Robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection of a pelvic solitary fibrous tumour causing distal ureteric compression.

This case report describes a male in his late 40s with a 4 cm pelvic mass compressing the left distal ureter, resulting in left hydroureteronephrosis. Biopsy of the mass was suggestive of a solitary fibrous tumour. The patient underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision of the left pelvic mass. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to be densely adhered to the ureter, necessitating a left distal ureterectomy and ureteric reimplantation. Subsequent histopathological analysis revealed the mass was a solitary fibrous tumour with no evidence of malignancy.

Is Stent-Free Ureteroenteric Anastomosis Associated With Lower Ureteroenteric Strictures After Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit?

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the differences in perioperative outcomes, especially ureteroenteric strictures, between patients who underwent a stented ureteroenteric anastomosis at the time of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and ileal conduit vs those who did not. METHODS: A retrospective review of our RARC database was performed (2009-2023). Patients were divided into those who received stented ureteroenteric anastomosis vs those who did not. Propensity score matching was performed in the ratio of 3 (stented ureteroenteric anastomosis) to 1 (stent-free) in terms of age, gender, BMI, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Charlson Comorbidity Index, prior radiation therapy, previous abdominal surgery history, clinical T3/clinical T4 stage, preoperative metastasis, and preoperative hydronephrosis. A cumulative incidence curve was used to depict ureteroenteric strictures and a Cox regression model was used to identify variables associated with ureteroenteric strictures. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-eight patients underwent RARC, 366 individuals underwent a stented ureteroenteric anastomosis, and 122 patients underwent a stent-free approach. There was no significant difference in 90-day overall complications, high-grade complications, readmissions, UTIs, leakage, and ileus (P > .05). Ureteroenteric strictures occurred at a rate of 13% and 18% at 1 and 2 years, respectively in the stented group, vs 7% and 10% in the stent-free group (P = .05). Stent placement was significantly associated with ureteroenteric strictures. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-free ureteroenteric anastomosis was associated with fewer strictures following RARC and ileal conduit.

Right-sided ureteral hemangiosarcoma in a paraplegic dog.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe a rare case of primary ureteral hemangiosarcoma, in which surgical intervention preserved the kidney and ureter after tumor removal. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old, neutered male dog, weighing 14 kg, mixed-breed, presented with apathy, anorexia, acute-onset vomiting, and abdominal discomfort during the physical examination. Ultrasonography and pyelography revealed a right-sided dilation of the renal pelvis and ureter due to complete obstruction in the middle third of the ureter. A mass obstructing the lumen of the right ureter was completely resected, and ureteral suturing was performed, preserving the integrity of the involved structures. Histopathology confirmed primary ureteral hemangiosarcoma. Due to the local and non-invasive nature of the mass, chemotherapy was not initiated. The patient's survival was approximately two years, and normal renal function was preserved throughout this period. CONCLUSIONS: Considering this type of tumor in the differential diagnosis of upper urinary tract obstructive disorders. Furthermore, the preservation of the ureter and kidney is a suitable therapeutic option after surgical resection of non-invasive tumors.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction - How should success be determined?

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is characterised by stenosis of the ureteral lumen at the level of the renal pelvis and proximal ureter. At Haukeland University Hospital, robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RLP) for UPJO has been performed since 2014. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment and consider what determines treatment success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients undergoing RLP between 2014-2022. Outcomes of interest included symptom relief, complication rates and renographic findings at follow-up. Treatment success was defined in terms of symptom improvement and/or improvement as well as relief of obstruction on renography. RESULTS: In total, 95 RLPs were performed in 54 women and 41 men, with a mean age of 40 years (IQR: 21-58). Flank pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (n = 81, 85%) followed by infection (n = 33, 35%). More than one indication for surgery was present in 1/3 of the patients. Urodynamic relevant obstruction on renography was found in 62 patients (65%) preoperatively. Mean operative time was 123 minutes (range 60-270). Two patients experienced minor intraoperative complications. At three months follow-up, 91% of patients had symptom relief, and no obstruction on renography was recorded in 64%. There was no significant association between improvement in symptoms and renography findings at follow-up, p = 1. CONCLUSIONS: RLP can deliver a high success rate in terms of symptom relief and few complications. There was no association between renography findings and symptom relief at follow-up. Success after surgery should be determined by symptom relief rather than renography findings.

