Prophylactic ureteric catheters in colon surgery—How safe are they?

Preoperative placement of ureteral catheters has been recommended for prevention of ureteral injuries. During a three-year period, prophylactic ureteral catheters were inserted selectively in 59 patients undergoing colorectal surgery in whom a difficult dissection was anticipated. Three patients developed reflux anuria after the use of prophylactic ureteral catheters. The safety of these catheters is questioned, and the diagnoses and methods of preventing ureteral injuries are discussed.     

Spontaneous ureteral stent fragmentation: a case report and review of the literature

Ureteral stents have been widely used for more than two decades with different indications. Due to the widespread usage of ureteral stents, the number of possible complications of ureteral stents has increased, including stent migration, encrustation, stone formation, and fragmentation. Among these complications, ureteral stent fragmentation is rare. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous ureteral stent fragmentation and review the relevant literature.     

Case report and review of the literature: ureteral endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disorder affecting women of all ages. Although urinary tract involvement is not uncommon, ureteral obstruction is an infrequent complication of endometriosis. A case is reported of acute renal failure caused by bilateral ureteral obstruction resulting from extensive pelvic endometriosis. All reported cases of ureteral endometriosis are reviewed with special emphasis on bilateral ureteral involvement. Physicians need to be aware of this reversible complication of endometriosis.     

Prophylactic ureteral catheterization in colon surgery

PURPOSE: The preoperative placement of prophylactic ureteral catheters in operations of the distal colon is both commonplace and controversial. We assessed the frequency, safety, and effectiveness of their use over a five and one-half-year period in a teaching hospital. METHODS: The charts of 561 consecutive patients who underwent sigmoid or rectosigmoid colectomy from 1986 to 1991 were analyzed for age, sex, diagnosis, type of colectomy, placement of ureteral catheters, and ureteral complications. RESULTS: Ureteral catheterization was attempted in 92 patients (16.4 percent); it was successful bilaterally in 80 patients (87 percent) and unilaterally in an additional 10 patients (98 percent). Four (0.71 percent) transmural ureteral injuries were identified. Two surgical injuries (0.43 percent) occurred in the 469 patients without prophylactic catheter placement (95 percent confidence interval = 0.00549–0.0153). Two injuries (2.2 percent), consisting of one surgical injury and one iatrogenic injury directly related to catheter placement, occurred in the 92 patients with prophylactic catheters (95 percent confidence interval = 0.00262–0.0764). This latter injury resulting from catheter placement represents a rate of 1.1 percent per patient and 0.55 percent per ureteral catheterization attempted. Using a 24-hour staged removal, these catheterizations were associated with a 0 percent incidence of reflux anuria. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced surgeons requested prophylactic ureteral catheter placement in 16.4 percent of their sigmoid and rectosigmoid colectomies. The risk of ureteral injury (1.1 percent) as a direct result of catheter insertion is small, but not insignificant. Prophylactic ureteral catheters do not assure the prevention of transmural ureteral injuries, but may assist in their immediate recognition.     

Ureteroscope-assisted double-J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of ureteroscope-assisted double-J stenting following laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and to evaluate the effects of retrograde ureteroscopic access exerted on the sutured ureterotomy site. From January 2002 to December 2011, 30 patients with proximal ureteral stone underwent ureteroscopic double-J stenting of the ureter following retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patient demographics and perioperative parameters, including the degree of hydronephrosis, urine leakage, and drainage time, were retrospectively reviewed. These data were compared with those of 30 consecutive patients who received open ureterolithotomy and intracorporeal ureteral double-J stenting. In addition, a PubMed search was conducted and the related literature on the placement of a ureteral stent was reviewed. Twenty-eight patients successfully underwent ureteral double-J stenting with ureteroscopic access. No malposition of the ureteral stent was identified in the ureteroscopic group, but two patients in the intracorporeal group required postoperative adjustment of the stent. Residual stone fragments were found during stent placement in three patients in the ureteroscopic group and holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser lithotripsy was immediately performed. There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or complication rates between the two groups. Ureteroscope-assisted ureteral double-J stenting is a simple and safe alternative allowing intraluminal navigation along the entire ureter, correct stent placement, and prompt treatment of residual stone fragments, without radiation exposure. In addition, ureteral disruption and urinary extravasation may not be concerns for ureteroscopic access with continuous normal saline irrigation.     

