Arterio-Ureteral Fistula: Systematic Review of 445 Patients.

PURPOSE: Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is an uncommon diagnosis, but increasingly reported and potentially lethal. This systematic review comprehensively presents risk factors, pathophysiology, location and clinical presentation of AUF aiming to increase clinical awareness of this rare but life-threatening condition, and to put this entity into a contemporary perspective with modern diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed® and EMBASE™ was conducted. In addition, retrieved articles were cross-referenced. Data parameters included oncologic, vascular and urological history, diagnostics, treatment, and followup, and were collected using a standard template by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 245 articles with 445 patients and 470 AUFs were included. Most patients had chronic indwelling ureteral stents (80%) and history of pelvic oncology (70%). Hematuria was observed in 99% of the patients, of whom 76% presented with massive hematuria with or without previous episodes of (micro)hematuria. For diagnosis, angiography had a sensitivity of 62%. The most predominant location of AUF was at the common iliac artery ureteral crossing. AUF-specific mortality before 2000 vs after 2000 is 19% vs 7%, coinciding with increasing use of endovascular stents. CONCLUSIONS: AUF should be considered in patients with a medical history of vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, irradiation and/or chronic indwelling ureteral stents presenting with intermittent (micro)hematuria. A multidisciplinary consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The most sensitive test is angiography and the preferred initial treatment is endovascular.

Robot-assisted Boari flap and psoas hitch ureteric reimplantation: technique insight and outcomes of a case series with ≥1 year of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To describe step-by-step surgical techniques and report outcomes of the largest single-centre series of patients with distal ureteric disease exclusively treated with robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation with Boari flap (RABFUR) and psoas hitch (RAPHUR), with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and complete postoperative data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients with distal ureteric disease were treated between 2010 and 2018. Of these, 81% and 19% underwent RAPHUR and RABFUR, respectively. Intra-, peri- and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The 90-day postoperative complications were reported according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology Ad Hoc Panel. Functional outcomes (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and postoperative symptoms (visual analogue pain scale) were assessed. RESULTS: The median operating time and blood loss were 180 min and 100 mL, respectively. There were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative transfusions. The median length of stay, bladder catheter indwelling time and stent removal were 4, 7 and 30 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 24 months. Overall, 10 patients (27%) had postoperative complications and of these, eight (22%) and two (5.4%) were Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II and III, respectively. At the last follow-up, the median postoperative creatinine level and eGFR were 0.9 mg/dL and 73.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 , respectively. At the last follow-up, five (13.5%) and three (8%) patients had Grade 1 hydronephrosis and mild urinary symptoms, respectively. The study limitations include its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we present our RABFUR and RAPHUR techniques. We confirm the feasibility and safety profile of both approaches in patients with distal ureteric disease relying on the largest single-centre series with ≥1 year of follow-up.

Ureteral Sextuplication With a Blind-ending Ureter Originating From the Upper Pole in a Boy: A Case Report.

We experienced an extremely rare case of ureteral sextuplication with a blind-ending ureter originating from the upper pole. The patient had 6 separate ureters and 6 renal pelvises with 1 ureteral orifice on the left. The left kidney was hypoplastic and its differential function was 6.5%. The patient underwent definitive surgical treatment to repair the anomaly (ureteroureterostomy and reimplantation of the formed ureter). The surgery was successful and the postoperative course was uneventful. We herein report the first such case in the English-language literature and discuss the etiology of this ureteral anomaly, the method of diagnostic imaging, and the treatment.

Bilateral calcified ureteral stenosis in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis.

Ureteral calcification is a rare complication of systemic vasculitis. Bilateral ureteral calcification in a patient with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis led to obstructive uropathy. A combination of immunosuppressive therapy and ureteral reconstruction successfully restored kidney function.