Role of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in predicting the prognosis of antenatal hydronephrosis.

PURPOSE: Urinary biomarkers are known to be able to diagnose renal damage caused by obstruction at an early stage. We evaluated the usefulness of urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) to determine the prognosis of antenatal hydronephrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2019 to December 2021, a retrospective study was performed on patients with grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis. We analyzed the ultrasonographic findings and the urinary NAG/Cr ratio between the laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) group and active surveillance (AS) group. RESULTS: A total of 21 children underwent LP for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction and 14 children underwent AS. The mean age at the time of examination was 3.7 months (1.7-7.5 months) in the LP and 5.2 months (0.5-21.5 months) in the AS (p=0.564). The mean anteroposterior pelvic diameter was 30.0 mm (15.0-49.0 mm) in the LP and 16.7 mm (9.0-31.3 mm) in the AS (p=0.003). The mean renal parenchymal thickness was 2.6 mm (1.2-3.7 mm) in the LP and 3.8 mm (2.9-5.5 mm) in the AS (p=0.017). The urinary NAG/Cr ratio was 26.1 IU/g (9.8-47.4 IU/g) in the LP and 11.1 IU/g (2.6-18.1 IU/g) in the AS (p=0.003). After LP, the urinary NAG/Cr ratio was significantly reduced to 10.4 IU/g (3.4-14.2 IU/g) (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The urinary NAG/Cr ratio, one of the biomarkers of acute renal injury, is closely related to the degree of hydronephrosis. Therefore, it may be useful to determine whether to perform surgery on the UPJ obstruction and to predict the prognosis.

Robotic-assisted native pyeloureterostomy with indocyanine green, after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative ureteral strictures and vesicoureteral reflux after ureteroneocystostomy for kidney transplant can be managed by endoscopic procedures like balloon dilation and endoscopic injections. Complicated/recurrent cases, however, are usually managed by reconstructive surgery. We hereby highlight our technique of robotic-assisted native pyeloureterostomy with indocyanine green (ICG). MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A 57-year-old woman, diagnosed with grade 4 vesicoureteral reflux on her transplanted kidney, was considered a candidate for ureteral reimplantation. After an endoscopic part, where the ICG is inserted into the renal pelvis, we proceed with the robotic native pyeloureterostomy. The renal pelvis of the transplanted kidney was identified with the help of the ICG in firefly mode. After the dissection of the graft pelvis, we performed a tension-free pyeloureterostomy using the native ureter. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. DISCUSSION: Robotic-assisted pyelo-ureterostomy appears as a safe and efficient technique for management of complicated urological complications postrenal transplantation using the native ureter. Intrapelvic ICG injection, not possible with open surgery, helps identifying the grafted pelvis thus reducing operative time and avoiding unnecessary dissection of the vascular hilum of the graft. Because of minimal dissection and the short operative time, abdominal drainage is unnecessary and the postoperative course is usually uneventful with a fast discharge from the hospital.

Utility of ultrasound-based scoring system in post-pyeloplasty recovery.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Differentiation of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) from non-obstructive dilatation (NOD) is a major challenge. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine whether pyeloplasty prediction score (PPS) could predict the need for surgery and resolution after surgery. METHODS: Among patients with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis, those who were stable during post-natal follow-up were considered NOD. The UPJO group were the ones who worsened and underwent pyeloplasty based on conventional indications. All patients with UPJO underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. PPS was determined based on three ultrasound parameters obtained retrospectively: Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grade of hydronephrosis, transverse anteroposterior (APD), and the absolute percentage difference of ipsilateral and contralateral renal lengths. RESULTS: Among 137 patients included (R:L = 59:73; M:F 102:35), 96 were conservatively managed (NOD), while 41 patients (29%) needed pyeloplasty (UPJO). Mean PPS was 4.2 (1.2) in the NOD group and it was significantly higher at 10.8 (1.63) in the UPJO group (p = 0.001). All patients with PPS > 8 needed a pyeloplasty, while two patients with PPS of 7 needed pyeloplasty due to drop in renal function. PPS cutoff value of >8 had a sensitivity 95%, specificity 100% and a likelihood ratio of 20. Post-pyeloplasty PPS resolution was proportional to the duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A PPS cutoff value of 8 or above is associated with the presence of significant UPJO. PPS is also useful in the assessment of hydronephrosis recovery post-pyeloplasty. The limitation of PPS: it can only be applied in the presence of contralateral normal kidney.

Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation in pediatric primary obstructive megaureter, comparing to laparoscopic cohen.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of a single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen in treating pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 24 children with primary obstructive megaureter from January 2021 to November 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 12 children (8 boys and 4 girls, the average age were 17.17 ± 6.31 months) treated with the laparoscopic Cohen method were defined as group C. The remaining 12 children (7 boys and 5 girls, the average age was 17.33 ± 6.99 months) underwent single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation were defined as group L. The parameters of pre-operation, intraoperative and postoperative were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in the patient characteristics and average follow-up time between the two groups (P > 0.05).The obstruction resolution rate was 100% in both groups. The total operation time in group L is slightly longer than that in group C(P < 0.001),but the intraperitoneal operation time of the two groups was comparable(P > 0.05). The postoperative parameters included blood loss, gross haematuria time, indwelling catheterization time and hospitalization time in group L is shorter than group C(P < 0.05). One year post-operation, decreasing in ureteral diameter and APRPD, and increasing in DRF were remarkably observed in both two groups(P < 0.05). Ureteral diameter, APRPD, and DRF were not significantly different both in pre-operation and post-operation between Group L and Group C(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen are both dependable techniques for ureteral reimplantation in the treatment of pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. Since Lich-Gregoir can preserve the physiological direction of the ureter and direct nipple reimplantation enhances the effect of anti-refluxing, this technique is favorable for being promoted and applied in robot surgery.

Propensity score matched analysis of treatment outcomes in pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a comparison between horseshoe and non-horseshoe kidneys.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hydronephrosis poses distinct challenges, particularly in cases involving horseshoe kidneys (HSK). This retrospective study compares treatment outcomes between HSK and non-horseshoe kidneys (NHSK) in pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 35 patients with HSK and 790 patients with NHSK undergoing pyeloplasty. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were evaluated. Propensity score matching (PSM) balanced patient characteristics in the NHSK group. RESULTS: In comparison with NHSK, HSK exhibited a higher crossing vessel incidence (51.6% vs. 5.12%, P < 0.001) and smaller preoperative anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD). Post 6 and 12 months, NHSK maintained a larger APD, with a higher P/C ratio at 12 months. PSM retained significantly higher crossing vessel incidence in HSK (51.6 vs. 3.61%, P < 0.001). Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in HSK showed lower postoperative length of stay (LOS). Postoperative ultrasound parameters favored NHSK. In HSK and NHSK with crossing vessels, HSK demonstrated higher complications even post-PSM (38.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing crossing vessels in HSK-related hydronephrosis. Surgical success, although comparable between HSK and NHSK, requires tailored approaches. This investigation contributes valuable insights to pediatric urology, emphasizing personalized management for optimal outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of Ureteropelvic Obstruction in Kidney Transplant Recipients and Outcomes of Foley Y-V Pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the etiology and diagnostic tools for ureteropelvic obstruction in kidney transplant recipients, we investigated the short-term and long-term outcomes of Foley Y-V pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients who underwent kidney transplant followed by additional interventions to treat obstructive ureteral pathologies between 2016 and 2020. We enrolled 4 patients who had received intervention to treat ureteropelvic obstruction. For these 4 patients, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels were recorded at baseline, during the symptomatic period, and long-term. In this single center study, we investigated diagnostic tools and management strategies for ureteropelvic obstruction and assessed performance of Foley Y-V nondismembered pyeloplasty in kidney transplant recipients. RESULTS: Among 4 patients, graft function (assessed by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate) worsened significantly (P = .03) in the symptomatic period of ureteropelvic obstruction in all patients; however, graft function levels improved rapidly to levels similar to baseline (P = .07) after Y-V pyeloplasty. In addition, no statistically significant difference was detected between baseline and longterm graft functions afterY-V pyeloplasty in follow-up (P = .28). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and management of ureteropelvic obstruction in kidney transplant recipients are challenging due to rarity and lack of an ideal management algorithm.There is no specific diagnostic tool to discriminate this pathology from other ureteral pathologies; therefore, a regimen of conventional imaging modalities and diuretic renogram combined with endoscopic evaluation is more reliable. Moreover, nondismembered Foley Y-V pyeloplasty is effective and safe for graft function in the short-term and long-term.