输尿管镜钬激光治疗输尿管纤维上皮息肉（附14例报告）

目的探讨输尿管镜钬激光治疗输尿管纤维上皮息肉的有效性和安全性,并复习有关文献。方法应用输尿管镜钬激光技术治疗输尿管纤维上皮息肉14例,其中上段10例,中、下段各2例,合并结石9例。结果术后随访3月,12例疗效满意,肾积水改善,保护了肾功能;1例发生输尿管狭窄,1例残留结石。结论输尿管钬激光技术是治疗输尿管纤维上皮息肉安全、有效的方法,但远期疗效尚需进一步研究。     

Ureteral obstruction and Crohn's disease

Noncalculous ureteral obstructions in Crohn's disease are often asymptomatic and unidentified. Occurring in about 3% of patients, they occur on the right side in more than 70% of cases, because of frequently associated ileocecal disease. If they are associated with inflammation or fibrosis of retroperitoneal periureteral fat nephrectomy may become necessary. Conservative treatment should be considered first, with urine drainage (ureteral stent, or percutaneous nephrostomy), diet, and corticotherapy. However bowel resection is often necessary during follow up. If this fails to cure the ureteral obstruction, ureterolysis should be performed. We report the case of a 32 year old woman with noncalculous ureteral obstruction revealing Crohn's disease.     

输尿管肾镜气压弹道碎石术治疗输尿管上段结石(附68例报告)

目的探讨输尿管肾镜下气压弹道碎石术(URSL)治疗输尿管上段结石的操作技术及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析应用URSL治疗输尿管上段结石68例的临床资料,并结合文献进行讨论。结果应用URSL一次碎石成功率83．8％(57／68)。11例未成功,其中2例改开放性手术治疗,9例(包括1例术中输尿管穿孔患者)术中置人双J管,术后体外震波碎石(ESWL)治疗成功,无严重并发症发生。结论URSL是治疗输尿管上段结石的安全、高效、微创的方法,结合ESWL可治愈绝大多数输尿管上段结石。     

Stone Cone® in ureteroscopic ballistic lithotripsy of proximal ureteral stones

Stone Cone? (Microvasive-Boston Scientific Corp, USA) is a device which prevents retrograde calculus migration during endoscopic ureterolithotripsy. We have studied the safety and efficacy of this device in endoscopic ureterolithotripsy with ballistic energy in proximal ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From 01/02/2006 to 01/02/2008 we carried out 36 ureterorenoscopies (URS) for proximal ureteral stones (average age: 46, range: 15-73). A ballistic energy was used for stones fragmentation. In 18 patients (Group A) we carried out URS with the aid of Stone Cone?, which was not used in the other 18 patients (Group B). Semirigid 8 Ch or 10 Ch Storz ureteroscope and ballistic lithotriptor Swiss Lithoclast Master EMS? were used. In cases of migration, edema, and ureteral damage, a ureteral stent was used. RESULTS. In Group B patients (URS performed without Stone Cone?) the migration of the whole stone, or of clinically significant fragments, occurred 8 times (45%). All of these patients underwent external shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) at a center equipped with a lithotriptor. A ureteral stent was placed in 14 cases (78%). In Group A, the migration of a stone requiring ESWL treatment occurred only once (5%). The ureteral stent was placed 8 times (45%). We had no significant complications during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS. The Stone Cone? is a safe and easy-to-use device. The cost of this device can be balanced by the reduction of postoperative ESWL treatments for lithiasic fragments pushing up into the kidneys (p<0.01), and of ureteral stent applications at the end of the procedure (p<0.05).     