The Role of Antegrade Irrigation via Percutaneous Nephrostomy on Surgical Outcomes in Semirigid Ureteroscopy among Patients with Upper Ureteral Stones.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the role of antegrade irrigation via percutaneous nephrostomy on surgical outcomes in retrograde ureteroscopy in patients with upper ureter stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 134 patients who underwent retrograde semirigid ureteroscopy for upper ureter stones between August 2012 and December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: retrograde irrigation group (conventional URS) and antegrade irrigation group (using percutaneous nephrostomy). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, complications, and stone-free rate were measured for each patient after ureteroscopy. RESULTS: The mean age in the retrograde irrigation and antegrade irrigation groups was 53.3 and 60.7 years, respectively (p=0.007). The operation time was 60.8 min vs. 43.0 min (p=0.002), and stone-free rate was 82.0 % vs. 95.5 % (p=0.033). Stone size, laterality, the proportion of male patients, and urinary tract infection prevalence were comparable between the groups. In the subgroup analysis of stone size >10 mm, the antegrade irrigation group had a shorter operation time and a higher stone-free rate. For stone size of 5-10 mm, operation time in the antegrade irrigation group was shorter and the stone-free rate between the two groups was comparable. CONCLUSION: Antegrade irrigation via percutaneous nephrostomy during ureteroscopy has a higher stone-free rate with a shorter operation time without an increased urinary tract infection risk. Therefore, if percutaneous nephrostomy is necessary before ureteroscopy, antegrade irrigation of external fluid via percutaneous nephrostomy is strongly recommended.

Ureteral Complications of Pediatric Renal Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Ureteral complications following renal transplantation are more common in children than in adults. We identify potential risk factors for ureteral complications in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients who underwent renal transplantation at Lurie Children's Hospital between 2004 and 2016. We analyzed the associations between patient characteristics, operative factors, graft characteristics and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 224 renal transplantations in 219 patients were identified. Preexisting bladder pathology was present in 25% of cases. Overall rate of ureteral complications was 16%, with symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux being the most common. Ureteral complications were seen significantly more frequently in patients with underlying bladder pathology (26% vs 12%, p = 0.01). Rate of postoperative vesicoureteral reflux in patients with bladder pathology was lower when a urologist performed the reimplantation but the difference was not statistically significant (15% vs 27%, p = 0.35). Urologists were significantly more likely to perform the ureteral anastomosis in patients on clean intermittent catheterization (85% vs 43%, p = 0.004) and in patients with a history of complex bladder reconstruction (75% vs 28%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with existing bladder pathology are at increased risk for ureteral complications, particularly vesicoureteral reflux. Since pediatric urologists routinely perform ureteral reimplantation in patients with existing bladder pathology, these patients may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach between urology and transplant surgery at renal transplantation.

A Rare Case of Ureteral IgG4 Disease Masquerading as Urothelial Carcinoma.

The present paper described a rare case of ureteral IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) that mimicked urothelial carcinoma. An otherwise healthy patient presented with computed tomography, ureteroscopic, and biopsy findings that were suspicious of urothelial carcinoma. The patient received a right nephroureterectomy. Histopathology showed ureteral IgG4-RD, without evidence of urothelial carcinoma. Accurate diagnosis of this rare entity should be based on clinical, biochemical, and histopathological findings.

The role of HCN channels in peristaltic dysfunction in human ureteral tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of HCN channels in ureteral peristaltic dysfunction by comparing the changes in HCN channel levels between normal and tuberculous ureters. METHODS: A total of 32 specimens of human upper ureters were collected by nephrectomy from patients with renal tumor (control group, n = 16) or from patients with renal tuberculosis (experimental group, n = 16); the two groups did not receive radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or any other special treatment before the surgical procedure. An experimental study on smooth muscle strips of human upper ureters showed variation in contraction amplitude and frequency after adding ZD7288, a specific blocker of HCN channels. The expression of HCN channels in the ureter was confirmed by Western blot (WB) and by confocal analysis of double immunostaining for c-kit and HCN channel proteins. RESULTS: Before the addition of ZD7288, the experimental and control groups showed significant differences in the frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous contraction of isolated ureteral smooth muscle strips. After ZD7288 was added, the frequency and amplitude of the contractions of the ureteral smooth muscle strips were significantly lower in both groups. The differences observed before and after ZD7288 treatment in each group were significant (P < 0.001), and the difference in contraction amplitude observed between the two groups before ZD7288 was also significantly different (P < 0.001). By using WB technology, we showed that the expression of HCN channels was present in normal human ureters, with the expression of HCN4 and HCN1 being the highest; the expression of HCN4 and HCN1 in the control and experimental groups were both statistically significant (P < 0.001). HCN4 and HCN1 were expressed in the mucosal and smooth muscle layers of human control ureters and tuberculous ureters, as revealed by a confocal analysis of double immunostaining for c-kit and HCNs proteins; there were significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Four HCN channels are expressed in the ureter, mainly HCN4 and HCN1, suggesting that HCN channels are involved in the peristaltic contraction of ureteral ICCs, which may be an important reason for peristaltic dysfunction in ureteric tuberculosis.

