Paraperitoneal inguinal hernia of ureter.

INTRODUCTION: The ureter is present in surgical field during inguinal hernia repair in 0.5-4% of cases. It typically occurs in obese patients, in men and patients after kidney transplants. Right-sided and indirect location of ureteral herniation prevails. The clinical picture is mostly asymptomatic, but possible manifestations include increased frequency of urination with urgency, nocturia, recurrent pyelonephritis, urosepsis, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, signs of GIT obstruction. Diagnostic methods include retrograde pyelography or CT urography. Surgical treatment is indicated in every case of ureteral herniation. Reposition of the ureter retroperitoneally and standard plasty of the inguinal canal is the method of choice. METHODS: 33 cases of ureteral hernia were reviewed in order to write a systematized review of the topic. The case report describes a 68-year-old patient with prostatic hyperplasia and dysuria treated at our institution. A preoperative CT examination with intravenous contrast showed herniation of the right ureter into the inguinal area with hydronephrosis of 2nd degree. Preoperative insertion of a mono-J stent into the right ureter and reposition of the ureter retroperitoneally followed by hernia repair using alloplastic material was performed. There were no postoperative complications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In risky cases, the surgeon should assume the possible presence of a ureter in the inguinal region. Careful dissection in the inguinal area reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage to the ureter.

Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir Extravesical Ureteroneocystostomy in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteric implantation of the transplanted ureter into native urinary bladder tissue in kidney transplantation recipients is essential for post-operative kidney function. We aimed to determine the effects of Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir extravesical ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. METHODS: We searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science), trial registries, and conference proceedings until March 2021. We included prospective studies comparing Taguchi and Lich-Grégoir ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. Two review authors independently screened the identified records, extracted data, evaluated the risk of bias using ROBINS-I, and assessed the certainty of evidence according to GRADE. RESULTS: We identified 3 prospective studies with serious or critical risk of bias, leading to low-certainty evidence. We downgraded the risk of bias due to study limitations. Assessment and/or reporting of baseline imbalances, co-interventions, and confounding factors was insufficient in all included studies. The effect of Taguchi ureteroneocystostomy remains unclear. CONCLUSION: Currently available evidence is not useful to determine the effect of Taguchi versus Lich-Grégoir ureteroneocystostomy in kidney transplantation. There is a need for methodologically better designed and executed studies, such as randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up reporting baseline imbalances, co-interventions, and confounding factors.

Use of pediatric donor en bloc kidneys along with bladder segment in pediatric liver-kidney and multivisceral-kidney transplantation.

The combination of pediatric multivisceral and kidney transplantation leads to additional recipient risks due to the number of anastomoses and to the small sizes of donor structures. The inclusion of donor kidneys, ureters, and a bladder patch en bloc with multivisceral organs decreases the number and complexity of anastomoses and has not yet been reported. Four patients were transplanted in this fashion; three underwent multivisceral-kidney and one underwent liver-kidney transplantation. The first patient was a 3-year-old male with polycystic kidney disease and congenital hepatic fibrosis. The second was a 7-year-old female with complications from necrotizing enterocolitis. The third was a 12-month-old male with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome and secondary hydronephrosis, and the fourth was a 3-year-old male with multiple intestinal resections secondary to incarcerated hernia. The third patient developed a right ureteral stenosis with an intact bladder patch. The fourth child expired from maintained abdominal sepsis. The first 3 patients maintained normal graft function. There were no cases of thrombosis, arterial stenosis, or urinary leakages. These reported cases demonstrate that small pediatric en bloc transplantation of the multivisceral organs and dual kidneys with a bladder patch anastomosis is a feasible and less complex alternative to the standard procedure.

Transplantation of a single kidney from pediatric donors less than 10 kg to children with poor access to transplantation: a two-year outcome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Access to kidney transplantation by uremic children is very limited due to the lack of donors in many countries. We sought to explore small pediatric kidney donors as a strategy to provide transplant opportunities for uremic children. METHODS: A total of 56 cases of single pediatric kidney transplantation and 26 cases of en bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors with body weight (BW) less than 10 kg were performed in two transplant centers in China and the transplant outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The 1-year and 2-year death-censored graft survival in the en bloc kidney transplantation (KTx) group was inferior to that in the single KTx group. Subgroup analysis of the single KTx group found that the 1-year and 2-year death-censored graft survival in the group where the donor BW was between 5 and 10 kg was 97.7 and 90.0%, respectively. However, graft survival was significantly decreased when donor BW was ≤5 kg (p < 0.01), mainly because of the higher rate of thrombosis (p = 0.035). In the single KTx group, the graft length was increased from 6.7 cm at day 7 to 10.5 cm at 36 months posttransplant. The estimated glomerular filtration rate increased up to 24 months posttransplant. Delayed graft function and urethral complications were more common in the group with BW was ≤5 kg. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that single kidney transplantation from donors weighing over 5 kg to pediatric recipients is a feasible option for children with poor access to transplantation.