输尿管上段结石微创治疗进展

输尿管上段结石有多种处理方法,既往对于保守治疗失败的输尿管上段结石的治疗,常常采用开放手术。近年来,随着泌尿外科微创技术的飞速发展,开展了体外冲击波碎石术(ESWL)、逆行输尿管镜碎石术(URS)、微创经皮肾镜取石术(MPCNL)、经皮肾输尿管镜钬激光碎石术和输尿管镜钬激光碎石术以及后腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术(LUL)等治疗方法。随着泌尿外科微创治疗广泛开展与日益完善,传统开放手术基本消失。然而,输尿管上段结石由于其独特的空间位置结构等原因,在微创外科治疗方式的选择上还存在争议,该文就输尿管上段结石的微创治疗进展及状况作一综述。     

Glomerular filtration response to elevated ureteral pressure in both the hydropenic and the plasma-expanded rat.

The factors affecting glomerular ultrafiltration with elevated ureteral pressure were examined in both plasma-expanded (2.5% body weight) and hydropenic Munich-Wistar rats. Elevated ureteral pressure (20 mm Hg) alternated as the initial condition in both groups. Glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure (PG) and Bowman's space pressure (Pt) were measured directly in surface glomeruli with a servonulling device (deltaP = PG - PT), systemic (piA) and efferent (piE) peritubular capillary oncotic pressures were estimated by microprotein methods, and single-nephron glomerular filtration rates (sngfr) were determined by micropuncture techniques under control ureteral pressure and after increased ureteral pressure in both experimental groups. All data were then applied to equations describing the process of glomerular ultrafiltration to define the profile of effective filtration pressure (EFP = deltaP - pi) and the glomerular permeability coefficient (LpA), where sngfr = LpA-EFP. In plasma-expanded rats, sngfr fell from 44.8 +/- 2.2 to 38.5 +/- 1.5 nilters/min g-1 kidney weight (P less than 0.025) with elevated ureteral pressure entirely as a result of a decrease in the hydrostatic pressure gradient (deltaP), since PG did not rise and nephron plasma flow remained constant. In hydropenic rats, sngfr fell from 34.7 +/- 1.6 to 27.3 +/- 1.6 nliters/min g-1 kidney weight with increased ureteral pressure. PG rose 8.7 mm Hg (P less than 0.001) due to an increase in vascular resistance between the peritubular capillaries and the renal vein which prevented the reduction in deltaP. The reduction in sngfr appeared to result from a reduction in LpA resulting in disequilibration of EFP. Nephron plasma flow was not changed. The filtration response to elevated ureteral pressure was modified by the prior state of volume expansion and was not associated with changes in either nephron blood flow or afferent arteriolar resistance.     

Two unusual manifestations of aortic aneurysms

Pain and pulsation are common presenting features of aortic aneurysms. Massive hematemasis and ureteral obstruction represent rare clinical presentations. This report describes a patient with massive hematemesis in whom a thoracic aneurysm ruptured into the esophagus, and a second patient in whom a large abdominal aortic aneurysm caused bilateral ureteral obstruction.     

Double J stent forgotten for 7 years: a case report

Ureteral stents are an integral part of urologic practices. Nonetheless, stents that migrate, fragment, or are forgotten pose management and legal dilemmas. We report the case of a "forgotten" stent, which migrated upward into the right renal pelvis, concomitant with a ureteral stone. The "forgotten" stent was placed 7 years previously during right ureteral stone treatment. The patient finally underwent nephroscopic stent retrieval and ureteroscopic ureteral stone removal. The final plain X-ray demonstrated no stone fragment or residual double J stent fragment. The patient withstood the procedure well and was free of symptoms thereafter.     

Presentation of ureteral colic in a patient with a ureteroinguinal hernia

The presence of ureter within an inguinal hernia is an uncommon occurrence. We report on the presentation of a patient with ureteral colic and subsequent discovery of a herniated ueter in the inguinal canal. Surgeons must be aware of this condition in order to carefully preserve ureteral integrity and avoid complications during hernia repair.     