Flexible Ureteroscopic Guided Laparoscopic Ureteroplasty For The Treatment Of Ureteral Stricture.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stricture is often a consequence of urolithiasis or previous endourological procedures (1-3). Precisely delineating the stricture zone intraoperatively is crucial to minimize ureter shortening and target only the affected tissue (4, 5). Flexible ureteroscopy offers a significant advantage in this regard. OBJECTIVE: This video aims to demonstrate the step-by-step technique of flexible ureteroscopic guided laparoscopic ureteroplasty for treating ureteral stricture caused by urolithiasis and prior endourological interventions. PATIENT AND METHODS: We present a case of a 36-year-old male with a history of urolithiasis and unsuccessful endourological treatments, including endoureterotomy and balloon dilation, diagnosed with re-stenosis of the proximal ureter of 1 cm through ureteroscopy and pyelography. He underwent a successful laparoscopic ureteroplasty. While the lead surgeon performed the laparoscopy, an assistant conducted the flexible ureteroscopy. Intraoperatively, using transillumination facilitated by the flexible ureteroscope, we can precisely identify the narrowed area, allowing for resection of only the damaged segment. Subsequently, we perform the end-to-end ureteroplasty, confirming its patency through the seamless passage of the ureteroscope. Upon completion, we employ a fat patch to safeguard the anastomosis. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Double J stent was removed six weeks after surgery. Symptoms resolved. Renal function improved: eGFR 49 to 67 ml/min. Furthermore, improvement was observed in the DTPA scan, and a decrease in hydronephrosis was noted on the follow-up tomography. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureteroscopy effectively identifies the stricture zone in laparoscopic ureteroplasty, enhancing surgical precision and outcomes. This approach is safe, effective, and reproducible, offering a valuable technique in the surgical treatment of ureteral strictures.

Dynamic renal scans as a modality for follow-up of flexible ureteroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dynamic renal scans - DTPA or MAG3 - routinely performed after flexible ureteroscopies (f-URS) could detect the development of an obstruction and thus promote prompt early intervention for kidney preservation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, with all the data recorded prospectively between April 2010 and October 2023, 250 renal units in 242 patients with upper urinary tract stones (UUTS) who underwent ureterorenoscopy by one surgeon in the same medical center were evaluated. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as no residual fragments at all using an intraoperative "triple test". The following characteristics were examined: gender, BMI, age, Hounsfield unit, stone diameter, laterality, renal/ureteral stones, stone-free rate, and auxiliary procedures per renal unit. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to report complications. Renal units with residual stones were scheduled for a 2nd f-URS. Post- flexible ureteroscopy ureteral obstruction and renal function were detected using renal scan DTPA or MAG-3. The primary outcome was renal/ ureteral obstruction. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 53 years. The mean stone size was 12.3 mm. Stones in renal pelvis, upper, middle and lower calyces were treated in 9.2% (23), 27.6% (69), and 30.8% (77) of cases, respectively; 44% (110) ureteral stones were also treated. The single- and second-session SFRs were 94.8% and 99.7%, respectively. A third auxiliary procedure was needed in one renal unit (0.4%). The mean number of procedures per renal unit was 1.06 (264/250). Ureteral double-J stents were inserted in 53.6% (134) of the cases. In 37 (14.8%) cases, a stent was placed before surgery. Post-operative complications were minor, with readmission and pain control needed in only two patients (0.8%). No avulsion or perforation of the ureters was observed. In six patients with t1/2 between 10-20 minutes, a second renal scan revealed spontaneous improvement and no obstruction in five patients. One patient with large stones and a history of prior ureteroscopy developed a ureteral stricture (0.4%) and needed treatment with laser endoureterotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Post-flexible ureteroscopy obstruction due to ureteral stricture is very rare. A routine renal scan post-operatively may be used in potentially high-risk patients.