Total proximal ureter substitution using buccal mucosa.

The surgical treatment of a long proximal ureteral stricture is a challenging situation for reconstructive surgeons. Despite the underlying morbidities, ileal interposition and autotransplantation are the options available to treat complex cases of long segment ureteral stricture. Buccal mucosa has shown excellent results in urethroplasty. However, its use in ureteral reconstruction is infrequent. We report on a 64-year-old female patient with multiple comorbidities and prior abdominal surgeries for Crohn's disease who underwent a successful total substitution of a long segment of the proximal ureter using buccal mucosa. Regular postoperative isotope scans showed improvement in renal function. Based on the pleasant outcome of this case and review of the literature, buccal mucosa might be a viable option with low morbidity in selected cases.

TCC in Transplant Ureter--When and When Not to Preserve the Transplant Kidney.

We present four cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the transplant ureter (TCCtu). In three cases, localized tumor resection and a variety of reconstructive techniques were possible. Transplant nephrectomy with cystectomy was performed as a secondary treatment in one locally excised case. Transplant nephroureterectomy was performed as primary treatment in one case. The role of oncogenic viruses and genetic fingerprinting to determine the origin of TCCtu are described. Our cases and a systematic literature review illustrate the surgical, nephrological, and oncological challenges of this uncommon but important condition.

Ureteral Papilla Implantation as a Technique for Neoureterocystostomy in Cats Undergoing Renal Transplantation: 30 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcome of donor and recipient cats undergoing ureteral papilla harvest and implantation as a technique for neoureterocystostomy in clinical kidney transplant. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Donor (n=31) and recipient (n=30) cats that underwent kidney harvest and transplantation using ureteral papilla implantation technique for neoureterocystostomy. METHODS: Medical records for donor and recipient cats presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Teaching Hospital from January 2003 to December 2014 were reviewed. Data recorded included complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, surgical technique, diagnostic imaging results, short- and long-term complications, and anesthetic survival. RESULTS: All 30 recipients recovered from anesthesia. Four died within 24 hours and 26 survived to hospital discharge. Serum creatinine was within the reference interval by 72 hours in 22/26 cats (85%). Complications related to the ureteral papilla implantation technique were seen in only 1 cat (3%). Uroabdomen diagnosed on day 3 ultimately resolved over the following 24 hours without surgical intervention. All 31 donor cats survived to discharge. Four donors (13%) experienced mild, transiently increased serum creatinine. CONCLUSION: Ureteral papilla implantation is a viable technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats undergoing kidney transplantation. Proposed benefits for the recipient include a less technically challenging anastomosis, decreased risk of ureteral obstruction at the anastomosis site, and reduced risk of leakage compared to previous reports. Benefits for recipients should be weighed against risks to donors, including a more complex ureteral harvest, increased surgical time, and potential injury or obstruction of the contralateral ureteral papilla.

[OPTION OF THE TRANSPLANT URINARY TRACT RECONSTRUCTION WITH RECIPIENT'S OWN URETER IN CASE OF THE RENAL TRANSPLANT PATHOLOGY].

This article describes an extremely rare case of reconstruction of allograft ureteropelvic junction by ureter of contralateral kidney. The authors present a concise literature review of this pathology treatment options.

Unilateral ureteral reimplantation and management of contralateral low grade or resolved vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation is well described in the literature. Management of high grade vesicoureteral reflux with resolved contralateral reflux is less extensively studied. Most surgeons perform a bilateral procedure in these cases. We report the results when an open procedure was deferred on the contralateral side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients with unilateral vesicoureteral reflux undergoing ureteral reimplantation performed by 1 surgeon between 2003 and 2012. Resolved or low grade contralateral reflux was observed if the kidney was normal. Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection was also offered for persistent grade I contralateral reflux. Outcomes were abstracted from the medical record and compared to those in patients undergoing bilateral ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS: Of 78 patients undergoing unilateral ureteral reimplantation 15 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 5.5 years, and median followup was 7.6 years. Extravesical detrusorrhaphy was performed in all cases. The 15 study patients initially had contralateral reflux that either resolved (8) or persisted as grade I (7). Six patients had results on 2 cystograms that were negative for contralateral reflux before ureteral reimplantation. Length of stay was 1 day less and costs were 59% lower for patients undergoing unilateral vs bilateral ureteral reimplantation. Postoperatively 2 of 15 patients (13%) had an afebrile urinary tract infection. All 15 patients had normal contralateral kidneys on postoperative ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Observation of contralateral resolved or low grade vesicoureteral reflux at unilateral ureteral reimplantation is feasible, with minimal morbidity and a shorter hospital stay compared to performance of bilateral ureteral reimplantation. This approach appears to be a reasonable option to discuss with parents during preoperative counseling.

