Endoscopic Management of Ureteral Strictures: an Update

Purpose of Review

This review focuses on the role of endoscopic treatment of ureteral stricture disease (USD) in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Recent Findings

There is a relative paucity of recent literature regarding the endoscopic treatment of USD. Laser endopyelotomy and balloon dilation are associated with good outcomes in treatment-naïve patients with short (<?2 cm), non-ischemic, benign ureteral strictures with a functional renal unit. If stricture recurs, repetitive dilation and laser endopyleotomy is not recommended, as success rates are low in this scenario. Patients with low-complexity ureteroenteric strictures and transplant strictures may benefit from endoscopic treatment options, although formal reconstruction offers higher rates of success.

Summary

Formal ureteral reconstruction remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteral stricture disease as it is associated with higher rates of complete resolution. However, in carefully selected patients, endoscopic treatment modalities provide a low-cost, low-morbidity alternative.

     

Long-term results of endoureterotomy using a holmium laser

The long-term results of endoureterotomy using a holmium laser in cases of benign ureteral stricture, uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJ-O) and ureteroenteric stricture were evaluated. Twenty procedures were carried out in 18 patients. Strictures were incised with a holmium laser using a fiber passed through the ureteroscope. Sixteen of the 20 procedures (80%) were successful at average follow-up of 60.5 months (range, 46-74). Stricture recurred in four cases. All failures occurred within 18 months. Although stricture length was not correlated with recurrence, all failures, with the exception of a single UPJ-O, involved middle ureteral strictures. Endoureterotomy using a holmium laser affords favorable results with respect to long-term patency. This procedure is recommended as a satisfactory therapeutic option for the initial management of patients presenting with ureteral stricture.     

Intracorporeal Lithotripsy With the Holmium:YAG Laser

Purpose

Preliminary evaluations of the holmium:YAG laser have demonstrated a variety of potential urological applications, including ablation of soft tissue lesions as well as stone fragmentation. We present our experience with the holmium:YAG laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi.

Materials and Methods

During a 24-month period 75 patients underwent 79 laser procedures, including retrograde ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi (71) and fragmentation of caliceal stones remote from the nephrostomy tract during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (8).

Results

Complete stone fragmentation without need for additional procedures or lithotripsy was achieved in 85 percent of the cases. Treatment failures included 1 case of stone migration, 7 incomplete fragmentation requiring other lithotripsy devices and 3 laser malfunction. One ureteral perforation occurred when the laser was activated without direct visual guidance.

Conclusions

The holmium: YAG laser has demonstrated its efficacy as a method of intracorporeal lithotripsy. Advantages include ability to fragment stones of all composition, and the multipurpose, multispecialty applications of the holmium wavelength. This laser has potential soft tissue effects, and careful attention to technique during lithotripsy is required to avoid ureteral wall injury.     

输尿管镜下钬激光碎石术后并发输尿管狭窄回顾性分析

目的:探讨输尿管镜下钬激光碎石术后输尿管狭窄的原因及其预防和处理。方法:回顾性分析我院2009年1月~2012年12月期间对635例输尿管结石患者行输尿管镜钬激光碎石术的临床资料,总结输尿管镜碎石术后发生输尿管狭窄的特点及处理方法。结果:术后出现输尿管狭窄26例(4.09%);其中输尿管完全闭锁11例(1.73%)。结论:钬激光碎石对输尿管有损伤作用,可导致输尿管狭窄,尤其对嵌顿性结石要注意操作技巧和术后正确的预防及随访。     

Lessons from 151 ureteral reimplantations for postcystectomy ureteroenteric strictures: A single-center experience over a decade

Objectives

Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures are common after cystectomy with urinary diversion. Endoscopic treatments have poor long-term success, although ureteral reimplantation is associated with morbidity. Predictors of successful open repair are poorly defined. Our objective was to characterize outcomes of ureteral reimplantation after cystectomy and identify risk factors for stricture recurrence.