Bricker versus Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis: A multi-institutional propensity score-matched analysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of our study is to evaluate the difference in stricture rate between matched groups of Bricker and Wallace techniques for ureteroileal anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing urinary diversion (UD) with Bricker and Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis at two university hospitals. Two groups of Bricker and Wallace patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio based on the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), preoperative hydronephrosis, prior radiation therapy or abdominal surgery, pathologic T and N stages and 30-days-Clavien grade complications≥III. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of ureteroenteric stricture (UES) in all patients. RESULTS: Overall, 740 patients met the inclusion criteria and 209 patients in each group were propensity matched. At a similar median follow-up of 25 months, UES was detected in 25 (12%) and 30 (14.4%) patients in Bricker and Wallace groups, respectively (p = 0.56). However, only one patient in the Bricker group developed a bilateral stricture compared to 15 patients in the Wallace group, resulting in a significantly higher number of affected renal units in the Wallace group: 45 (10.7%) versus only 26 (6.2%) in the Bricker group (p = 0.00). On multivariable extended Cox analysis, prior radiotherapy, presence of T4 pelvic malignancy and nodal positive disease were independent predictor of UES formation. CONCLUSION: The technique of ureteroileal anastomosis itself does not increase the rate of stricture; however, conversion of two renal units into one is associated with a higher incidence of bilateral upper tract involvement.

Should a Refluxing Internal Diversion Be Considered a Temporizing Procedure? Extended Follow-up and Outcomes After Side-to-Side Ureterovesicostomy for Primary Obstructive Megaureter in Young Children.

PURPOSE: We describe long-term outcomes, including UTIs and need for reimplantation, after ureterovesicostomy (UV) as a lasting surgical procedure for children with primary obstructive megaureter (POM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children referred to our institution between 2016 and 2023 who underwent refluxing UV were analyzed. POM was defined as hydroureteronephrosis with distal ureteral dilatation > 7 mm and a negative workup for other etiologies of hydronephrosis. We assessed for surgical outcomes, complications, rate of UTI, and improvement in upper tract dilatation. Statistical analyses assessed for change in hydronephrosis metrics over follow-up. RESULTS: Among 183 patients diagnosed with POM, 47 (24%) underwent UV. Median age of presentation, surgery, and follow-up was 2, 9, and 43 months, respectively. A total of 7 patients developed 30-day complications: Clavien-Dindo grade 1 in 2 (transient urinary retention) and grade 2 in 5 (UTIs). During monitoring 14 (30%) developed UTIs and 7 (15%) required ureteral reimplant or UV takedown. After surgery there was a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with high-grade hydronephrosis, anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter, and maximum ureteral dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Refluxing UV is a safe alternative to cutaneous diversion in POM. Most patients had improvement in upper tract dilatation with an acceptable short-term complication rate and need for reoperation (in comparison to routine later reimplantation). Our experience suggests that monitoring alone after UV is feasible, and that selective subsequent reconstruction is a reasonable strategy.

Long-term Renal Preservation and Complication Profile With Ileal Ureter Creation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine long-term ileal ureter replacement results at over 32 years at our institution. Long segment or proximal ureteral strictures pose a challenging reconstructive problem. Ureteroureterostomy, psoas hitch, Boari flap, buccal ureteroplasty, and autotransplantation are common reconstructive techniques. We show that ileal ureter remains a lasting option. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing open ileal ureter creation from 1989-2021. Patient demographics, operative history, and complications were examined. All patients were followed for changes in renal function. Demographic data were analyzed and Cox proportional hazard models were performed. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight patients were identified with median follow-up time of 40 months. Eighty-one percent had a unilateral ileal ureter creation. Fifty percent were female, median age was 53.3. Twenty-seven percent of patients had radiation-induced strictures. Preoperatively, 56.3% of patients were chronic kidney disease stage 1-2 and 43.7% were stage 3-5. Post-operatively, 54% were stage 1-2 and 46% were stage 3-5. Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated no significant correlation between worsening renal function and stricture cause, bilateral repair, complications, or sex (biologically male or female). Seventy-seven percent had no 30-day complications. Clavien complications included grade 1 (18), grade 2 (4), grade 3 (9), and grade 4 (5). Long-term complications included worsening renal function (3%), incisional hernia (8.2%), and small bowel obstruction (6.9%). Five (3.1%) patients ultimately required dialysis and 5 (3.1%) patients developed metabolic acidosis. CONCLUSION: Ileal ureteral reconstruction is often a last resort for patients with complex ureteral injuries. Clinicians can be reassured by our long-term data that ileal ureteral creation is a safe treatment with good preservation of renal function and low risk of hemodialysis and metabolic acidosis.