Isolated low initial differential renal function in patients with primary non-refluxing megaureter should not be considered an indication for early surgery: A multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Low initial differential renal function (DRF) in patients with primary non-refluxing megaureter (PNRM) is considered an indication for surgery as are an increase of dilatation and symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that low DRF is not necessarily a result of obstruction, but may be due to impaired development of the upper urinary tract. Thus, in the absence of symptoms, there is a low risk for further loss of renal function. This study aimed to assess whether initially low DRF is a reliable indicator of obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed data from four university centers between 1995 and 2010. Patients under 12 months of age with unilateral primary non-refluxing megaureter (PNMR) and a DRF between 10% and 40%, and followed minimally 24 months, were included. Patients were placed in two groups based on management: group A, surgical; group B, conservative. The dynamics of DRF in relation to age and type of treatment was studied. In each patient we recorded the earliest (initial) DRF, the last known (final) DRF, the age when MAG-3 scans were performed and the type of treatment. RESULTS: From 25 patients, 16 were treated surgically (group A) and 9 followed conservatively (group B). The initial mean DRF in group A was 33.1% and in group B 34.5%, at a mean age 3.0 and 3.6 months, respectively. The final mean DRF in group A was 40.1% and in group B 43%, at a mean age 59.9 and 46.3 months, respectively. Using two-way repeated ANOVA (age [initial DRF, final DRF] vs. group [group A, group B]), we found non-significant difference between the groups in the DRF, F (1, 21) = 0.96, p = 0.338, while we observed statistically significant and similar increase from the initial to final DRF in both groups, F (1, 21) = 16.66, p = 0.001 (Figure). DISCUSSION: This is the first study focusing on the evolution of renal function in patients with PNRM and low initial DRF. Results suggest that the diagnosis of obstruction is inaccurate in most infants with unilateral PNRM if it is based on low initial DRF only. Renal deterioration rarely occurs in asymptomatic patients, and even profoundly impaired kidneys have potential for improvement. Limitations of our study include retrospective design and lack of standardization of treatment among the four centers. CONCLUSION: Low DRF in asymptomatic and anatomically stable patients with PNMR should not be considered an indication for early surgery. These findings challenge current practice and should be confirmed by a prospective study.

[Laparoscopic and open heminephrectomy in children: results comparison].

UNLABELLED: Objectives. To compare the results of laparoscopic and open heminephrectomy for kidneys duplication in children. Materials and methods. 42 patients underwent laparoscopic heminephrectomy and 20 patients underwent open heminephrectomy for non-functioning kidney moiety. Transperitoneal access with 3-4 trocars was used in the first group. Retrospective analysis of demographic, intra- and postoperative parameters, developed complications was performed. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 127 minutes (90-205) and 120 minutes (100-219) in laparoscopic and open surgery groups, respectively. There were not intraoperative complications and need for conversion in laparoscopic group. Two children required additional surgery for perirenal cyst and ureteric stump inflammation. Hemotransfusion after open surgery was performed in 2 cases. Complications included pleural sine laceration and complete function loss of remaining moiety. The mean hospital stay was 7.2 days (5-12) and 11.5 days (8-17) in laparoscopic and open surgery groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal heminephrectomy can be successfully used in children. Duration of laparoscopic and open interventions is comparable. But hospital stay is less in case of laparoscopic interventions.

Laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy in the management of ureteral ectopia in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE: We report our initial experience, and describe our technique, in performing laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (IUU) in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IRB-approved, retrospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic IUU at our institution between 2006 and 2009 was performed. Demographic data, mode of presentation, underlying diagnosis, operative parameters, complications and follow-up data were analyzed. Cystoscopy, retrograde pyelograms and ureteral stent placement into the lower pole ureter were performed at the beginning of all cases. All were performed via a transperitoneal approach. An end-to-side ureteral anastamosis was carried out along the proximal lower pole ureter. No drains were left in place. Urethral catheters were left for 48 h. RESULTS: There were seven patients in the series. All were female with a mean age of 84 months (11190). Diagnosis was an ectopic ureter in six patients and a ureterocele in one patient. No patient required conversion to an open approach. Mean total operative time was 187 min (140252). Mean hospital stay was 2 days (14) with a mean follow up of 8 months (115). No complications occurred postoperatively. Follow-up studies demonstrate decreased or resolved hydronephrosis in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience, laparoscopic IUU can be accomplished in a safe and effective manner with minimal complication.