输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄

目的探讨输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄的疗效。方珐本组10例输尿管狭窄，狭窄位于输尿管上段6例，中段1例，下段3例，输尿管狭窄段长度为0．3—1．8cm，采用输尿管镜钬激光（200μm激光光纤，输出能量0．8—1．0J，脉冲频率10-15Hz）内切开术治疗，术后留置1根或2根F5双J支架管，2～3个月后拔管。蛄杲手术时间30-50min，平均42min，无严重并发症，1例手术失败，余9例随访5—15个月，平均9．5个月，8例效果满意，1例术后3个月复发。站论输尿管镜钬激光内切开术治疗输尿管狭窄具有创伤小、并发症少、恢复快等优点，是一种安全、有效的微创手术方式。     

Internal Urethrotomy Versus Dilation as Treatment for Male Urethral Strictures: A Prospective, Randomized Comparison

Purpose

We compared the efficacy of dilation versus internal urethrotomy as initial outpatient treatment for male urethral stricture disease.

Materials and Methods

A total of 210 men with proved urethral strictures was randomized to undergo filiform dilation (106) or optical internal urethrotomy (104) with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Results

Life table survival analysis showed no significant difference between the 2 treatments with regard to stricture recurrence. Hazard function analysis showed that the risk of stricture recurrence was greatest at 6 months, whereas the risk of failure after 12 months was slight. The recurrence rate at 12 months was approximately 40% for strictures shorter than 2 cm. and 80% for those longer than 4 cm., whereas the recurrence rate for strictures 2 to 4 cm. long increased from approximately 50% at 12 months to approximately 75% at 48 months. Cox regression analysis showed that for each 1 cm. increase in length of the stricture the risk of recurrence was increased by 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.43).

Conclusions

There is no significant difference in efficacy between dilation and internal urethrotomy as initial treatment for strictures. Both methods become less effective with increasing stricture length. We recommend dilation or internal urethrotomy for strictures shorter than 2 cm., primary urethroplasty for those longer than 4 cm. and a trial of dilation or urethrotomy for those 2 to 4 cm. long.     

Holmium: YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal strictures

PURPOSE: The management of ureterointestinal stricture in patients who have undergone urinary diversion can be challenging. Endourological techniques have been increasingly used in recent years for ureteral stricture. While long-term results may not be as reliable or durable as those of traditional open reconstructive surgical techniques, associated morbidity is much less. The holmium (Ho):YAG laser, which has cutting and coagulating properties, has been demonstrated to have many applications in urology. We report our experience with and long-term results of Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts and followup history of 23 patients in whom the Ho:YAG laser was used to treat ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture. Strictures were treated percutaneously via the antegrade approach with flexible endoscopes and the holmium laser. A reversed 12/6Fr endopyelotomy stent was left indwelling for 6 weeks postoperatively. Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiographic resolution of obstruction. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2000, 23 patients with a mean age of 61 years underwent endo-ureterotomy using the Ho:YAG laser for 24 ureterointestinal stricture. An overall success rate of 71% (17 of 24 cases) was achieved at a mean followup of 22 months. The success rate of holmium laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal stricture at 1, 2 and 3 years was 85%, 72% and 56%, respectively. Seven patients had recurrent strictures of which 4 developed 16 months or more postoperatively. No complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy for ureterointestinal stricture disease is a minimally invasive endourological procedure that may provide more durable results than other modalities used for endoureterotomy. The Ho:YAG laser with its ability to cut tissue precisely and provide hemostasis combined with its versatility and compatibility with flexible endoscopes is an ideal instrument for safely performing endoureterotomy.     

Percutaneous placement of permanent metal stents for treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of permanent metal stent placement in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures following failed balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Metal stents were placed in six ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures in four patients presenting with recurrent obstruction after balloon dilation or laser endoureteromy. Patients were evaluated at 1 week postoperatively with antegrade ureterography and at 3 to 6 months with renal ultrasound or CT scans. Serum creatinine assays and physical examination were performed at serial postoperative clinic visits. RESULTS: At 1-week follow-up, antegrade studies demonstrated a patent anastomosis in all six strictures. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (range 7-12 months), no stricture recurrence has been seen. All patients have been clinically stable, without episodes of pyelonephritis, flank pain, or need for indwelling stents or nephrostomy tube placement. Serum creatinine concentrations have been stable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Metal stents offer a useful treatment option in patients who develop ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures after urinary diversion. Further, such stents may be used in patients failing balloon dilation or laser endoureterotomy. Further study to assess the long-term durability of metal stent placement is needed.     