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.

A New Approach to the Hostile Bladder in Transplantation.

The intravesical and extravesical techniques for ureteral reimplantation, traditionally described, cannot be applied to a very small, contracted bladder, especially in the morbidly obese patient. An alternative approach using a pull-through technique of ureterocystostomy is described in 6 patients with excellent 2-year follow-up.

Transplantation of a Kidney With Duplicated Ureter Harvested From a Donor With Vascular Anomaly in the Form of Double Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report.

During the organ procurement procedure, a surgeon encounters anatomic anomalies not very often but also not uncommonly. These changes may put the success of the transplant into question. Despite the thorough diagnosis of the potential donor, these anomalies are often diagnosed during organ donation. In our paper we present a case of kidney transplantation with duplicated ureter. The organ was collected from a donor with duplicated inferior vena cava. After transplantation, the kidney functioned immediately. Taking into consideration the well-being of the recipient, organs with anatomic abnormalities should be carefully considered for transplantation. This is especially important when there is a constant shortage of organs for transplantation.

Randomized clinical trial comparing decellularized bovine ureter with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for vascular access.

BACKGROUND: The SynerGraft model 100 (SG 100) is a decellularized bovine uereter graft developed to improve on prosthetic conduits for vascular access. Its clinical performance was compared with polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in a prospective, pilot randomized study. METHODS: Patients requiring haemodialysis with no native vein options were included. Between June 2004 and June 2007, 29 patients received SG 100 and 27 ePTFE grafts. Forty-five patients had undergone previous access surgery. All grafts were between the brachial artery and the axillary vein. RESULTS: Clinical details were similar between the groups; overall mean(s.d.) follow-up was 469(398) days. After 1 year, there were no significant differences in primary patency (28 per cent for SG 100 versus 48 per cent for ePTFE; P = 0.290), assisted primary patency (52 versus 64 per cent; P = 0.430) or secondary patency (57 versus 68 per cent; P = 0.370). Freedom from infection at 1 year was 96 per cent for SG 100 and 91 per cent for ePTFE (P = 0.410). Fifty-seven further procedures (18 endovascular and 39 surgical) were needed to maintain patency in 50 grafts (23 SG 100 and 27 ePTFE). CONCLUSION: Both grafts were adequate conduits for haemodialysis and were amenable to repair. Anticipated advantages for SG 100 were not seen in either patency or stability.

The pathology of depopulated bovine ureter xenografts utilized for vascular access in haemodialysis patients.

AIMS: Vascular access for long-term haemodialysis is obtained through the surgical fashioning of arteriovenous fistulae, utilizing the patients' native blood vessels, or by insertion of synthetic grafts or non-synthetic gluteraldehyde cross-linked biological xenografts. These non-native grafts have high complication rates and a depopulated bovine ureter xenograft has recently been developed as an alternative. The aim was to undertake the first systematic review of the histopathology of bovine ureter xenografts (n = 25) utilized for haemodialysis vascular access in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pre-insertion specimens (n = 7) showed preservation of some cellular architecture and histological antigenicity. Uncomplicated segments of post-insertion specimens (n = 18) showed myofibroblastic in-growth but no luminal endothelialization and no vascularization of the wall, other than at sites of needle puncture. Post-insertion, 50% showed a severe adventitial host inflammatory response with a dominant granulomatous and eosinophil-rich infiltrate. Inflammation was present in grafts with various complications (stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm), but there was no clear pathogenic link. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that repopulation of bovine ureter xenografts by host cells is limited and that, in specimens removed for complications, an inflammatory reaction to the xenograft is common. This could reflect retention of some antigenicity following pre-insertion 'depopulation' of the grafts.

Boari flap vesicocalycostomy: a salvage drainage procedure for complete ureteric stricture and pyelocalyceal fistula.

To increase the working knowledge on how to drain a transplanted kidney via the use of a Boari flap as a salvage procedure. A female with a transplant kidney had complete obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction and multiple strictures of the ureter causing deterioration of the graft function. Surgery was the only way to successfully drain the obstructed kidney, but conventional methods were not possible due to dense fibrosis around the kidney. A Boari flap to the lower pole calyx of the transplant kidney was therefore employed. A Boari flap vesicocalycostomy is a potential method available to the transplant surgeon to successfully restore graft function in a case where the transplant or native ureter is unsalvageable.

Massive aneurysmal dilatation of a depopulated ureteric hemodialysis xenograft.

Use of depopulated bovine ureteric xenografts for hemodialysis vascular access has recently been described. Cellular components have been removed, giving a connective tissue matrix which can be neocellularized, retaining native biomechanics. A 24-year-old male with end-stage renal disease from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presented with particularly difficult vascular access. A depopulated bovine ureteric xenograft was implanted from the left subclavian artery to innominate vein. It became massively aneurysmal, requiring emergency embolization. Biopsy of the graft stained positive for alpha-gal. We believe this is the first reported case of massive aneurysmal dilatation of a depopulated bovine ureteric xenograft.