Ureteral trauma: patterns and mechanisms of injury of an uncommon condition.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic ureteral injuries are uncommon, thus large series are lacking. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank (2002-2006). RESULTS: Of the 22,706 genitourinary injuries, 582 ureteral injury patients were identified (38.5% blunt, 61.5% penetrating). Patients were 84% male, 38% white, and 37% black (mean age, 31 y). Blunt trauma patients had a median Injury Severity Score of 21.5 versus 16.0 for penetrating injury (P < .001). Mortality rates were 9% blunt, and 6% penetrating (P = .166). Penetrating trauma patients had a higher incidence of bowel injuries (small bowel, 46%; large bowel, 44%) and vascular injuries (38%), whereas blunt trauma patients had a higher incidence of bony pelvic injuries (20%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral injuries are uncommon, seen in approximately 3 per 10,000 trauma admissions, and occur more in penetrating than in blunt trauma. The most common associated injury for blunt ureteral trauma is pelvic bone fracture, whereas penetrating ureteral trauma patients have more hollow viscus and vascular injuries.

[Estimation of the contractile function of the upper urinary tract by multichannel impedance ureterography before and after endoureteropyelotomy].

We studied qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the upper urinary tract (UUT) contractile function examination with multichannel impedance ureterography (MIUG) in patients given roentgenoendoscopic treatment for stricture of the ureter and pelvoureteral segment (PUS) for prognosis of the disease outcome and decision on further therapy. UUT function was studied with MIUG in 12 patients with stricture of the upper third of the ureter and PUS during and 1-2 months after endoureteropyelotomy. UUT peristalsis was assessed qualitatively (direction of peristaltic wave, rhythm of peristalsis, wave shape) and quantitatively (amplitude of ureteral contractions, frequency of peristalsis, wall tonicity). Ureteral peristalsis disorders of different severity were found in the majority of patients. UUT contractile function improved after treatment in 83% patients. The improvement concerned wave shape, peristalsis amplitude, a relief of wall tonicity, frequency of contractions). MIUG can objectively assess UUT function in patients with ureteral and PUS stricture, predict efficacy of roentgenoendoscopic treatment early after surgery. MIUG is intended for diagnosis of UUT contractile disorders undetected by x-ray, for objective control over quality of therapy, for formulating indications to pathogenetic treatment.

Identification of nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder in infants.

OBJECTIVES: To report the third series of the severe neonatal form of Allen-Hinman syndrome. Hinman and Baumann (1973) and Allen (1977) reported the first two series (14 and 21 patients, respectively) of children with severe functional vesicourethral dysfunction producing changes indistinguishable from an obstructive factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1995 to April 2006, 7 boys with Allen-Hinman syndrome were observed. They had been symptomatic since early infancy with a poor stream and chronic urinary retention. They had bilateral hydroureteronephrosis on renal ultrasonography and intravenous urography (grade 4 to 5 vesicourethral reflux) during the first year of age. They were initially thought by urologists to have a posterior urethral valve. When cystoscopy excluded anatomic obstruction, the urologists were unable to provide an alternative diagnosis. RESULTS: The patients' age on referral ranged from 5 months to 15 years (mean 6 years). They had been followed up for a period of 2 weeks to 6 years. Four patients had been treated with chronic catheterization and were referred after the age of 5 years with end-stage renal failure. One of them underwent cutaneous vesicotomy after the onset of chronic renal failure and the need for dialysis. I recommended early vesicotomy for the remaining 3 patients. One boy had undergone vesicotomy during the first 6 months of age and had been followed up for 6 years. At 6 years of age, the dilation had disappeared and his renal function had been preserved. CONCLUSIONS: The nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder represents a rare, severe form of dysfunctional voiding that can present even in the neonatal period and can lead to renal failure.

[The role of ureteral function in formulation of indications for endoscopic treatment of neuromuscular dysplasia of the ureters in adults].