A Review of Buccal Mucosa Graft Ureteroplasty

Purpose of Review

We review the buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty literature to evaluate its utility in the management of ureteral strictures, identify indications for which it is particularly useful, and highlight refinements in surgical technique.

Recent Findings

Recent reports have described the efficacy of robotic BMG ureteroplasty and the utilization of near-infrared fluorescence to assist with precise identification of the ureteral stricture margins.

Summary

BMG ureteroplasty is well-suited for ureteral reconstruction as it allows for minimal disruption of the delicate ureteral blood supply and facilitates a tension-free anastomosis. This technique is particularly useful in patients with long ureteral strictures not amenable to ureteroureterostomy and in patients with a recurrent ureteral stricture after a previously failed ureteral reconstruction.

     

The surgical outcomes of reconstruction for the treatment of ureteral stricture after holmium laser lithotripsy: The comprehensive experiences

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of ureteral stricture after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy and summarize our experience with the reconstructive strategies.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with ureteral stricture after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy between December 2009 and December 2019. Patient demographics, laboratory data, imaging studies, perioperative variables, complications, and follow-up data were recorded. Surgical success was defined as relief of symptoms, improved/stabilized hydronephrosis, and stable renal function.ResultsThe upper, middle, and lower thirds of the ureter were affected in 27, 6, and 7 cases, respectively. Multiple ureteral strictures were found in 2 patients. The median length of the stricture was 3.5 cm (range 1–30 cm). In the upper ureteral strictures, lingual mucosal ureteroplasty (8/27, 29.6%) is the most commonly used treatment method for stricture longer than 3 cm but shorter than 6 cm, followed by appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty (5/27, 18.5%). Four lower ureteral strictures ranging from 3 to 8 cm were repaired with Boari flap. Reconstructive strategies of the middle ureteral strictures included Boari flap, appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty and ureteroureterostomy. Patients with the length of the stricture longer than 8 cm or multiple strictures underwent ileal ureter replacement. The median follow-up was 27.3 ± 17.2 months. The overall success rate was 97.6%.ConclusionUpper ureter is more vulnerable in ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. Sufficient follow-up and appropriate examination are necessary for diagnosis. Different treatment strategies need to be flexibly selected according to the location and length of the injury.     

Surgical Stricturoplasty in the Treatment of Ileal Pouch Strictures

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of stricturoplasty and endoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment for ileal pouch strictures.

Method

Consecutive inflammatory bowel disease patients with pouch strictures seen at our Pouch Center from 2002 to 2012 were studied. The efficacy and safety of stricturoplasty (vs. endoscopic balloon dilation) were evaluated with both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 167 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 16 (9.6 %) with surgical stricturoplasty and 151 (90.4 %) with endoscopic balloon dilation. Ninety-four patients (56.3 %) were male, with a mean age at the diagnosis of pouch stricture of 41.6?±?13.2 years. Fifty-one patients (30.5 %) had multiple pouch strictures, while 100 (59.9 %) patients had strictures at the pouch inlet. The mean length of pouch strictures was 1.2?±?0.6 cm. No difference was found between the stricturoplasty and endoscopic dilation groups in clinicopathological variables, except for the degree of strictures (p?=?0.019). After a mean follow-up of 4.1?±?2.6 years, pouch stricture recurred in 92 patients (55.1 %) and 21 (12.6 %) patients developed pouch failure. The time interval between the procedure and pouch stricture recurrence or pouch failure was longer in the stricturoplasty group than that in the endoscopic dilation group (p?<?0.001). Patients in the two groups had similar overall pouch survival rates and stricture-free survival rates. In the multivariate analysis, stricturoplasty vs. endoscopic dilation was not significantly associated with either overall pouch survival or stricture-free survival. There was no difference in the procedure-associated complication rates between the two groups.

Conclusion

Surgical stricturoplasty and endoscopic dilation treatment are complimentary techniques for pouch strictures. Repeated endoscopic dilatations are often required, while surgical stricturoplasty appeared to yield a longer time interval to stricture recurrence or pouch failure.     

