right and pelvic part of the left ureter with the appendix is feasible with good results.

Appendix as a biliary conduit for choledochal cysts in children.

Biliary conduits are constructed in operations for choledochal cysts. A wide variety of options are available for biliary tract reconstruction. We present our experience of treating six children with choledochal cysts by using the appendix as a biliary conduit. After mobilizing the appendix on its vascular pedicle, nonrefluxing, tunneled anastomosis was made with the 2nd part of the duodenum and the appendix. The operative procedure was simple and less time-consuming. Postoperative evaluation was done with the help of HIDA scan and ultrasound examination. Postoperative cholangitis was conspicuously absent in the two years of follow-up. One child has been lost to follow-up. From our preliminary experience, the operation seems simple and satisfying. Though the long-term efficacy still remains to be proven, the appendix should prove durable as a functional conduit.

Use of the appendix as ureteral substitute in a patient with a single kidney affected by relapsing upper urinary tract carcinoma.

The treatment of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (UT-TCC) in single-kidney patients requires the radical removal of cancer, but also, when feasible, the preservation of the continuity of the urinary tract by various surgical techniques. In case of wide resections during ureteral surgery, a ureteral replacement could be advocated. In the literature, the cecal appendix has rarely been used as a ureteral substitute, moreover in benign pathological conditions, showing encouraging early results. The positive functional and oncological outcomes obtained after a lengthy follow-up in a single-kidney patient with UT-TCC treated by ureteral resection and appendix interposition confirm the viability of this surgical option.