Retroperitoneal fibrosis： A rare cause of both ureteral and small bowel obstruction

INTRODUCTION Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unclear etiology. It is believed to be immune-related About two-thirds of the cases are thought to be idiopathic We present a case of idiopathic RPF in a 54 years old female who developed bilateral hydronephrosis and thensmall bowel obstruction due to extrinsic compression from retroperitoneal fibrosis. To our knowledge no case of idiopathic RPF presenting with features of both bilateral ureteral and small bowel obstru…     

Embolization with Tornado coils to control bleeding from an arterioureteral fistula

Arterioureteral fistulae are rare, but potentially life-threatening causes of bleeding. We present a case of an 82 year-old woman with refractory, transfusion-dependent bleeding from an arterial fistula to her right ureteral stump, following right radical nephrectomy for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Cystoscopy with retrograde ureteral stump embolization using Tornado (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, USA) coils plus a slurry of thrombin-soaked Gelfoam (Pfizer Inc., New York, New York, USA) was performed, which led to prompt resolution of the patient's hematuria requiring no further hospitalizations or transfusions. Retrograde insertion of coils and injection of thrombin-soaked Gelfoam can be a minimally invasive, safe, and durable alternative for controlling hemorrhage from an arterioureteral fistula to a ureteral stump.     

Ureteral calculi associated with high-altitude polycythemia: A case report

Rationale:High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) is a common disease in high-altitude areas characterized by excessive erythrocyte proliferation and severe hypoxemia. Recently, the incidence of ureteral calculi has risen. However, cases of ureteral calculi associated with HAPC have not been reported.Patient concerns:We present the cases of 2 patients (26-year-old female, Case 1; 31-year-old male, Case 2) with HAPC who were born in the lowlands and worked in areas of high altitudes. Both patients were admitted to the hospital with acute severe pain in the ureter as the first symptom.Diagnoses:Urological examinations confirmed the presence of a ureteral stone. Interestingly, the biochemical tests showed elevated serum uric acid levels, and the calculous component analysis suggested anhydrous uric acid.Interventions:In the first case, the patient underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. In the second case, the patient underwent right ureteroscopy and right ureteral stenting. The patient received postoperative anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and rehydration therapy.Outcomes:Both patients recovered well with no recurrences observed upon regular re-examinations.Lessons:Recently, extensive research has demonstrated a significant correlation between hyperuricemia and HAPC. Therefore, we speculated that the occurrence of ureteral calculi among immigrants to the plateau might be related to hyperuricemia associated with HAPC. This case report and literature review highlights that the prevention of ureteral calculi in patients with polycythemia who immigrate to the plateaus from high-altitude areas should be considered. Additionally, the serum uric acid levels and urine pH should be monitored regularly.     

L’obstruction urétérale non lithiasique inaugurale d’une maladie de Crohn : une complication rare et méconnue

Noncalculous ureteral obstructions in Crohn??s disease are rare (3% in inflammatory bowel disease). They often are asymptomatic and unidentified. They are secondary to inflammation and fibrosis. Treatment could be medical or surgical. We report the case of a patient with non calculous ureteral obstruction revealing Crohn??s disease.     

Dilemmas in managing prostate carcinoma (Part II): Metastatic disease

All newly diagnosed patients should be evaluated for ureteral obstruction and impaired renal function. Partial ureteral obstruction frequently responds to androgen suppression therapy. Most patients eventually have significant pain, usually due to bone destruction from metastases. Pharmaceutical palliation is usually required. Drug intervention should be on a regular schedule--avoid prn dosage of pain medications.     

Clinical and urographic presentation of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter in a blackfoot disease endemic area in southern Taiwan

We reviewed the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings of ureteral transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in a blackfoot disease (BFD) endemic area in southern Taiwan to increase understanding of tumor behavior in this area, which has a high incidence of urothelium carcinoma. From August 1995 to February 2002, 28 histologically proven ureteral TCCs from this area were eligible for study. There was an unusual female predominance (male:female ratio, 1:1.333). The urographic filling defects in the 28 ureteral TCCs were classified into four categories. An ovoid filling defect was significantly associated with non-invasive tumors (p = 0.003) and a trend toward low tumor grades (p = 0.073). The risk of ureteral TCC in this BFD endemic area of southern Taiwan remained high between August 1995 and February 2002. Urographic surveillance provides a simple, clear, inexpensive method to study the extent, location, and morphology of the ureteral mass. Detailed assessment of the image could be useful for preoperative planning and predicting prognosis. Large-scale, randomized, prospective clinical trials are needed to validate our results.