Endoscopic Evaluation and Treatment of Anastomotic Strictures After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Purpose

We describe endoscopic findings and treatment outcome in 17 men who presented with a symptomatic anastomotic stricture after radical prostatectomy.

Materials and Methods

Endoscopic evaluation revealed an immature stricture in 6 men, which was treated by initial dilation and subsequent cold-knife urethrotomy. The 11 men with a mature anastomic stricture were treated by initial cold-knife urethrotomy (10) or dilation followed by urethrotomy (1).

Results

There were no long-term complications from treatment, which was successful in 15 of the 17 men (88 percent).

Conclusions

Initial dilation with subsequent urethrotomy for immature or initial urethrotomy for mature anastomotic strictures is a safe and effective treatment plan.     

A retrospective analysis of early and late outcome of biodegradable stent placement in the management of refractory anastomotic colorectal strictures

Background

Benign colorectal strictures are treated conventionally by endoscopic dilation. Experience using SEMS for benign colonic strictures is limited, and outcomes to date have been disappointing. Refractory colorectal strictures remain challenging to be treated with surgery. Polydioxanone-based stent are biodegradable (BD) stent CE approved for esophageal strictures. This study was designed to investigate retrospectively the safety and the efficacy of these stents for the management of strictures refractory to multiple sessions of dilation.

Methods

Patients with postsurgical benign strictures located within 20 cm from anal verge, refractory to mechanical or pneumatic dilation (at least 3 sessions) were included in this analysis. Clinical success was defined as the absence of occlusive symptoms and the ability to pass through the stricture with a regular size colonoscope. All patients were predilated before stent placement. Stents were released under fluoroscopic control. All patients were under stool softeners for 3 months. Follow-up was scheduled with endoscopic and fluoroscopic controls within 90 days from stent deployment and afterwards by telephone interview and/or ambulatory consultation.

Results

Eleven patients (7 males, mean age 62.3 ± 8.5 years) were included. Technical success was achieved in all the patients. Stent migration was observed in four patients within the first 2 weeks after stent placement. Stent migration was followed by recurrence of stricture and obstructive symptoms in all the cases. Among the seven patients who completed the process of stent biodegradation, five of them had complete resolution of the stricture and relief of symptoms. Two of 11 patients required surgical treatment during the follow-up period (mean 19.8 (range 42–15) months). The overall success rate of the BD stent was 45 %.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis of a limited number of patients demonstrated that nondedicated esophageal BD stents are associated with high risk of migration and clinical success in less than 50 % of patients. Dedicated stents with large diameter and antimigration findings could potentially improve the outcome of patients with refractory benign colorectal strictures.     

Percutaneous ureteral incision with a small-caliber flexible ureteroscope.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the results of percutaneous ureteral incisions for ureteroenteroanastomotic stricture using the holmium laser. METHODS: We performed this procedure through a 6.9-F flexible ureteroscope on 3 ureters in 3 patients. Balloon dilation was not necessary prior to insertion of the ureteroscope. The stricture was incised with the holmium laser with a 200-microm fiber through the working channel of the ureteroscope. After completion of the incision, a 12-F double-J ureteral stent was left in situ for 6 weeks. Thereafter, patients were followed with repeated renal scans, ultrasound, or both, and excretory urography at 3- to 6-month intervals. RESULTS: The stricture resolved completely in all cases at an average follow-up of 25.3 months (16 to 32 months). CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of treated patients was small, percutaneous ureteral incision for ureteroenteroanastomotic stricture using the holmium laser was associated with a good outcome. We recommend this procedure be considered initially because it is less invasive and has a favorable outcome.     

Congenital mid-ureteral stricture: a case report of two patients

Background

Congenital hydronephrosis is a common foetal anomaly. There are numerous causes of hydronephrosis. The diagnosis of ureteral anomalies remains challenging. Congenital mid-ureteral stricture (CMS) is less common than proximal and distal strictures. In most cases involving CMS, this condition is diagnosed intra-operatively. The gold standard treatment is resection of the stenosed segment and ureteroureterostomy.