Function of the affected ureter was studied with multichannel impedance ureterography in 6 adult patients (age 18-35 years) with neuromuscular ureteral dysplasia (NUD). Of them, 5 patients had compensated ureteral contractility. These patients received endoscopic therapy with Ho-laser consisting of circular ablation of congenital stricture of intramural portion of the ureter. Control examinations (maximal follow-up 6 years) demonstrated a significant stable decrease in dilatation of the upper urinary tracts.

Ureterocystoplasty: videourodynamic assessment.

PURPOSE: We evaluated bladder function outcome in children who underwent ureterocystoplasty based on preoperative and postoperative videourodynamic studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1977 and 2003, 8 patients with a median age of 6 years who had severe bladder dysfunction underwent ureterocystoplasty as a single surgical procedure. Augmentation was performed in 1 refluxing ureter in 7 patients and with a nonrefluxing megaureter in 1. All patients were evaluated urodynamically before and after augmentation using videourodynamic studies. Preoperative bladder capacity was estimated subtracting the volume trapped inside the refluxing ureter from the total amount of contrast fluid infused into the bladder. Controls included 8 patients matched in age (median 7.8 years) and diagnosis who had undergone ileocystoplasty and were studied with the same urodynamic methodology. Median age in patients with ureterocystoplasty and controls at postoperative urodynamic testing was 7.3 and 11.2 years, respectively. RESULTS: Median cystometric bladder capacity for age before and after ureterocystoplasty was 75% (range 10% to 92%) and 94% (range 49% to 100%), respectively. In the ileocystoplasty group cystometric bladder capacity increased significantly after augmentation (median 44% vs 118, p <0.0005). Comparison of postoperative cystometric bladder capacity between the 2 treatment groups showed significantly higher bladder volumes in the ileocystoplasty group (median 217 vs 290 ml, p <0.02). When we analyzed compliance before and after ureterocystoplasty, no statistically significant difference was found (4.09 vs 10.5 ml/cm water). The same parameter in the ileocystoplasty group was statistically significant (1.6 vs 22.5 ml/cm water, p <0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective study suggests that, although ureterocystoplasty is a useful method for improving bladder storage abnormalities in properly selected patients, enterocystoplasty is associated with a better storage function outcome.

[Management of endometriosis of the urinary tract]. / Prise en charge de l'endométriose urinaire.

Endometriosis of the urinary tract (bladder and/or ureter) is rare and concerns 1-2% of cases of endometriosis. Surgical management is usually mandatory. Rate of peri operative morbidity is low. There is a risk of functional (dysuria, chronic hypogastric pains, imperiosity) and anatomical recurrences (0-15 and 0-10% respectively). Surgical treatment of bladder and/or ureteral endometriosis requires informed consent of patients and multidisciplinary management.

[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.

[Renal development long after correction of primary non-refluxing forms of megaureter in children].

We studied the condition and development of 50 kidneys in 45 patients 10-30 years after surgical correction of megaureter. We made resection and neoimplantation of the ureter according to the antireflux technique. By x-ray findings, we estimated area of the kidney, renocortical index and compared them with visual assessment of the condition of the kidney and its pelvicocalicyal system. We have found that correction of the megaureter creates favourable conditions for development of the kidney as shown by good growth of the kidney (area increased 1.5-3.5 fold) in a stable renocortical index. This indicates stabilization of nephrosclerosis and large area of renal parenchyma. However, kidney growth was accompanied with developing nephrosclerosis in 7 cases, in 1 case nephrosclerosis terminated with secondary contraction and a decline of renal function. The condition of the kidney varied due to many factors such as the condition of the immune system, age of the patient, virulence of the microflora, etc., but the key role for the kidney belonged to condition of renal parenchyma before surgical intervention. The data of light optic (53 cases) and electron-microscopies (3 cases) examinations of renal biopsies demonstrated that renal lesions were characterized by congenital structural disorders such as low number of nephrons, the presence of canalicular and glomerular microcysts and other manifestations of hypoplastic dysplasia. Inflammatory infiltration of the cortical and medullary layer interstitium aggravated severity of renal lesion. Various correlation and severity of congenital and aquired lesions characterized condition of the kidney in each individual case. Thus it is necessary to conduct a long-term follow-up and update methods of therapy.