A case of allograft ureteral stone successfully treated with antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy: use of a 3D-printed model to determine the ideal approach.

We present the case of a 46-year-old man who underwent successful antegrade ureteroscopy for lithiasis in his allograft ureter. At a scheduled follow-up 15 years after transplantation, computed tomography (CT) detected a 12-mm renal stone in the renal pelvis of the transplanted kidney. During his follow-up, gross hematuria was seen; the stone moved to the ureter, causing hydronephrosis. Ultrasound and non-contrast CT revealed hydronephrosis and a 15-mm stone in the transplanted ureter. Considering the stone size, location, and the difficulty of the access to the anastomosed ureteral orifice, percutaneous ureteroscopic approach was planned. Due to the anatomical difficulty regarding his allograft kidney, we planned to prepare a 3D image and model for selecting the best percutaneous approach. The procedure was performed and a stone-free status was acquired without complication. Under precise simulation, we performed successful antegrade ureteroscopy for lithiasis in the allograft ureter supported by 3D imaging. Use of a 3D printed model may aid in a safe and effective procedure for lithiasis in the allograft kidney and ureter.

Ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of augmented bladders during kidney transplantation: a review of urological complications and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In patients with bladder augmentation undergoing kidney transplantation, conventional technique recommends anastomosing the transplanted ureter to the bladder. We report our technique of ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the enterocystoplasty, and review the urological outcomes of transplantation in these patients. METHODS: Seven patients (mean age: 26 years (range 24-54 years), two females, five deceased donors) with augmented cystoplasty and subsequent kidney transplantation by a single surgeon from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Following standard vascular anastomosis and reperfusion of the transplanted kidney, ureteric implantation involved continuous 5/0 polydiaoxanone anastomosis between the spatulated ureter and full thickness bowel portion of the cystoplasty over a 6-Fr double J stent. A second peri-anastomosis layer of bowel plication was performed to prevent reflux using interrupted 3/0 vicryl sutures. Short-term urological and kidney function outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Causes of renal failure included: posterior urethral valve with reflux nephropathy (two patients), bilateral vesicoureteric reflux (two patients), lumbosacral agenesis with neurogenic bladder (one patient), tuberculosis of the urinary tract with post-infective ureteric stricture (one patient), and lupus nephritis (one patient). Bladder reconstruction was performed at median duration of 103 months (35-171 months) before transplantation. Gastrocystoplasty was performed in two patients while colon and/or ileum were used in the remaining six. After transplantation, all reconstructed bladders except one had a Mitrofanoff for clean intermittent self-catheterization, 5-8 times per day. There were no post-operative ureteric/surgical complications. Delayed graft function occurred in three of seven patients. 30-day asymptomatic bacteriuria rate was three out of seven after stent removal. 1-year post-transplantation, patient and graft survival were 100%. Mean serum creatinine was 142.7 (standard deviation: 51.48). Median number of hospital admissions for urinary tract infections was 0.225 (range 0-0.40). Over a median follow-up period of 4 years (2-7 years), one graft failed from acute T-cell-mediated rejection. This patient passed away from cardio-respiratory collapse after a seizure, 35 months post-transplantation. As of June 2018, the other six kidney grafts were functioning. No complications including calculi formation and/or malignancy were reported. CONCLUSION: In patients with previously augmented bladders now undergoing kidney transplantation, ureteric implantation into the bowel portion of the cystoplasty appears to be safe.

To Cohen and forget? Evaluation of postoperative imaging studies after transtrigonal ureteric reimplantation for vesicoureteric reflux in children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical significance of routine postoperative voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and renal functional studies in the postoperative management of children after a transtrigonal ureteric reimplantation. METHODS: A retrospective record review of 126 consecutive patients undergoing transtrigonal ureteric reimplantation. Inclusion criteria included primary reflux and >5 years of follow-up. Follow-up imaging studies consisted of serial renal ultrasounds (US) and one VCUG and intravenous urogram (IVU) each. RESULTS: Of 126 patients, 2 required a reoperation for contralateral reflux and pyelonephritis. In all other patients the results of the VCUG did not alter management. Dilatation seen in IVU was always visible in the renal US as well and always resolved spontaneously. No new dilatation was observed after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative VCUG and renal functional studies are not warranted in asymptomatic patients after transtrigonal reimplantation. Only in patients with postoperative pyelonephritis did the imaging studies alter the treatment. In the majority of patients, follow-up with an early and 1-year renal US may suffice. Elimination of routine VCUG and functional studies will decrease morbidity and cost after ureteric reimplantation.