Case presentation

We report two patients with CMS which presented as antenatal hydronephrosis with postnatal workup showed a picture of pelviuretric junction obstruction which required surgical correction. Intraoperative retrograde pyelography (RGP) confirmed the diagnosis of mid ureteral stricture which make us to change the planned surgical intervention from pyeloplasty to excision of the ureteral stricture and ureteroureterostomy as definitive management.

Conclusion

CMS should be considered whenever proximal mega-ureter is an associated finding. Despite advanced radiological modalities, RGP remains the mainstay approach for diagnosing ureteral anomalies.

     

国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例报告

目的:比较硬性输尿管镜下国产钬激光与进口钬激光治疗输尿管结石的临床效果。方法:2003年12月~2005年3月应用国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例,并通过文献复习与进口钬激光输尿管碎石术的疗效进行比较。结果:国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石55例59枚获得成功,效果满意。2周结石排尽率90%,4周结石排尽率97%。术后并发输尿管狭窄1例,双J管上移1例,无其他并发症发生。与进口钬激光比较,临床效果相当。结论:国产钬激光治疗输尿管结石的疗效满意,且价格便宜,值得临床推广应用。     

Technique Selection of Bricker or Wallace Ureteroileal Anastomosis in Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion: A Strategy Based on Patient Characteristics

Objectives

This study was designed to establish an individualized selection strategy for the two most common types of ureteroenteric anastomotic techniques (Bricker and Wallace anastomosis) used in ileal conduit (IC) diversion.

Methods

Patients who underwent IC diversion after radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma between January 2009 and December 2011 were prospectively collected. The choice of anastomosis type (Bricker vs. Wallace) was successively based on tumor characteristics, ureteral anomalies, and ureteral length after retrosigmoidal tunneling.

Results

Ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the final study. Fifty-three patients underwent Bricker anastomosis, and 46 underwent Wallace anastomosis. Ureteral stricture developed in 6 (6.1 %) patients and the overall stricture rate for all ureters was 3.1 % (6/196). Strictures occurred at an average of 13.3 months after surgery and were predominately located in the left ureter (66.7 %, 4/6). The difference in the ureter stricture rates between the two groups was not statistically significant: 3.8 % (4/104) and 2.2 % (2/92) for Bricker and Wallace, respectively (p = 0.686). There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of pelvic radiation therapy, length of stay, follow-up time, or time to stricture between the two techniques. Patients in whom stricture developed had a significantly higher mean BMI compared with those without stricture (25.2 vs. 23.3 kg/m², respectively; p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our preliminary outcomes demonstrate that this selection strategy of Bricker vs. Wallace anastomosis seems to be clinically reliable, providing an acceptable low ureteral stricture rate of 3.1 %. However, the potential advantage for oncologic control of this strategy is needed to further confirm.     

Treatment of iatrogenic postoperative ureteral strictures with Acucise endoureterotomy

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors influencing the outcome of Acucise endoureterotomy in patients with iatrogenic postoperative ureteral strictures after different open surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acucise endoureterotomy was performed in 18 patients with ureteral strictures after pyeloplasty (n = 5), renal transplantation (n = 5), ureteroenteric anastomosis (n = 3), calicoureterostomy (n = 1), ureterocystoneostomy (n = 1), hysterectomy (n = 1), ureterorenoscopy (n = 1) and transurethral resection of the ureteral orifice (n = 1). Success was determined as relief of clinical symptoms, improvement of renal function or improvement of radiographic findings. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 61% (mean follow-up: 21.5 months). Six out of 18 patients showed relevant side effects. Neither the localization of the stricture nor the duration of postoperative ureteral stenting but the length of the stricture had influence on the postoperative outcome. Decreased renal function to less than 25% of the total function was always associated with failure of the treatment. The time period between the ureteral injury and the appearance of the ureteral stricture had influence on the outcome of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Acucise endoureterotomy is effective in the treatment of postoperative ureteral strictures, but only in selected cases. The selection criteria are the time period from the primary operation to the appearance of the stricture (>6 months), the length of the stricture (<1.5 cm) and the renal function (>25% of the total function). In other cases, open surgical treatment of the ureteral stricture may provide better results.