Low anterolateral incision for single-port extraperitoneal robot-assisted pyeloplasty: description of technique and initial experience.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the surgical steps for the single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal approach to pyeloplasty, report its feasibility, and share the initial outcomes of our experience. METHODS: We analyzed all consecutive patients who underwent single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). The surgical steps included a pure single-port approach through a 3.5 cm low anterolateral incision two fingerbreadths above the superior pubic ramus. The ureter was localized and followed cranially, a dismembered pyeloplasty was performed, and a running ureteropelvic anastomosis was completed. No drains were placed. The urinary catheter was removed upon discharge, and the ureteral stent after 3-5 weeks. RESULTS: A total of eight cases (two adults and six children) were completed successfully, without complications or conversions. Median operative time, console time, and estimated blood loss were 208.5 min, 114.5 min, and 10.0 ml, respectively. All patients were discharged within 24 h, except for one that required urinary output observation due to retention. There were no major postoperative complications. The median pain score at discharge was 0/10. Only one patient was prescribed PRN opioids at discharge. The readmission rate was 0.0%. All patients were asymptomatic on their last follow-up with no definitive obstruction on imaging, and no requirement for additional procedures or stents. CONCLUSION: Single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative for surgical treatment of UPJO in adult and pediatric patients with improved recovery outcomes.

Risk factors for migration of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and salvage management of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent (RCEMS) migration in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 117 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of RCEMS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors for stent migration, including stricture location and length, hydronephrosis-cortex ratio, ureteral dilation, and the diameter of the narrowest portion of the stricture. RESULTS: Stent migration occurred in 22 (19.5%) of 113 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of the 22 patients, 16 (72.7%) had ordinary ureteral stricture, 3 (13.6%) had stricture in transplanted kidneys, and 3 patients (13.6%) had ureter stricture in orthotopic neobladders. The mean creatinine for the entire cohorts showed significant improvement (p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors for migration: distal ureteral stricture (p = 0.006), patients who underwent balloon dilation (p = 0.003), hydronephrosis-cortex ratio ≧10 (p = 0.017), larger diameter of wasting of RCEMS (p < 0.001), and patients with a shorter stricture length (p = 0.006). Salvage management was required in 4 of the 22 patients. The strictures in the remaining 18 patients improved with observation. CONCLUSIONS: Stent migration is more likely to occur in patients with the five prognostic factors mentioned above. Our study developed a nomogram to predict stent migration in patients with ureteral strictures treated using RCEMS.

Predictive role of ureteral wall thickness and patient characteristics in endoscopic treatment outcomes for ureteral stricture disease following stone surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of certain radiological parameters and patient characteristics in predicting the success of endoscopic treatment in ureteral stricture disease. METHODS: Fifty one adult patients with ureteral stricture disease (< 1 cm) after developing due to upper ureteral stones with ureteroscopic laser disintegration were included and in addition to stone and patient parameters, radiological parameters including ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at the impacted stone site were also measured on computed tomography (CT) images. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: Patients with endoscopic treatment success and Group 2: Patients with endoscopic treatment failure. The possible relationship between the UWT values and other radiological parameter was comparatively evaluated. RESULTS: Mean UWT value assessed at the treated stone site was significantly higher in cases unresponsive to endoscopic treatment with values of 2.77 ± 1.03 mm and 4.25 ± 1.32 mm in Group 1 and 2 respectively. A cut off value 3.55 mm for UWT was found to be highly predictive for endoscopic treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our current results indicated that assessment of UWT value at the obstructing stone could be helpful enough to predict the likelihood of failure following endoscopic management of strictures with high sensitivity and specificity. Evaluation of this particular parameter could let the endourologists to look for more rational treatment alternatives with necessary measures taken on time.